IPL 2024: KKR vs LSG, Match 28 - Top 3 player battles to watch out for

In the 28th match of the Indian Premier League 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be hosting Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the historic Eden Gardens. It is going to be an exhilarating game between the two teams tomorrow. Since it’s a day game, dew isn't expected to play a huge role, and bowlers might also benefit from that.

Lucknow Super Giants come into this game having just played last night at home against Delhi Capitals. Their record of defending 160+ totals was broken finally, and entered this game hoping for a much-needed win. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders are well-rested as they had a six-day break after their previous encounter. They also faced defeat in the last game at the hands of defending champions, Chennai Super Kings.

Ahead of this must win game between the two-time champions and the two-time qualifiers in the Indian Premier League 2024, let’s take a look at some key player battles that the fans might be anticipating. 

Here are the top three player battles for the KKR vs LSG for the 28th match of IPL 2024:

3. Shreyas Iyer vs Naveen-ul-Haq

KKR skipper, Shreyas Iyer, has not been in great touch off late. He played a fighting knock for his side in the last game against Chennai. In the four innings he has played this season, he has been able to notch up just 91 runs. The bigger concern for the team might be his strike rate, as he has been striking at a poor rate of 125.

The captain would be facing Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq and this battle might be intriguing to say the least. The pacer might be looking to use the short-ball ploy to dismiss the opposition skipper and his slower deliveries at the backend of the innings can also derail the knock of the Mumbai-born.

2. Andre Russell vs Ravi Bishnoi

It seems like Andre Russell has regained the form that is always expected from him. He has become the designated finisher of the side once again and has become the fearsome batter that bowlers do not intend to bowl to. His impressive innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad was a testament to his skill, and would be looking to play such a knock once again versus the Super Giants as well.

The KL-Rahul-led side might have to turn to their premium leg-spinner, Ravi Bishnoi to stop the threat of Andre Russell in the upcoming game. The ace bowler can use his variations to get the better of the danger man. However, if Bishnoi bowls anywhere near the slot zone of the Caribbean cricketer, the ball will sail long distances for sure. This battle can dictate on how the match will proceed as well.

1. KL Rahul vs Mitchell Starc

Lucknow Super Giants’ captain has not been in great form as he has been getting the starts, but he is not able to convert it into big knocks for the franchise. He had a decent outing with the bat in their last game against DC on Friday. The opening batter would be hoping for a strong innings with the bat in Kolkata in the day game on Sunday.

The hosts would be hoping they can negate the threat posed by the opposition skipper early on with the help of Mitchell Starc. It seems like Starc has finally gotten his rhythm that he was looking for and has started scalping wickets for the side. His inswinging skills with the new ball is his biggest strength, and it has also proven to be Rahul’s weakness at times, so fans can expect to see a lot of it during the powerplay.