IPL 2024, KKR vs SRH Strategic Corner - How will KKR Stop Travis Head?

Travis Head will be a key cog in the SRH batting mechanism [X]Travis Head will be a key cog in the SRH batting mechanism [X]

The upcoming clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the former as they strive for their third title. The Purple Army, bolstered by some impressive recruits this season, is eager to kick off their campaign on a high note, sending a resounding message to their league rivals. However, they face a formidable challenge in the form of SRH, with Australian opener Travis Head posing as one of the greatest threats to KKR. 

The Australian left-hander Travis Head carries some memorable performances from his last visit to India. His brilliant knock in the 50-over World Cup Final for his nation and consistent, quick starts in the T20I series have left a lasting impression. 

In their first match, KKR will see Travis Head come out at the top and try to take the attack to them. His aggressive batting style can quickly put the opposition out of the game and make it difficult for the skipper to get his team back into it. So, the KKR unit, under Shreyas Iyer's leadership, will be looking to eliminate this Australian maverick as quickly as possible. 

While working on a particular plan against a dynamic batter like Head will be challenging, KKR can look to stop him in two specific ways. 


Plan 1 Against Travis Head

A deep look into Head's batting in recent matches suggests that he struggles against short-pitch deliveries. He tries to get on top of the bounce while playing the short-length balls and often gets into awkward positions. This is a weakness KKR can exploit, particularly with the two bouncers per over rule being introduced in IPL 2024.

Travis Head getting into awkward position while trying to fend at a short ball [X]Travis Head getting into awkward position while trying to fend at a short ball [X]

The KKR pacers, with their height and pace, and with good short deliveries in their repertoire should try to pepper him with two or three short balls at the body and then follow it up with a fuller ball. Head has often been found wanting for footwork on full deliveries after a barrage of short ones. One thing has to be kept in mind: Travis Head has excellent hand-eye coordination and, hence, might get away from this trap and get a few runs, but as a skipper, you have to be aggressive, persistent and patient to get the better of Head. 

Pacers Plan against Travis Head [OneCricket]Pacers Plan against Travis Head [OneCricket]

Main Weapons of KKR for this plan: Mitchell Starc, Andre Russell


Plan 2 Against Travis Head

In the second plan, KKR needs to employ a spinner with guile ( and they have quite a number of them). Recently, it has been seen that while facing an off-spinner, Head often misses the flight and gets beaten on away-turning deliveries while trying to be aggressive against them. 

Spinner plan against Travis Head [OneCricket]Spinner plan against Travis Head [OneCricket]

These are the two areas KKR can work on for Head. But it would be even better if Shreyas Iyer serves up a speedster like Mitchell Starc and a spinner like Varun Chakravarthy or Sunil Narine at the beginning of an innings against Head. This would force Head to adjust to the pace and variation of the two different types of bowling and thus make him uncomfortable. It would be interesting to see how KKR works out Travis Head in this game and the Aussie replies. 

Main Weapons for KKR for this plan: Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine