IPL 2024, CSK vs SRH: Decoding the key player battles
What's the story
Match 46 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) will see the battle between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
SRH have five wins in eight games. One of their triumphs also came against CSK in Hyderabad.
CSK, meanwhile, own four wins and as many defeats. They would want to return to winning ways.
Here we decode the key player battles.
#1
Shivam Dube vs Jaydev Unadkat
Shivam Dube has been a nightmare for bowlers this year, particularly in death overs.
In fact, his strike rate in the final five overs rises up to 195.38 in IPL 2024.
Jaydev Unadkat, who has been operating for SRH in this phase lately, can be challenged by Dube.
As per ESPNcricinfo, Unadkat's economy in death overs this season reads 12.48.
#2
Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Ruturaj Gaikwad
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is bound to tackle Ruturaj Gaikwad as the duo opens the proceedings in their respective departments.
Though Bhuvneshwar is yet to dismiss the CSK opener across five IPL meetings, he has conceded just 45 runs off 38 balls.
Gaikwad's strike rate in powerplay overs this season has been 143.33.
Notably, Bhuvneshwar owns the most wickets in the powerplay in IPL history (65).
#3
Travis Head vs Deepak Chahar
Travis Head has been a menace in the powerplay overs this season as his strike rate in this phase is a jaw-dropping 229.2
Therefore, CSK's strike bowler Deepak Chahar would want to dismiss him early.
Chahar, who swings the ball both ways, has struggled this season.
However, the right-arm seamer has taken the most powerplay wickets in IPL since 2018 (57).
#4
Heinrich Klaasen vs Matheesha Pathirana
Another SRH star who has been tormenting bowlers for fun this season is Heinrich Klaasen.
His strike rate in the final five overs rises up to 231.48. Meanwhile, CSK pacer Matheesha Pathirana has also been brilliant in this phase.
His tally of 26 IPL wickets in the last five overs is the second-most for any bowler since 2023.
Details
Key details about the match
Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium will host this duel on April 28 (7:30pm IST).
Spinners will enjoy bowling here and the pacers will look to provide variations to gain maximum impetus.
Meanwhile, the average run rate of teams batting first in Chennai since IPL 2023 reads 8.67.
One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and stream the same on JioCinema.