IPL 2024, KKR vs RR: Presenting the key player battles
Kolkata Knight Riders will host Rajasthan Royals in Match 31 of the 2024 Indian Premier League. Both teams have played some quality cricket this season as their positions in the points table state the same. While RR are the table-toppers with five triumphs in six outings, KKR hold the second place, having clinched four of their five matches. Let's decode the key player battles.
Sanju Samson vs Sunil Narine
It will be interesting to see if KKR introduces Sunil Narine against the in-form Sanju Samson. The right-handed batter has been perturbed by the mystery spinner in the past. As per ESPNcricinfo, Narine has dismissed Samson thrice in 82 balls in the IPL. Notably, Samson has managed just 66 runs off Narine in this regard. The tally includes a paltry strike rate of 80.48.
Riyan Parag vs Varun Chakravarthy
Another RR star who has been in delightful form this year is Riyan Parag. His tally of 220 runs in overs between 7 and 15 this season is the most for any batter. His battle with Varun Chakravarthy would be enticing as Parag is yet to be dismissed by a spinner in IPL 2024. Chakravarthy has scalped five wickets this season (ER: 9.11).
Sunil Narine vs Trent Boult
Narine has also been in stellar form with the bat. RR would not want to see his carnage. Trent Boult will have the onus to dismiss the dashing opener cheaply. Notably, the left-arm pacer has dismissed Narine twice in just eight balls in IPL. Boult's tally of 46 powerplay wickets in the IPL is the most for any bowler since 2020.
Andre Russell vs Yuzvendra Chahal
RR will save the best for Andre Russell, who has been striking at a sensational 212.96 in IPL 2024. Since Russell has a reputation for choking against spinners, RR could use Yuzvendra Chahal against him. Notably, Chahal has dismissed Russell just once in the IPL. The latter has struck at 197.56 against the leg-spinner (81 runs off 41 balls).
Key details about the match
Kolkata's Eden Gardens will host this game on April 16. The strip is good for batting and one can expect a high-scoring fixture. Spinners will get some assistance as the game proceeds. KKR comfortably chased down 162 against LSG here a few days back. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and stream the same on JioCinema (7:30pm IST).
