Hyderabad, April 4 -- Cricket in India, like most things of consequence, rarely proceeds in a straight line. It meanders, surprises, flatters, and occasionally humbles those who think they have it figured out. On a warm afternoon in Hyderabad, two teams arrive carrying very different burdens -- one of confidence, the other of correction.
Sunrisers Hyderabad enter this contest with the easy swagger of a side that has discovered its batting rhythm. Their recent performances have been built around fearless strokeplay and relentless intent. Abhishek Sharma has been among the standout contributors, scoring at a brisk pace and setting the tone at the top.
His aggressive approach has ensured that Hyderabad rarely begin an innings in a defensive ...