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SRH vs KKR: Match 45 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium

Sunrisers Hyderabad face Kolkata Knight Riders at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad in Match 45 of IPL 2026 — a contest that could have significant implications for both sides as the tournament progresses through its league stage.

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad|May 3, 2026|3:30 PM IST
5 min read|CricIntel Editorial

Venue — Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium

The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Uppal offers a balanced surface that rewards both disciplined bowling and clean striking. The ground's dimensions are generous, and dew can be a significant factor in evening matches.


The Contest

Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders meet at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in what promises to be a compelling IPL 2026 encounter. Both sides will be looking to build momentum in a tournament where consistency separates contenders from pretenders, and every match carries weight in the race for the top four.

The team that adapts better to the conditions on offer, manages its powerplay effectively, and holds nerve in the death overs will likely walk away with two crucial points.


The Verdict

This is a match where preparation meets opportunity. Both SRH and KKR have the squad depth to compete, but the side that reads the surface better and executes under pressure will take the spoils. Expect the contest to be decided in the middle overs, where tactical discipline and match awareness matter most.

Want the full probabilistic breakdown, pitch map, and Dream XI recommendation for SRH vs KKR? Unlock your CricIntel Pro report — built on venue data, player form curves, and match-up modelling that goes deeper than any preview can.

AI Probable XIFree · No Login

Predicted Playing XI for Both Teams

Our AI predicts the most likely starting 11 for each team based on current Orange/Purple Cap form, recent starter patterns, and role fit. Constraints applied: 1 keeper, 4-5 batters, 2-3 all-rounders, 3-4 bowlers, max 4 overseas. Updates daily at 3 AM IST.

SRHSunrisers Hyderabad
3/4 overseas
  • 1
    Heinrich KlaasenOverseas
    Wicket-KeeperStarted last match · Top-5 batter (#3) · Played here before
    Score
    56
  • 2
    Aniket Verma
    BatterStarted last match · Played here before · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    33
  • 3
    Praful Hinge
    BatterStarted last match · Played here before · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    33
  • 4
    Travis HeadOverseas
    BatterStarted last match · Played here before · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    33
  • 5
    R. Smaran
    BatterSquad regular
    Score
    5
  • 6
    Abhishek Sharma
    All-RounderStarted last match · Top-5 batter (#2) · Played here before
    Score
    57
  • 7
    Nitish Kumar Reddy
    All-RounderStarted last match · Played here before · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    33
  • 8
    Shivang Kumar
    All-RounderStarted last match · Played here before · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    33
  • 9
    Eshan MalingaOverseas
    BowlerStarted last match · Top-5 bowler (#3) · Played here before
    Score
    51
  • 10
    Sakib Hussain
    BowlerStarted last match · Played here before · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    33
  • 11
    Harsh Dubey
    BowlerStarted last match · Played here before · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    33
KKRKolkata Knight Riders
4/4 overseas
  • 1
    Finn AllenOverseas
    Wicket-KeeperStarted 2 of last 3 · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    32
  • 2
    Angkrish Raghuvanshi
    BatterStarted 2 of last 3 · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    32
  • 3
    Rovman PowellOverseas
    BatterStarted 2 of last 3 · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    32
  • 4
    Ajinkya Rahane
    BatterStarted 2 of last 3 · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    32
  • 5
    Manish Pandey
    BatterStarted 2 of last 3 · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    32
  • 6
    Anukul Roy
    All-RounderStarted 2 of last 3 · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    32
  • 7
    Cameron GreenOverseas
    All-RounderStarted 2 of last 3 · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    32
  • 8
    Varun Chakravarthy
    BowlerStarted 2 of last 3 · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    32
  • 9
    Vaibhav Arora
    BowlerStarted 2 of last 3 · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    32
  • 10
    Kartik Tyagi
    BowlerStarted 2 of last 3 · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    32
  • 11
    Blessing MuzarabaniOverseas
    BowlerStarted 2 of last 3 · Automatic XI pick
    Score
    32
How is this calculated?

Composite Score (0-100) blends four signals per player:

  • Current-season form (35%) — Position in Orange Cap (top batters) or Purple Cap (top bowlers). #1 worth more than #15.
  • Regular-starter rate (25%) — How often they've been in the confirmed XI across past matches.
  • Role fit + base form (20%) — Squad-level form rating and role suitability.
  • Match availability (filter) — Injured / ruled-out players excluded.

Final XI is constrained: max 4 overseas, exactly 1 keeper, role-balanced. Confirmed XIs (after toss) override predictions automatically when available.

CricIntel Editorial|Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders|May 3, 2026
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