IPL 2024: SRH vs CSK Match 18 - Top 3 player battles to watch out for

Match 18 of the Indian Premier League 2024 will pit Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. SRH will look to avenge their heartbreak in the 2018 IPL final when the two teams meet on Friday (April 5). Six years ago, under the leadership of MS Dhoni, CSK lifted their third IPL title by defeating their upcoming rivals by eight wickets in Mumbai. 

Both teams are coming on the back of losses and will be aiming to get back on track. However, with two wins out of three matches, the five-time champions are currently third in the points table. Meanwhile, the 2016 winners are in sixth place, having won just one game in three. 

CSK have been in good form, but a 20-run loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) in their last match has hampered their momentum. On the other hand, despite the two defeats, SRH are riding a confident and strong unit after some atrocious batting performances. They thrashed the Mumbai Indians (MI) bowlers and posted the highest team score (277/3) in the history of the league.

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Here are the top 3 player battles to watch out for in IPL 2024: SRH vs CSK, Match 18 - 

3. Travis Head vs Deepak Chahar

Travis Head and Deepak Chahar have never shared a notable rivalry in the IPL, but this time both players have their roles to play. Head has given SRH blazing starts in the last two matches that he played. In their epic match against MI, the southpaw proved to be in top form as he amassed 62 off just 24 balls.

The Aussie gun will aim to make a similar aggressive start in the upcoming match and CSK will trust their new-ball bowler Deepak Chahar to avoid early damage. If Chahar manages to remove Head inside the powerplay, it will hamper SRH's momentum going forward.

Also Check: SRH vs CSK MPL Opinio Today's Prediction - Who will win?

2. Heinrich Klaasen vs Matheesha Pathirana

Heinrich Klaasen - this name has now become synonymous with destruction. Batting in the middle-order, the Proteas big-hitter is known for his thunderous striking. Klaasen is a spin basher and Gaikwad will be aiming to lock the right-hander with his pace bowlers.

CSK’s right-arm pacer Matheesha Pathirana is likely to have an exciting match-up with Klaasen. The Lankan youngster bowled just four balls to Klaasen and got his wicket once. It is difficult to stop the SRH batter when he is on a song, let's wait and see if Pathirana can hold his nerve. 

Also Check: SRH vs CSK Dream11 Prediction

1. Pat Cummins vs Ruturaj Gaikwad

Fans are eagerly waiting to witness the key battle between the two captains Ruturaj Gaikwad and Pat Cummins. Gaikwad the batter has not been at his best so far this season as he is yet to score a half-century. However, the CSK opener has usually been a slow starter all season and Friday could be his day to regain his rhythm.

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Gaikwad has faced 15 balls of Cummins in the IPL and has scored 24 runs at a strike rate of 160. However, the 2023 World Cup-winning captain dismissed the right-hander once in this encounter. It will be interesting to see who will have the last laugh in the upcoming contest.