KXIP vs RR 2019: The Sportsrush presents before you three intriguing player battles ahead of the 32nd match of IPL 2019.
Advertisement
KXIP have found it difficult to maintain their winning form. They have been inconsistent and now, have 2 loses back to back. They would be desperate to arrest the slide and win this one against the Rajasthan Royals. Playing at Mohali will be an advantage for them.
Rajasthan, on the other hand, would be happy with their win against MI and would look to maintain the positive frame of mind and try to win more games of cricket.
Let us have a look at some of the player battles on display tomorrow:
Chris Gayle vs Dhawal Kulkarni
Kulkarni has the ability to swing the ball upfront in the powerplay overs. The best chance to get the Universe Boss out is before he settles in. Kulkarni will have to be on the top of his game and try to get rid of Chris Gayle in the first few overs. It might define the course of the match considering the kind of form Gayle is in.
Mohammed Shami vs Steven Smith
Shami has been incredible with the new ball as well as in the death overs for KXIP. He would look to get the better of the stylish Steven Smith early in his innings so as to break the back of the RR middle order.
Shami has to use his experience to the fullest. Smith, on the other hand, would be smart to play Shami carefully and the other bowlers can be targeted.
Ravichandran Ashwin vs Jos Buttler
This player battle is going to be the highlight of this match. We all know what happened the last time when Ashwin decided to mankad Buttler which created a huge controversy with people being divided into two camps across the world. Buttler would want to absolutely dominate Ashwin and smash him all over the park.
Ashwin, apart from keeping his eye on Buttler gaining an unfair advantage, would want to get the better of the Englishman by getting his wicket in some other way.
