On Wednesday, April 3, the Delhi Capitals (DC) will host the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 16th match of the IPL 2024 at the YSR Rajasekhara Reddy Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
DC are playing their first two home games of the season in Vizag because to the wear and tear on their home field, Feroz Shah Kotla (now called Arun Jaitley Stadium) in New Delhi, caused by the WPL.
Given the talent on display by both sides, this game will include several high-octane battles. We should expect plenty of pyrotechnics since both clubs will be eager to take advantage of the two points available.
In this listicle, we present you the three crucial player battles to look out for in this game:
1. David Warner vs Mitchell Starc
The biggest confrontation here could be Warner versus Starc’s pace. The Australian openers may face a testing spell from his left-arm teammate. Their battle will determine crucial early momentum.
Warner, who is one of the finest batters in this format of the game despite having retired from Tests and ODIs, will come up against his compatriot Starc, who will operate with the new ball for KKR.
Starc was purchased by KKR for big bucks to fill in the much-needed role of swinging the new ball at pace.
The left-arm seamer is expected to take the ball away from David Warner in this game, and the latter will have to use his feet well to counter the swing.
Warner has of late developed the habit of playing merely with his hands and with minimal footwork, but he will be tested heavily against Starc.
Warner has recently acquired a tendency of playing with his fists and minimal footwork, but he will be put to the test against Starc.
2. Rishabh Pant vs Sunil Narine
Rishabh Pant’s comeback has been much discussed whenever the DC are addressed.
On Wednesday, he will face the cunning Sunil Narine, who will try to deflect the ball away from him and trick him into taking strokes he would ordinarily avoid.
Pant must proceed with caution when dealing with Narine, who has extensive expertise.
The Trinidadian also has a lot of variation in his sleeve that he can pull out at the sound of a bugle.
Pant will have a significant duty to improve the DC middle-order when he comes out to bat in Vizag on Wednesday.
The DC wicketkeeper-batter will be full of confidence after scoring 51 against the Chennai Super Kings at the same venue.
3. Mukesh Kumar vs Phil Salt
Mukesh Kumar, a DC seamer, has been on fire in the majority of his outings this IPL season.
On Wednesday, he’ll get the opportunity to put his abilities to the test against Phil Salt, who has been scary at the top of the order for KKR.
Mukesh, who can pitch the ball both ways, will be a serious threat on Wednesday, and his captain, Rishabh Pant, will benefit greatly from his abilities.
Phil Salt, on the other hand, is renowned to throw caution to the wind when he steps out to bat, enthralling viewers with his joyous strokemaking.
The Englishman, on the other hand, must proceed with caution when facing the Indian seamer, who can make the ball speak on a good day.
