4 Player Battles To Watch Out For in PBKS vs KKR

image-lfwk50maPBKS will take on KKR in the 2nd game of IPL 2023 [Source: IPLT20.com]

On Saturday, Punjab Kings will cross swords against Kolkata Knight Riders in the second match of the Indian Premier League 2023. As both teams comprise some outright match-winners, we anticipate a cracking contest at the iconic PCA stadium in Mohali. 

Meanwhile, there are some on-field rivalries, which can determine the outcome of the game. Let's analyse and list such four crucial player battles. 


Shikhar Dhawan vs Tim Southee 

image-lfwkdhwwTim Southee [Source: IPLT20.com]

Regarded as one of India's finest white-ball cricketers in the modern era, Shikhar Dhawan has been a consistent performer in the IPL, amassing 6244 runs, including two hundreds and 47 half centuries, in 205 appearances. 

However, the stylish southpaw has time and again struggled against ace New Zealand seamer Tim Southee, particularly in T20 cricket. 

Shikhar Dhawan vs Tim Southee(in T20 Cricket): 68 balls, 67 runs, 4 dismissals

Statistically, Southee has an upper hand over Dhawan in T20 cricket, dismissing him four times for just 67 runs in 68 balls. So, the Indian stalwart should be cautious against the Kiwi veteran, as he will play a key role with the bat for his franchise. 


Venkatesh Iyer vs Arshdeep Singh

Since debuting in 2021, Venkatesh Iyer has been a mainstay in the lineup of Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. However, he hasn't really thrived against left-arm fast bowlers in the powerplay. 

Overall, the swashbuckling southpaw has managed only 79 runs, being dismissed four times by the left-arm pacers in the first six overs. So, Punjab Kings' ace speedster Arshdeep Singh will emerge as a threat to him in this encounter.  

Venkatesh Iyer vs left-arm pacers in powerplay in T20s: 82 balls, 79 runs, 4 dismissals


Nitish Rana vs Rahul Chahar

image-lfwkfrtnNitish Rana will lead KKR [Source: Twitter]

Nitish Rana will be pivotal for KKR this season, as he will captain the franchise in the absence of their regular skipper Shreyas Iyer. However, the Kings' lead spinner Rahul Chahar could shorten his stay in the middle, considering his woes against leg spinners. 

Nitish Rana vs Rahul Chahar: 19 balls, 25 runs, two dismissals

Nitish Rana vs Right-arm leg spinners: 375 runs, 18 dismissals, average: 20.8 avg, SR: 121.8

As opposed to most left-handers, Rana has mediocre numbers against right-arm wrist spinners, averaging only 20.8 in 47 outings. Furthermore, Chahar has dismissed him twice, conceding only 25 runs, which makes the battle a must watch. 


Sam Curran vs Sunil Narine

Hailed as one of the finest T20 bowlers, Sunil Narine will lead KKR's spin unit alongside Varun Chakravarthy. However, PBKS might use Sam Curran to counter Narine, who has ordinary numbers against the English all-rounder. 

Sam Curran vs Sunil Narine: 16 balls, 34 Runs, 1 dismissal, SR: 212.5

Overall, Curran has smashed Narine for 34 runs, with three fours and two sixes, at a blistering strike rate of 212.5.