IPL 2024, SRH vs LSG: Decoding the key player battles
Match 57 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) will see the battle between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants. Both teams have had similar campaigns this season, having won six of their 11 games apiece. Meanwhile, both these sides suffered thumping defeats in their preceding last outing. Here we decode the key player battles that can be on display.
Travis Head vs Mohsin Khan
As Travis Head has enjoyed a dream IPL 2024, LSG would want to dismiss him early. According to ESPNcricinfo, the SRH opener has a powerplay strike rate of 207.59 this season. LSG's left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan, who operates with the new ball, will be challenged by Head. Though Mohsin boasts five powerplay wickets this year, his economy in this phase reads 8.87.
Heinrich Klaasen vs Ravi Bishnoi
Runs have dried up for Heinrich Klaasen, who was sensational in the initial half of the season. However, he still remains a threat for LSG bowlers. As leg-spinners have dismissed him twice this season, Ravi Bishnoi can be unleashed against him. Notably, Klaasen smashed Bishoi for 15 runs off seven balls in their solitary face-off in IPL.
KL Rahul vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar
As both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and KL Rahul open the proceedings in their respective departments, they are bound to tackle each other. The veteran pacer has only dismissed Rahul once in eight IPL meetings. However, the latter owns a paltry strike rate of 120.98 in this battle. Notably, both Bhuvneshwar and Rahul have blown hot and cold this season.
Nicholas Pooran vs T Natarajan
LSG's designated finisher Nicholas Pooran has been in excellent form. His sensational striking in the end overs can largely impact the game. T Natarajan, who is known to nail yorkers at will, would have the onus to keep him quiet. Notably, Pooran owns 42 runs off 24 deliveries against the left-arm pacer in IPL without being dismissed even once.
Key details about the match
Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium will host this duel on May 8. The surface here will assist batters and one expects a competitive score on the board. Bowlers will want to count on their variations. The match starts at 7:30pm IST and one can watch it live on the Star Sports Network and stream on Jio Cinema.
