IPL 2024: KKR vs RR, Match 31 - Top 3 player battles to watch out for

The table toppers Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) of IPL 2024 are going to face each other in the 31st match of IPL 2024 on Tuesday at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.  Both the teams have played some extraordinary cricket this season as their positions on the table remain the same as first and second positions respectively. 

KKR have won 2 IPL titles and RR have won one IPL title so far. With five victories in six games, RR lead the standings, while KKR are in second position after winning four of their five games.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Points Table

Here are the top 3 player battles to watch out for in IPL 2024: KKR vs RR, Match 31 - 

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mitchell Starc

Yashasvi Jaiswal had a great season in IPL 2023 for RR that earned him a call in the national team. He continued to show his extraordinary performance in blue jersey as well. Jaiswal's match-up against the left-arm pacers has been difficult as he averages 26.9. However, his strike rate is above 160. 

Mitchell Starc, who has been a world-class pacer over the years as the Australian speedster has found back his rhythm and form against LSG on Sunday. He can be the player who can cause trouble for the left-handed opener with his ability to swing the new ball at a good pace. 

Also Check: IPL 2024 Orange Cap

2.  Sanju Samson and Sunil Narine

Seeing if KKR start Sunil Narine against the in-form Sanju Samson will be intriguing. The enigmatic spinner has previously unsettled the right-handed batter. Samson has been a star player for Rajasthan Royals.

Narine has three IPL wickets against Samson in 82 balls. Interestingly, in this aspect, Samson has only scored 66 runs against Narine. There is a pitiful strike rate of 80.48 in the total.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Purple Cap

3.  Phil Salt and Trent Boult

Phil Salt despite getting unsold at the 2024 IPL auction came in as a replacement for Jason Roy at KKR. The English opener has been the X-factor for the side at the top of the order along with Sunil Narine.  So far he has scored 191 at an average of 47.75 with a strike rate of 159.17. He has a good track record against the left-arm pacers. 

Also Check: KKR vs RR Dream11 Prediction

Trent Boult has been one of the finest new ball bowlers in IPL.  In Powerplay, Boult picked 10 wickets in 10 matches with an economy of 6.80.  So far in this season, he has picked 6 wickets in 6 matches. With the kind of wickets at the Eden Gardens, he might get an early help with the new ball.