IPL 2024 Match 3: Three Player Battles to Watch Out For In KKR vs SRH

KKR will take on SRH in match 3 [X.com]KKR will take on SRH in match 3 [X.com]

The Indian Premier League 2024 arrives at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata for the second game of the doubleheader on day 2 of the season, where hosts Kolkata Knight Riders take on Sunrisers Hyderabad, and all we expect is a high-intensity battle between the two sides.

In the game, which will set the tempo of both teams, we will also see multiple battles that will catch our attention throughout the 40 overs. Let us take a look at the top three matchups that will make the viewers sit on the edge of their seats.


1. Travis Head v Mithcell Starc

In an all-Aussie matchup, Mitchell Starc will take the new ball in the IPL for the first time since 2015 against his friend Travis Head, who is most likely to open for the Hyderabad-based franchise alongside Abhishek Sharma. 

Head, who can be susceptible to short balls early on in his innings, can face a problem or two against Starc, who will be buzzing to make a mark on his return to the league. 

The pacer’s exemplary control of the new white ball and darting yorkers might also help him set the batter up for a short one and surprise him.


2. Shreyas Iyer v Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins will lead SRH in IPL 2024 [X.com]Pat Cummins will lead SRH in IPL 2024 [X.com]

In the battle of the captains, Shreyas Iyer, who is also returning to the IPL after missing the last season due to an injury, will be up against Pat Cummins, who already had the upper hand against the Indian batter in probably the biggest game of the latter’s career, the World Cup final in Ahmedabad. 

Shreyas, who very famously is barraged by the bouncers early in his knocks, might again have to go through the same against the Aussie in match 3 of the IPL 17. Also, mind games similar to the Ahmedabad game can play a part in putting him off mentally.


3. Heinrich Klaasen v Sunil Narine

Heinrich Klaasen, who has been firing all cylinders in recent months will be one of the key players for SRH in the middle order this season. 

The protea wicketkeeper, after having a fantastic SA20 season, will be against the Caribbean veteran Sunil Narine in the middle overs on historically sluggish Eden wickets. Statistically, Narine has dismissed Klaasen once, conceding 20 runs in eleven deliveries.