SRH vs KKR: Five Player Battles To Watch Out For

SRH will take on KKR tonight [Source: AP]

The 47th group-stage match of the IPL 2023 will see a high-voltage clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders. Both teams comprise some outright match-winners, so we expect a fascinating clash at the Rajiv Gandhi international stadium in Hyderabad tonight.

Meanwhile, there are some on-field rivalries which can determine the outcome of the game. Let's analyse and list such five player battles to watch out for in this face-off. 

Rahul Tripathi vs Sunil Narine

Rahul Tripathi [Source: AP]

Swashbuckling SRH batter Rahul Tripathi has blown hot and cold in the IPL 2023, amassing 170 runs at a modest strike rate of 114.86. However, the dynamic player holds a stunning record against ace KKR spinner Sunil Narine, who is yet to dismiss him in T20 cricket.

Rahul Tripathi vs Sunil Narine: 48 balls, 71 runs, 0 dismissal, SR- 147.9

Nitish Rana vs Umran Malik

Nitish Rana has dominated Umran Malik [Source: AP]

Despite being a talented batter, Nitish Rana has repeatedly struggled against high-pace body line bowling. However, the stylish southpaw has impressive numbers against Umran Malik, amassing 44 runs at a blistering strike rate of 176. 

Nitish Rana vs Umran Malik: 25 balls, 44 runs, 1 dismissal, SR- 176

Aiden Markram vs Varun Chakravarthy

Aiden Markram has been inconsistent with the bat [Source: AP]

SRH skipper Aiden Markram has been inconsistent with the bat in the IPL this season, managing only 132 runs at a modest average of 22. However, he could emerge as Hyderabad's go-to man in this game, as he has dominated KKR's lead spinner Varun Chakravarthy so far. 

Aiden Markram vs Varun Chakravarthy: 28 balls 54 runs 1 dismissal, SR- 192.9

Andre Russell vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Andre Russell in action [Source: AP]

Both these T20 stalwarts have faced each other numerous times, with Andre Russell having the edge over Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Overall, Kumar has struggled to keep Russell quiet, dismissing him only twice in the shortest format. 

Andre Russell vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 34 balls, 72 runs, 2 dismissals, SR- 211.76

Heinrich Klaasen vs Suyash Sharma

Suyash Sharma has been impressive with the ball [Source: AP]

As the surface in Hyderabad will assist spinners, SRH will rely on Heinrich Klaasen to keep the scoreboard ticking against KKR spinners. 

However, the explosive South African batter has mediocre numbers against wrist spin in the middle overs. So, his on-field battle with Suyash Sharma will be interesting to watch. 

Heinrich Klaasen vs Right-arm leg spin in middle overs: 266 runs, 12 dismissals, Avg- 22.16