Rabada To Get Narine, Russell To Be Dismissed By? Player Battles For KKR vs PBKS

Sunil Narine is in sublime form [AP]

On Friday, Kolkata Knight Riders will cross swords against Punjab Kings in match 42 of the ongoing Indian Premier League season. 

Led by Shreyas Iyer, the Knight Riders have put up a spirited performance in the tournament, occupying the second position with five wins in seven matches. 

On the other hand, Punjab Kings have had a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, reeling at ninth with only two victories in eight matches. 

Considering both teams have some outright match-winners, we expect a fascinating contest at the iconice Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

So, as they gear up to take on each other, let's analyse and find out five top player battles to watch out for. 

Sunil Narine vs Kagiso Rabada

KKR management's decision to use Sunil Narine as a pinch-hitter at the top order has paid rich dividends for the franchise, with the explosive southpaw hammering 286 runs at a blistering strike rate of 176.54. 

However, Punjab's ace seamer Kagiso Rabada could dismiss him early in this game, having got him twice inside 13 deliveries. 

Sunil Narine vs Kagiso Rabada (in T20s)

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Phil Salt vs Sam Curran

Phil Salt in action [AP]

Swashbuckling English keeper-batter Phil Salt, who joined KKR as a replacement for Jason Roy, has showcased sublime form. 

However, Salt, who has struck 249 runs at an impressive average of 41.50, could find it tough to get going against Sam Curran, who has dismissed him four times in 46 balls. 

Phil Salt vs Sam Curran (in T20s)

Andre Russell vs Harshal Patel

Veteran West Indies cricketer Andre Russell has emerged as KKR's trump card with both bat and ball in the IPL 2024. 

Known for his extraordinary finishing skills, Russell has an interesting match-up against Punjab's premier death-overs specialist Harshal Patel, who has got rid of him twice in 26 deliveries. 

Andre Russell vs Harshal Patel (in T20s)

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Liam Livingstone vs Varun Chakravarthy

Livingstone has failed to impress in IPL 2024 [AP]

Experienced English middle-order batter Liam Livingstone has blown hot and cold in the IPL 2024, amassing 111 runs across six innings. 

The dynamic batter could be challenged by Varun Chakravarthy, who is known for his ability to outfox the batters in the middle overs. 

Liam Livingstone vs Varun Chakravarthy (in T20s)

Prabhsimran Singh vs Harshit Rana

Young KKR seamer Harshit Rana has grabbed the limelight through his impressive performances across phases in the IPL 2024. The right-arm pacer could be a threat to Punjab's out-of-form batter Prabhsimran Sing with the new ball in the powerplay. 

Prabhsimran Singh vs Harshit Rana (in T20s)

Shreyas Iyer vs Rahul Chahar

KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer bailed his side out of trouble against RCB, slamming a gritty 36-ball 50. However, if Rahul Chahar plays, he could emerge as Iyer's nemesis, having got him thrice inside 15 deliveries. 

Shreyas Iyer vs Rahul Chahar (in T20s)

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