Key battles that could decide 2018 IPL winner
What's the story
After two months of exciting cricket, the IPL final is upon us. Chennai Super Kings will be hoping to win the title on their return to the cash-rich league. On the other hand, Kane Williamson would love to bring a fitting end to what has been a fantastic campaign for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Here are the key battles that would decide this fixture.
Battle of the best
Lungi Ngidi vs Kane Williamson
SRH skipper Williamson has been one of the best batsmen in the tournament. His 'Orange Cap' and 688 runs are a testament to that. Stopping Williamson will be key for Chennai. Dhoni will be looking towards his best bowler Lungi Ngidi to get the job done. Lungi has 10 wickets in 6 games and he is in red-hot form.
Youth vs experience
Rashid Khan vs MS Dhoni
There is no doubt that Rashid Khan is Sunrisers Hyderabad's most potent weapon. He is Kane Williamson's go-to man when he needs a wicket. The Afghan spinner could be key in bagging the precious wicket of MS Dhoni. In Qualifier 1, Rashid got the better of in-form Dhoni. Hence, Williamson will be relying on Rashid Khan to keep the CSK captain quiet.
Swing woes
Deepak Chahar vs Shikhar Dhawan
Kane Williamson and Shikhar Dhawan have scored most of the runs for Hyderabad this season. Bagging Dhawan's wicket early could derail Hyderabad's innings. Dhoni will be hoping that Deepak Chahar would create problems for the southpaw with his swing. In the previous meeting, Chahar dismissed Dhawan on a duck which then opened the floodgates.
Contrasting form
Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Ambati Rayudu
Rayudu has found a new lease of life under Dhoni's tutelage. The right-handed batsman is enjoying his best season with 586 runs under his belt. Rayudu has time and again provided CSK with a brilliant start and Williamson will want Bhuvi to bring an early end to Rayudu's innings. Bhuvi has been quite all season, it's time for him to stand-up.