Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Key Player Battles Preview:
The race to playoffs is well and truly on. With the top two teams distancing themselves from the rest of the pack, the other slots are still up for grabs. The teams who will match up against each other in game 61 will be two of them. KKR’s star-studded side will battle it out against the low-key Sunrisers.
We look at the KKR vs SRH Key Player Battles:
#1 Shreyas Iyer vs Umran Malik
The last time these two sides met, it was this matchup that lit the whole game. Shreyas Iyer is someone who usually loves taking the game head-on. He moves a lot in the crease to find his feet. Iyer was looking to do pretty much the same against SRH. He was up against the inexperienced yet tearaway pacer, Umran Malik. The battle lasted for just six deliveries.
Malik knowing Iyer’s weakness against the short ball bowled short and quick to him. Iyer later in the over anticipating the short ball gave himself room. Malik cleverly bowled a fantastic Yorker to dislodge his stumps. It is easily one of the best overs of the IPL. Iyer will be keen to win this bout when he comes up against Malik. This matchup will be keenly watched.
#2 Andre Russell vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar
KKR’s star all-rounder, Andre Russell has been in fine form this season. He has teed off right from the word go. Russell has to play a big role if KKR aspires to move forward into the tournament. His six-hitting ability is next to none. Russell will be up against a wily Bhuvneshwar Kumar who has been at his near-perfect best. Kumar has been difficult to get away with, this season, both with the new and old ball. His numbers in terms of economy rate speak volumes about his skill. The Russell vs Kumar battle will be defining.
#3 Aiden Markram vs Pat Cummins
SRH’s best batsman this season has undoubtedly been Aiden Markram. He has played the role of an anchor and aggressor beautifully. Markram always had the game against pace. This season he has found ways to counter spin too. After a forgettable outing against RCB, Markram will be keen to make his presence felt. He will be up against a rejuvenated, Pat Cummins. This battle has all the makings of a pot-boiler.
#4 Nicholas Pooran vs Sunil Narine
SRH might not be completely pleased with the way Nicholas Pooran has got out at crucial junctures. He was their most priced acquisition in the auction. Pooran has been effective without being spectacular. He will be the key to SRH’s spin countering fortunes against KKR. Pooran will face fellow West Indian, Sunil Narine. The veteran holds the record for being the most economical this season. Their battle will be intriguing to watch.
