In Akshay Ramesh’s preview, he writes about how CSK believe that their main threat are Travis Head and Abhishek.
Despite the fact that Travishek have not quite exploded together in perfect sync this season, but Vettori remains completely unfazed. In the SRH camp, there is no Plan B, because they firmly believe that Plan A is unstoppable when it clicks.
“The goal is to be super aggressive. To make that come off every time is impossible. We still want them to stick to their natural games,” Vettori said on Friday.
“We have a strong enough batting group behind them, and they have been able to perform exceptionally well even when that partnership has not come off. When they come off, they are one of the best in the competition. We want them to play with that freedom.”
Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has publicly acknowledged Travishek as the biggest threat, and for good reason. On an Uppal pitch that has historically punished bowlers, an explosive start from Head and Abhishek can decide the game before the powerplay is even over.
But CSK walk into this contest with a major problem of their own. The loss of Khaleel Ahmed to a season-ending injury has disrupted their powerplay plans significantly. Khaleel’s ability to swing the new ball back into left-handers was a major weapon for Chennai.
Mukesh Choudhary is expected to step in as the replacement, a bowler familiar with the pressure of the yellow jersey, but one who does not carry Khaleel’s recent rhythm or control.
With Hyderabad likely to have three left-handers at the top, the opening battle becomes a tactical chess match built around spin and match-ups.
Does Ruturaj Gaikwad continue backing left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, who has been in good form, or does he gamble with Matt Short’s off-spin inside the powerplay?
That decision could shape the first six overs, and perhaps the match itself.
