[google-translator]
One year on, it’s a totally different scenario for the Sunrisers as they are already out of contention for the playoffs, and it only gets tougher for them beginning with the fixture against CSK in Sharjah on Thursday as they will be playing teams with a lot at stake in the home stretch.
Even in their worst season last year, CSK managed to win six games and finished seventh. And how well they turned around their fortunes to once again become the team to beat this year is a lesson the Sunrisers can learn as they look to at least upset the calculations of some teams.
The win over Rajasthan Royals seemed to have answered a lot of questions regarding the composition of the team for the Sunrisers. Openers Jason Roy and Wriddhiman Saha looked to be in good touch and for a change they did not look bereft of ideas with skipper Kane Williamson holding the top order together adeptly.
For a team that has lost five games under 10 runs, the seven-wicket win over the Royals should hold the Sunrisers in good stead against Dhoni and Co.
The Super Kings are on a roll in the UAE leg, though. If their 20-run win over Mumbai Indians spoke of their can-do spirit, their two-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders underlined the confidence in their collective ability to overcome any situation.
Defending a total and chasing down targets have not been a problem for CSK, and they will look to consolidate their position against SRH.