IPL 2018, KXIP vs SRH: 5 player battles to look forward to between Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad

#1 KL Rahul v Billy Stanlake

KL Rahul

On one hand, it is the batsman who has completely decimate opening attacks over the course of his last three innings and on the other, it is the big Australian, who has proven to be one of the most awkward bowlers to face in the IPL so far. Indian star KL Rahul is in sensational hitting form and what makes him so dangerous is the fact that his hitting involves minimal slogging. In three games, he is averaging 45 and he has recorded a jaw-dropping strike rate of 190.90. Needless to say, he is KXIP’s most important batsman and considering his excellent technique, he has the wherewithal to take on the best bowling attack in the tournament.

However, the Australian fast bowler Billy Stanlake will almost certainly be a surprise for Rahul and the disconcerting bounce that the 6 ft 8 in bowler can extract from almost any pitch, makes him a tough bowler to face. It might end up being a stalemate, with Rahul deciding against blasting Stanlake and the latter failing to take his wicket. However, if the right-hander does decide to take him on, then it could make for an outstanding contest as the fast bowler is not going to take the beating lying down. It is a contest that could definitely decide the game.