The Delhi Daredevils face a massive challenge, having been shot out for 67 in their previous match, when they come up against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 40 of IPL 2017 later today.

DD are languishing at the bottom of the table with just two wins from 8 matches. The team must erase from their systems their poor showing in the previous match and capitalise on the opportunity of playing their next three matches at home. The team’s batting line-up could be boosted by the availability of Marlon Samuels, who was signed up as a replacement for Quinton de Kock.

Zaheer Khan continues to nurse his injured hamstring, and in his absence the burden of captaincy will lie on the young shoulders of Karun Nair.

Sunrisers Hyderabad dismissed table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders in their last outing. Skipper David Warner led from the front, playing perhaps the most destructive innings of the season. Given their form so far, and the fact that they are on the brink of qualifying, having already won 6 of their 9 matches, SRH will do well to shift their goalposts and now look at finishing among the top two teams.

Among the Delhi Daredevils batsmen, Sanju Samson will do well get to a big score; post his hundred, the opener has got starts in four innings, but has converted only one of those to half-centuries. The 22-year old needs to realise that in a young and inexperienced team like DD, every player needs to take that little more responsibility. Especially if one were as gifted as Sanju Samson. If Marlon Samuels finds a place in the team’s batting plans, he will be expected to make an impact pretty quickly.

On the SRH side of things, after the knock he played the other day, how can one look beyond David Warner. Also keep an eye on Kane Williamson, who seems to be enjoying the role of finisher; the Kiwi  batsman has a career strike-rate of 122, but he has scored his 204 runs this season at a strike-rate of 174!

Among the bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been tidy with the new ball and impressive at the death, and continues to sit pretty at the top of the wicket-taker’s list. Among the DD bowlers, keep a close watch on Kagiso Rabada, who has looked good in his three outings so far.

Today’s Match

Delhi Daredevils Vs Sunrisers Hyderabad

Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi, 8 pm.

Tomorrow’s Match

Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Rising Pune Supergiant

Eden Gardens, Kolkata, 8 pm.

Yesterday’s Results

Royal Challengers Bangalore 162 for 8 in 20 overs lost to Mumbai Indians 165 for 5 in 19.5 overs.

Gujarat Lions 161 all out in 19.5 overs lost to Rising Pune Supergiant 167 for 5 in 19.5 overs.