SRH vs DC: SRH to change their starting XI? A hint

Sunrisers Hyderabad will lock horns against Delhi Capitals today at the ACA VDCA International Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. SRH, one of the potential contenders to uplift the IPL 2025, was unable to maintain their momentum in the second game of the season, which was against Lucknow Super Giants. In this match, the middle order of the Hyderabad franchise looked uncomfortable in front of LSG bowlers.

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 Hyderabad needs to get back on the winning track to boost their confidence and ranking on the points table. Before the Delhi Capitals match, SRH shared a post about the Sri Lankan new rising star Kamindu Mendis, who was entitled the best emerging player for his stellar performance throughout 2024. Mendis, 26, with multiple test centuries, is yet to find his way to the SRH playing XI. But who can be replaced by Mendis, and what does Mendis offer to the team?

The Sri Lankan batter, mainly known for his test batting skills, has to prove himself in the shortest format of the game. He played T20 international for his country with a batting average of a little over 19 in 23 matches at a strike rate of 122.5. In the ODI format, his batting average is 27. So what can he offer to Sunrisers Hyderabad in case he gets his ticket to play an IPL match? Hyderabad, lacking no firepower in their batting lineup, needs someone who can hold one end of the wicket and play an anchor role. The left-handed batter has the potential to do this.

Who can be replaced by Mendis? It'll be a tough call for the management if they think about a reshuffle in the playing XI. As for now, only Abhinav Manohar is looking like a potential option to be replaced by Kamindu Mendis. Manohar scored only 0 and 2, respectively, in the first two matches. SRH has failed their team with three foreign players—Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Pat Cummins so far—and Adam Zampa as an impact player. As per IPL rules, every team can decorate their team with four overseas players.