Lucknow Super Giants find themselves under early pressure as they head into an away clash against an in-form Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, searching for a more complete performance to kickstart their campaign.

After a disappointing start to the season, LSG are looking to quickly regroup, particularly with the bat. On paper, their line-up boasts plenty of firepower, with the likes of Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, captain Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran forming a formidable core. However, their inability to build partnerships and convert starts into substantial scores proved costly in their opening game, and addressing that lack of cohesion will be a key focus.

There could be a rethink in the batting order after tactical experimentation in the previous outing did not yield the desired results. A return to a more settled structure appears likely, with clearly defined roles. Pant, who was promoted up the order, may slot back into the middle where he can better anchor and accelerate when needed, while the top order will be expected to provide a solid platform.

Despite the batting concerns, LSG can take positives from their bowling performance. Mohammed Shami led an impressive new-ball effort, combining effectively with Prince Yadav to make early inroads. Their ability to strike in the powerplay was a major plus, though the team will be keen to maintain that pressure through the middle overs. Team combinations, including the possible inclusion of a specialist spinner, could also come under consideration depending on conditions.

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad enter the contest with momentum firmly on their side. Their batting unit clicked in unison in the previous match, with Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma providing an aggressive start at the top. Stand-in captain Ishan Kishan has looked composed in his role, while Heinrich Klaasen remains central to the middle order with his experience and finishing ability.

SRH’s depth further strengthens their case, with Nitish Kumar Reddy contributing as an all-round option and Harsh Dubey adding balance. Their bowling attack, led by Jaydev Unadkat and Ehsan Malinga, complemented the batting effort effectively in their last outing.

With conditions at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium expected in Hyderabad expected to favour strokeplay, SRH will look to capitalise on home advantage and continue their momentum, while LSG aim to respond with a sharper, more disciplined showing across departments.

Squads:

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Ishan Kishan (c), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Aniket Verma, R. Smaran, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kamindu Mendis, Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, Zeeshan Ansari, Liam Livingstone, Shivam Mavi, Salil Arora, Shivang Kumar, Omkar Tarmale, Krains Fuletra, Praful Hinge, Amit Kumar, Sakib Hussain, Jack Edwards and Pat Cummins.

Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant (c), Ayush Badoni, Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Arshin Kulkarni, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akash Maharaj Singh, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Arjun Sachin Tendulkar, Mayank Prabhu Yadav, Wanindu Hasaranga, Anrich Nortje, Josh Inglis, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Naman Tiwari, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Mohsin Khan, Manimaran Siddharth, Mukul Choudhary.