IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad’s strongest predicted XI against Kolkata Knight Riders

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a crucial reverse fixture of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on May 3.

SRH have emerged as one of the standout teams this season, currently placed third on the points table with six wins from nine matches. Riding high on confidence, they previously outclassed KKR by 65 runs and will look to replicate that dominance. Another win here could push them closer to the top spot, significantly boosting their playoff hopes.

Here is Sunrisers Hyderabad’s strongest predicted XI vs Kolkata Knight Riders:

Top Order: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (WK)

SRH opener Abhishek Sharma has been in sublime touch, scoring 425 runs in nine matches, including three fifties and a century and is currently the second-highest run-getter in the IPL 2026. Travis Head has contributed 262 runs, providing solid starts, while wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has added 312 runs with three half-centuries, strengthening the top order.

Middle Order: Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora (WK), Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins (C), Harsh Dubey

Heinrich Klaasen has been a key performer with 414 runs, including four fifties. Nitish Kumar Reddy has impressed as an all-rounder with 193 runs and six wickets. SRH captain Pat Cummins adds leadership and balance, while Harsh Dubey and Aniket Verma have contributed in patches.

Bowlers: Praful Hinge, Eshan Malinga, Sakib Hussain (IMP)

The youngster Praful Hinge has taken eight wickets in just four matches, while Eshan Malinga leads the attack with 15 wickets in nine games and is the third highest wicket-taker in the season. Sakib Hussain, likely to be used as an impact player, has also chipped in with eight wickets in five matches.

SRH predicted XI against KKR for Match 45:

Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (WK), Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora (WK), Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins (C), Harsh Dubey, Praful Hinge, Eshan Malinga

Impact Player: Sakib Hussain