IPL 2024: KKR vs RCB Match 36 - Top 3 player battles to watch out for

Match 36 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 will see the dominant Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on the hapless Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). KKR are currently second in the points table after winning four out of six matches. On the other hand, RCB have lost six of their seven matches and are at the bottom of the standings.

When the two teams met earlier this season, Shreyas Iyer and Co. won by seven wickets at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB's five-game losing streak started with them and now they will look for a breathing space in KKR's den - the iconic Eden Gardens - on Sunday, April 21.

Both teams have crossed paths 33 times in IPL history. Although the two have had a tough battle over the years, the statistics show a clear dominance of the Kolkata franchise, who have enjoyed 19 wins compared to RCB's 14. Both the teams lost their previous encounters in high-scoring thrillers and fans can expect another exciting game in the City of Joy. 

Here are the top three player battles to watch out for in IPL 2024: KKR vs RCB, Match 36 -

3. Virat Kohli vs Mitchell Starc

Virat Kohli and Mitchell Starc have shared a fierce rivalry in international cricket, but the two are going to clash only the second time in the IPL. Kohli is currently the highest run-scorer in the league with 361 runs, while Starc has underperformed. Notably, in their previous encounter this season, the former RCB captain hit an unbeaten 83 runs while the left-arm pacer conceded 47 without taking any wickets. 

Even if you take the stats of all T20s, you can see that the Indian batting stalwart has dominated the Australian. Kohli has scored 80 runs at a strike rate of 177.77 without getting out even once when the two faced each other in 45 balls. The RCB opener will look to score big again and KKR will look to stop the damage early with the help of Starc.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Orange Cap

2. Lockie Ferguson vs Shreyas Iyer 

Shreyas Iyer seems to be struggling for form and has yet to play an impressive knock this season. It's no secret that the KKR skipper's weaknesses lie in facing fast-paced short balls, and RCB will not hesitate to exploit that.

New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson will be tasked with troubling the right-hander, promising an exciting battle. Iyer has scored 22 runs without getting out even once when the two have faced 33 deliveries in the IPL. 

Click Here: KKR vs RCB Live Score, Match 36

1. Will Jacks vs Sunil Narine

The battle between Will Jacks and Sunil Narine is interesting as they will switch roles as the innings change. Jacks entered the IPL with much hype, which was due to his sensational display in the domestic leagues. However, the Englishman is yet to explode in the IPL and may get his chance against KKR.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Purple Cap

Jacks will be batting at No.3 and he might come across Sunil Narine after the powerplay. Narine will look to silence the power-hitter with his spin magic. Turning the other side of the book, Jacks, who comes to bowl in the Powerplay, will have to face the destructive opener. Narine has been more influential with the bat this season (276 runs in six matches) and is in red-hot form after scoring a blazing ton in the previous match.