Former Indian batter Abhinav Mukund has opined that Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s bowlers will have their work cut out against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad on Friday.

SRH’s top order – Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen are known for their blistering batting and thus RCB bowlers will need to hit the right areas against them.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has scalped 24 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 16.37 and an economy rate of 7.70 and he is going to hold the key with the new ball.

Abhinav Mukund said on ESPN Cricinfo, “This is the most dangerous batting unit. I’ve maintained that for the last five, six months. They’re a scary proposition with all four of their top four firing on all cylinders. Especially in Hyderabad, it will be a stern test for RCB more than SRH because they know the conditions better. We know it’s going to be a great surface. I think RCB’s bowlers will be tested for sure.

He added, “SRH will, once again, look to score 75-80. They will not stop. And in flat conditions, it will be a very, very big test for RCB. I’ll be waiting to see what kind of plans they come up with for Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan much later. Even in the first game of the season, when they faced up in helpful conditions, they batted poorly and got 200.”

On the other hand, former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer said the number five and six is still a concern for SRH.

He said, “I think they’ll be tested without a doubt. But, a lot of it depends on their opening partnership. Travishake has to play a significant role. And then Heinrich Klaasen’s form as well. Don’t rule out Ishan Kishan. The top four has done bulk of the scoring. Their number five, number six is still a concern for me. It’s good that they’ll be tested before the playoffs.”

SRH and RCB will take on each other on Friday.