IPL 2018 DD vs KXIP: 5 player battles to look forward to 

#1 Trent Boult v KL Rahul

The last time these two teams squared up KL Rahul scored an unforgettable 50 off 14 balls and completely killed off the game in a matter of overs. In that game, he welcomed New Zealand’s star fast bowler Trent Boult to the crease with a six (which was a top edge, in fairness) and two fours in the 1st over.

So, it is fair to say that Rahul won the opening bout but Boult isn’t a bowler who is not going to have a plan against the Indian batsmen when they clash in tonight’s game at the Kotla. Rahul has a strike rate of 183.62 and an average of 42.60, which is why he such a damaging player. He is capable of sustained hitting but Boult’s swing, pace, and seam movement is going to be a challenge for him. The opening skirmish will set the tone for the game, for sure.