Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has praised Pat Cummins’ led SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) for their adaptability throughout the IPL 2024 season. Jaffer credited the side for not adhering to a single playing template, keeping opponents guessing about their next move.
Jaffer believes SunRisers might make a few strategic changes to their playing XI for the IPL 2024 final, similar to their approach in Qualifier 2. He suggested that the Cummins-led side could effectively utilize Nitish Reddy’s bowling in the crucial match.
“SunRisers’ strength is that they have not played matches in one template. They keep making changes. In powerplays, they used spin in the last game. So, don’t be surprised if they play with Vijayakanth Viyaskanth or Washington Sundar,” Jaffer remarked.
The cricketer-turned-commentator added, “They have three left-handers, even Mayank Markande, so they will have to slightly change their strategy. Because they are left-handers, the left-arm spin might not work, or Nitish Reddy might bowl 2-3 overs. Pat Cummins has the versatility to make changes.”
Nitish Reddy, a medium pacer, has been impressive this season, finishing with figures of 2/17 and 1/33 against Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings.
However, Jaffer also warned SRH about their heavy reliance on openers Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen. He emphasized the need for Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Reddy to continue their strong form in the final.
“Klaasen’s wicket is very important in the middle overs. SunRisers’ batting depends a lot on these three, including Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. They also have good players like Nitish Reddy and Rahul Tripathi who have performed well. But they rely heavily on those three,” Jaffer noted.
The trio are indeed the leading run-scorers for SRH this season, with Head and Sharma amassing 567 and 482 runs, respectively, while Klaasen has accumulated 463. Reddy has impressed with 290 runs in his 10 innings, while Tripathi has scored 156 in his five innings.
“KKR will be the favorites” – Wasim Jaffer ahead of IPL 2024 final
Wasim Jaffer has picked the table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as the favorites for the IPL 2024 final following their win over SRH in Qualifier 1. He credited KKR for their all-around performance throughout the season.
“KKR will be the favorites because they are a well-rounded team. They have batting depth, and lots of players are in form. The spin department is strong, and fast bowling is doing exceedingly well. Mitchell Starc’s form is very good,” Jaffer stated.
However, Jaffer warned that KKR’s last game at the venue, where they managed only 137/9 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), could boost SRH’s confidence. “KKR lost a game in Chepauk, so SunRisers will also be confident. The spin department bowled well in the last game, so it will increase their confidence. SunRisers are a dangerous team,” he said.
Former India cricketer Varun Aaron highlighted the importance of both teams’ openers in the final clash. He identified Sunil Narine, T Natarajan, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as key players for KKR and SRH, respectively.
“Both teams’ opening partnerships are crucial. You’ve got to get Sunil Narine out quickly because he scores runs at a fast pace. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be key because he swings the ball. It will be Natarajan’s job to stop Rinku and Russell with his yorkers. His figures against Russell are also good,” Aaron observed.
Narine is KKR’s leading run-scorer in IPL 2024, with 482 runs in 13 innings, including a century and three fifties. He has also taken 18 wickets at an economy rate of 6.90. Meanwhile, T Natarajan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have picked up 19 and 11 wickets this season.
KKR have already beaten SRH twice this IPL season. The Shreyas Iyer-led side edged out Pat Cummins and company by four runs in a league match before registering an eight-wicket win in IPL 2024 Qualifier 1. Will KKR maintain their dominance, or will SRH’s adaptability lead them to victory? The final showdown awaits.
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