HYDERABAD: The previous edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has set new benchmarks in team totals and the new season, beginning Saturday, will breach new marks this season, said G Hanuma Vihari.
When Sunrisers Hyderabad posted the highest total of 287 (vs RCB), there was talk of teams breaching the 300-run mark. The former India player said he would not be surprised if SRH achieve the feat because they have an explosive batting line-up.
“Sunrisers have strengthened their strong batting order by including Ishan Kishan at No.3. With openers — Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma — giving great starts and Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Reddy in the line-up, they can reach the 300-run total. On a good batting wicket and with small boundaries, that total is possible,” said Vihari who would be on the commentary panel for JioStar.
He also tipped SRH, runners-up last season, to make the title round again this year along with Punjab Kings, who he reckons, have all bases covered.
“Sunrisers have set a new benchmark. Credit to the captain, coach and team management for the freedom they have given to the team. I am sure they will continue in the same vein this season as well,” he added.
“Punjab look solid. (Shreyas) Iyer is an IPL-winning captain and Ricky Ponting is a great coach. With Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis, their batting looks sound. I feel SRH and Punjab will make it to the final,” he predicted.
The 31-year-old also said that Nitish Kumar Reddy will be under the scanner.
“He had a great season and made his debut for the country and had a great Australia tour with a century in the Melbourne Test. He also made his debut for India in T20s. So there will be expectations from the franchise and fans as well. He is just 21 and it will be interesting to see how he handles pressure. If he scores runs this season, there will be no stopping him for the next 10 years,” he added.
Vihari also said Harshal Patel would be a good replacement for “yorker specialist” T Natarajan and that they also plugged the gap in spin department by roping in Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar.
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