'SRH have more match-winners than RR,' says Kumble ahead of eliminator
New Delhi, May 27
Former India captain Anil Kumble believes Sunrisers Hyderabad hold a clear edge over Rajasthan Royals in Wednesday's IPL 2026 Eliminator, saying Hyderabad possesses greater depth and more match-winners across departments.
Analysing the knockout clash at the PCA New International Stadium in Chandigarh, Kumble said SRH's balanced squad makes them favourites against a Rajasthan side heavily dependent on a handful of players.
"If you compare the two teams man for man, SRH have more match-winners. Rajasthan, on the other hand, relies heavily on a few individuals - Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, and Jofra Archer," Kumble told Jio Hotstar.
The former India coach added that Rajasthan's fortunes could largely depend on whether their key players deliver in the pressure game.
"If those three don't fire, their batting and bowling both look thin. That could be the difference in a knockout game," he added.
Kumble also pointed to the league-stage clash between the two sides earlier this season as a major turning point in SRH's campaign. He highlighted the impact made by young pacers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, who made their IPL debuts in that match.
"The game that Sunrisers Hyderabad would remember dearly is the one against Rajasthan Royals of the league phase, where Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain made their IPL debuts. That was a turning point for Sunrisers Hyderabad this season," Kumble noted.
"Before that game, they had a different playing combination. After bringing in those young bowlers, they found a winning formula. Hinge and Hussain tore through RR's top order in that game," he added.
Kumble further suggested SRH could once again look towards Hinge for the Eliminator and hinted that the youngster may replace Harshal Patel in the playing XI.
"So I expect SRH might go with Hinge again in place of Harshal Patel for the eliminator. Hinge also dismissed Vaibhav Suryavanshi in his first game, which gives him a psychological edge going into the eliminator," he said.
The winner of the Eliminator will stay alive in the IPL playoffs race, while the losing side will exit the tournament.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I disagree with Kumble a bit. Yes, SRH have depth, but knockout games are all about handling pressure. RR have experience in Archer and Suryavanshi's raw talent. Remember, on the day, any team can win. Let's not write off Rajasthan so easily!
Hinge replacing Harshal Patel makes sense - Harshal has been leaking runs in the death overs. The way Hinge bowled in his debut against RR was brilliant, getting Vaibhav Suryavanshi out. That psychological edge Kumble mentioned is real. Go SRH! 🔥
Kumble knows his cricket, no doubt. But I feel he's overhyping that one league match where Hinge and Hussain did well. That was months ago. RR would have worked on their weaknesses since then. Plus, Archer in a knockout is a different beast altogether. Let's see!
Yaar, I'm an RR fan but I have to admit - Kumble is right. Our batting depth is a joke after Jaiswal and Suryavanshi. SRH have match-winners like Head, Klaasen, and those young bowlers. But that's why we love IPL - anything can happen in an eliminator! 🙏
As someone who's followed IPL from abroad, Kumble's analysis seems fair. SRH have built a solid team unit while RR look like a two-man army. But then again, that's how CSK won in 2021 - relying on their stars. Should be a cracker of a game!
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