IPL 2024: Wasim Jaffer raises concern over KKR's new opening partnership

KKR are all set to clash with SRH in the first playoff match of IPL 2024 on Tuesday. However, former cricketer Wasim Jaffer has raised concerns about KKR's preparation ahead of the crucial encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, 21 May.

Jaffer highlighted the potential issue of Sunil Narine's absence from the playing field for the last 10 days, expressing concern that Narine's lack of match practice could be challenging for KKR in the upcoming crucial match of the mega event. 

KKR's recent match against GT saw no action due to abandonment without a single ball being bowled. Consequently, players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, set to open alongside Narine, have missed out on valuable game time. Phil Salt's departure to fulfil national commitments further complicates KKR's opening partnership.

"KKR's opening partnership has changed. Their opening partnership was very successful, just like SRH have been with Abhishek and Travis Head. With Salt gone, that partnership has been broken. Gurbaz has not had any game time in the IPL, not even before the tournament. So, he is going to be rusty, Narine has not played for a while also, but I think he will play the same way. But obviously, now that Narine has not played in a while, how he comes out and plays will be important," Wasim Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo ahead of the game.

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Despite Salt's absence, Jaffer maintains that Narine's role remains unchanged, expecting him to maintain his aggressive batting style. Narine has indeed enjoyed a remarkable IPL season, amassing 461 runs at a staggering strike rate of 182.94.

"SRH need to bowl to his body, but not always go short. RCB got him out at long off, they need to consider that and try and mix up their lengths," Jaffer suggested, underlining the need for strategic bowling against the KKR star.

The showdown between KKR and SRH in Qualifier 1 promises high stakes, with the winner securing a spot in the final scheduled for 26 May in Chennai. As the tension builds, both teams will seek to capitalize on their strengths and exploit their opponent's weaknesses to clinch a coveted place in the championship finale.