IPL 2022: Why KKR has an upper hand over SRH tonight

In today’s IPL match, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be up against against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). While Kolkata lost the last match against Delhi Capitals (DC), Hyderabad won their last encounter against Gujarat Titans (GT). SRH also became the first team to hand over a defeat to Gujarat Titans this season.

But, who looks strong on paper in today’s game? If we go by the stats, KKR and SRH have faced each other in 21 matches. While the KKR has won 14 of these ties, SRH registered win in 7 games. KKR clearly has a psychological advantage over Kane Williamson’s Hyderabad . 

Though both the teams have strong players, KKR has a slight edge over SRH.

Here is why:

1. THE MYSTERY SPINNERS

One of the biggest advantages KKR has, is the presence of spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. The two will come effective against the in-form SRH batters like Kane Williamson, Nicholas Pooran and even Abhishek Sharma. Chakravarty, in the five matches so far, has taken 4 wickets, and has an impressive economy of 7.30 runs per over. Narine in the five matches has taken four wickets and his economy rate was 7.94.

SRH don’t have skilled spinners like Narine and Chakravarthy in the team.

2. THE POWER HITTERS OF KKR

The presence of Andre Russel and Pat Cummins also gives KKR an added advantage over Hyderabad. Cummins' innings against Mumbai Indians (MI), where he scored 56 off 15 balls, has put him in the league of power-hitters. With Narine, Cummins, Shreyas Iyer and Andre Russell, KKR has a very strong batting line up which can chase big scores.

On the other hand, Hyderabad only has Nicholas Pooran and Rahul Tripathi who go explosive in their innings.

3. QUESTION MARK OVER RAHUL TRIPATHI

Sunrisers' joy this evening tempered by on-field injuries to Rahul Tripathi and Washington Sundar #SRHvGT | #IPL2022 ? https://t.co/nwjOZhf3it pic.twitter.com/0n2aBIpLa2

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 11, 2022

One of the biggest worries for SRH will be the injuries to Rahul Tripathi and Washington Sundar. Tripathi, in the last game against Gujarat, suffered a cramp in his hamstring because of which he had to be retired hurt. Though captain Kane Williamson said it was a minor injury, we still don’t know whether Tripathi will play today’s match.

Tripathi not playing for SRH might be disadvantageous for the team as he partnered with Nicholas Pooran for big hits. In the four matches so far, Tripathi has an average of 50 runs.

4. THE ABSENCE OF WASHINGTON SUNDAR

Hyderabad head coach Tom Moody had said that all-rounder Washington Sundar might not be able to play next few matches because of a split webbing on his bowling hand. Hyderabad will miss him in the bowling departement and he was in a good form. In the four matches he has played so far, Sundar has clinched 4 wickets and also scored a half-century against Rajasthan Royals (RR).

The match takes place on April 15, 7:30 pm at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai.