IPL 2017: Match 1: SRH Vs RCB: Players to watch out for

Chris Gayle

Considered one of the deadliest opening batsmen in the business, Gayle can demolish any kind of bowling attack and steer the side towards a big total on any given day.

The explosive Jamaica batsman holds several IPL records to his name and therefore needs no introduction.

The RCB strike batsman is capable of turning the tides into the favour of his team. His performance was sub-standard in IPL 9 and the swashbuckler would be desperate to make ammends.

Shane Watson

The former Australia all-rounder would shoulder the added responsibility of leading the RCB side in the absence of Virat Kohli and AB de Villers.

Watson, who's known for hitting big shots, will be opening RCB's batting alongside Gayle and fans would be hoping an inspiring knock from his side.

Besides batting, he's equally good at bowling as he generates decent pace and there won't be any surprises if he starts bowling as a strike pacer for the team.

Yuzvendra Chahal

The Haryana spinner was in great form in the limited overs series against England and even in IPL 2016. The team would hope similar bowling performances from Chahal in this edition if they fancy their chances of making it to the play-offs.

His match-winning performance against England in the third and final T20I against England would still be fresh in the minds of opposition batters when they come out to bat against Chahal.

David Warner

He may not have been at his personal best during the Test series against India, but the Australia opener was at his menacing best in the previous edition of the cash-rich league.

It was his consistent performance which laid the foundation stone for Hyderbad's success in IPL 9.

Warner was the second highest rungetter in IPL 9 after Virat Kohli and led the team from the front. He is also capable of destroying any bowling attack on his day and this makes him a T20 specialist.

Hyderabad fans would be hoping another brilliant inspiring knock from the skipper.

Yuvraj Singh

After brilliant performances in domestic season and limited-overs series against England, the veteran India cricketer proved why he's still the best match winner in the middle order.

The left-handed explosive batsman is still a force to reckon with in the shortest format. The southpaw couldn't do much in the previous IPL season but he would be hoping to give a perfect start in the new season with a whirlwind knock.

Ashish Nehra

With his consistent performances, this veteran Delhi pacer has proved that age is just a number to him.

The left-handed seamer was the key to the SRH's success last year and would once again test RCB batting line-up with his shrewd bowling skills.

Nehra is amongst those bowlers who are capable of giving breakthroughs early on and also put a break at the run flow in the death overs.

Nehra carries enormous amount of experience and his suggestions to fellow bowlers have proven vital for the side from time to time. So, expect another breath-taking bowling effort from the veteran.