IPL 2015, Match 11, SRH vs RR: Players to watch out for

New Delhi: In 11th encounter of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) face table toppers Rajasthan Royals (RR), on their home ground, ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

Even without their regular skipper Shane Watson, who is nursing an injury, Rajasthan showed all-round skills under stand-in captain Steven Smith to win their first three encounters against Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Daredevils and Mumbai Indians, respectively.

On the other hand, Hyderabad started off their campaign on a poor note as they lost their opening match to Chennai Super Kings. But they made an excellent comeback in the next game against Royal Challengers Bangalore to bag two points in their kitty.

Both the teams are well balanced but RR have an upper hand as they are looking like a complete unit, at least on papers. In today's encounter, where RR would like to continue their winning streak, David Warner-led SRH would look for their second win in the League.

Here are the players to watch out for in today's clash.

Steven Smith: He had been in super form with the bat throughout the Australian summer. And the skilful right-hander showed the glimpse of his purple patch in the on-going season of IPL as well. The 25-year-old played a match-winning knock against Mumbai Indians, to prove his mettle in the shortest format of the game. Smith would be once again the key man for his side against SRH.

David Warner: The SRH skipper and diminutive opener, Warner is in red-hot form. The aggressive southpaw hit half-centuries in both the matches Hyderabad played thus far. A good start plays a crucial role in any format of the game. Against RR, the 28-year-old will once again look to continue his fine batting form with the bat.