Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 3 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Match 45 of the Indian Premier League(IPL)
2026.
SRH currently sit third on the points table, having secured six wins from nine matches. They have been in excellent form, including a streak of five consecutive victories, and will aim to continue that momentum as they push for their seventh win of the season.
On the other hand, KKR are placed eighth, with just two wins from eight matches. After enduring a difficult phase with five straight losses, they bounced back with two hard-fought wins. The three-time champions will be eager to build on that resurgence and register their third victory of the campaign.
Pitch Report
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has evolved into a more balanced venue in recent seasons, moving away from its earlier reputation of strongly favouring teams batting first. The surface now tends to be flatter, especially in the first innings, offering true bounce and good carry. This allows batters to play their shots freely, making stroke play relatively easy early in the game. However, as the match progresses, the pitch often slows down. This change can bring spongy bounce into play, making timing difficult and forcing batters to adjust their approach.
IPL Stats and Records at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
| Matches Played |
87 |
| Matches Won Batting First |
38 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 47 |
| Matches With No Result | 01 |
| Matches Tied | 01 |
| Average First Innings Score | 163 |
| Highest Team Total | 286 |
| Highest Total Successfully Chased | 246 |
Strategies and match-ups
SRH are in excellent rhythm, particularly with their batting unit. Players like Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Ishan Kishan have consistently delivered, forming a strong and reliable top and middle order. Their bowling unit has also shown improvement at key moments. The presence of captain Pat Cummins has added stability and leadership, boosting the confidence of the younger bowlers, who have responded with promising performances.
On the other hand, KKR seem to be finding momentum after a challenging phase. A thrilling last-over win followed by a Super Over victory has lifted team morale. Rinku Singh, in particular, has returned to form, providing a crucial edge in the finishing role. With renewed confidence, KKR will aim to build on this momentum and push for their third win of the season by delivering a more complete performance across all departments
