In their opening match of VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019, Rajasthan Royals (RR) batted recklessly in the closing stages of their game against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) to lose a game they really should have won. The game was marred by the whole R Ashwin ‘mankading’ Jos Buttler incident, but that should not have led the Royals to go astray from the path of an easy chase. Their next opponents Sunrisers Hyderabad have also started off on a losing note blown away by the theatrics of Andre Russell of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. So, it is imperative for both these franchises to avoid coming under early pressure and get a win under their belts. It is also the first game of the IPL in Hyderabad and the crowd turn up is expected to be in huge numbers. Let us have a look at the five players who can have a huge impact in the Match 8 of VIVO IPL 2019, SRH vs RR game. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals Live Cricket Score 8th T20 Match.

Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals)

Jos Buttler of Rajasthan Royals (Photo Credits: IANS)

Buttler’s dismissal in the previous game through Mankading caused quite a stir, but before that turn of events, the English wicketkeeper-batsman played some exceptional cricket. It is as if he continued from where he left behind last season. Buttler is one of the in-form players in Rajasthan Royals, and SRH would be wary of the kind of starts he gives to his team.

Steve Smith (Rajasthan Royals)

Steve Smith of Rajasthan Royals (Photo Credits: IANS)

The Australian batsman looked a bit tentative against Kings XI Punjab, but given the quality he possesses, it should not be long before Smith stamps his authority on the game. If Rajasthan Royals are chasing a huge score, his role becomes crucial. He is also a brilliant fielder and being a former skipper, Ajinkya Rahane can always consult him for an opinion.

David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

David Warner of Sunrisers Hyderabad (Photo Credits: IANS)

The left-handed opener smacked 85 of 53 balls and was unlucky not to score a century in his comeback game. When David Warner is on song there is very little the opposition can do apart from admiring the cricket on display. The domestic bowlers of Rajasthan could be a prime target of Warner to launch the assault.

Rashid Khan (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Rashid Khan of Sunrisers Hyderabad (Photo Credits: IANS)

The super talented Rashid Khan may have picked up only one wicket against Kolkata, but his variations worked well. His economy rate is often on the lower side which helps put the opposition under pressure. We saw in the last game that the RR batsman do not enjoy playing spin and Rashid Khan could have a good time playing against them.

Vijay Shankar (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Vijay Shankar of Sunrisers Hyderabad (Photo Credits: IANS)

The last few months have been good for Vijay Shankar especially on the international scene, and a good IPL could see him cement a place in India’s World Cup squad. He opened the batting for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the previous game and complemented Warner well. In the powerplay overs, he is particularly dangerous against the new ball bowlers.

VIVO IPL 2019 Schedule: Full League Stage Time Table With Fixtures, Match Dates and Venue Details

Sunrisers Hyderabad have always been a strong outfit at home, and the challenge at the hands of Rajasthan Royals is enormous. With both sides packed with big names, the crowd can expect a mouth-watering clash on Friday.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 29, 2019 10:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).