IPL 2013 preview: Will Sunrisers rise above troubled Rajasthan Royals?

From defending low totals to making a mess out of modest chases,the team has experienced all the ups and downs in their road to the play-offs. In the end,they held their nerves to beat Kolkata Knight Riders,and knockout Royal Challengers Bangalore. It hasn’t been a smooth sail for the franchise making its IPL debut,but a top-four finish has already covered up minor flaws.

Rajasthan,on the other hand,were on a roll before Sreesanth,Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila rocked them hard during the most important phase – build up to the play-offs. Led by the ‘good boy of cricket’ Rahul Dravid,the team was well on course to finish at top of the table,but a couple of losses towards the end changed the complexion.

They are a very settled unit with all bases covered,and if they can leave the spot-fixing saga behind,there is no stopping them. Dravid might just do a Shane Warne this year,and inspire a side with limited resources to the title.

The ‘Watto’ effect

If you name game changers in the ongoing IPL,Shane Watson is right on top of our list of players who can change the complexion of the game with both bat and ball. If his belligerent hitting lets him down,the Aussie makes up with the ball. He bowls in good areas and uses his cricketing brain to fox the batsman with his subtle variations.

With the willow in his hand,Watson can chase down any total single-handedly. He hits them hard,and hits them big. However,the right-hander will have to be on top of his game as he faces one of the finest bowling attacks in the tournament.

Hyderabad’s STEYNgun

How often do we see quality fast bowlers using the Indian conditions to full avail? Not very often.

A lot of talented bowlers have lost their way during their stint in the sub-continent,but Dale Steyn has defied all the odds,and has come hard at the opposition. One would have thought that the low and slow conditions will make life easier for the batsmen facing the South African. That was not the case as Steyn made little adjustments to his line and length,and swayed the conditions in his favour.

Despite other bowlers leaking runs on certain occasions,Steyn holds one end up,and contains the flow of runs. It will be an exciting contest when the likes of Watson,Dravid and Ajinkya Rahane face the pacey Steyn.

Stuart,but not little

Stuart Binny has been Rajasthan’s unsung hero this year. The right-hander,with his short cameos,has pushed the total on numerous occasions. He takes very little time to get his eye in,and uses the big shots from the very first ball. He is the player to watch out for in the fixtures to follow. His little contributions gives the side a much-needed push either while setting the total or chasing it down.

Road to Delhi

Rajasthan Royals LLWWW

Sunrisers Hyderabad WWLWL

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