IPL 2023: 3 Key Match-Ups to Watch-Out in KKR VS PBKS Match No.53

The upcoming match on May 8th between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 53rd game of IPL 2023 will be held at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Previously, PBKS had won against KKR during this season’s earlier match in Mohali through the DLS method during a rain-hit clash. KKR has a significant advantage in the head-to-head between the two teams, having won 20 out of 31 matches. After playing 10 games each, PBKS is ranked higher than KKR at the seventh position with 10 points, while KKR has eight points.

KKR has emerged victorious in 4 out of the 10 matches played in IPL 2023, with their most recent win coming in the last game. The team boasts a solid opening partnership comprising Jasn Roy and Gurbaaz, while their middle order displayed excellent run-scoring capabilities in their previous match. The bowling unit comprises three high quality spinners, namely Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, and Suyash Sharma. Additionally, KKR’s all-round attack features Shardul and Russell, who are formidable assets to the team.

Punjab’s spin bowling attack is led by Rahul Chahar, who is their premium spinner and has been in good form throughout the tournament. Harpreet Brar is another dependable spinner who can prove useful in the upcoming match. To qualify for the playoffs, Punjab needs to improve their all-around performance and focus on winning crucial matches in the remaining games.

IPL 2023: Top Player Battles to Keep an Eye on in KKR VS PBKS Game:

3) Jason Roy vs Arshdeep Singh

The upcoming KKR VS PBKS match is set to witness a thrilling duel between the explosive opener Jason Roy and the Kings’ leading wicket-taker, Arshdeep Singh. Roy has been in exceptional form this season, smashing 180 runs in just four matches, including two half-centuries, at a staggering strike rate of 159.29. Meanwhile, Arshdeep has been a key figure for Punjab, claiming 16 wickets in ten innings at an impressive average of 22.56, with an economy rate of 9.8 and a strike rate of 13.81.

In the previous match against the Knight Riders, Arshdeep was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. Although the two have not faced each other before in the IPL, their upcoming encounter promises to be an exhilarating contest between the dynamic batsman and the skilled bowler. The outcome of this captivating battle could potentially determine the outcome of the match.

2) Shikhar Dhawan vs Sunil Narine

The upcoming match between the Knight Riders and the Punjab Kings promises an exciting face-off between Shikhar Dhawan and Sunil Narine. Narine, known for his skill against left-handed batsmen, has dismissed Dhawan twice in their 15 IPL meetings. Nevertheless, Dhawan has scored 88 runs off 78 balls, which includes two boundaries and six sixes in this battle.

During their previous encounter against KKR this season, Dhawan played a match-winning knock of 40 runs off just 29 balls. However, Narine was able to limit his run-scoring opportunities, returning figures of 1/40 in his four overs. Dhawan tends to be more watchful against off-spinners, as his IPL strike rate against them is only 111.68. It remains to be seen how he will approach Narine in the upcoming match and whether he can overcome the spinner’s prowess. This contest could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the match.

1) Liam Livingstone vs Varun Chakaravarthy

KKR will be focused on restraining Liam Livingstone in the upcoming match after his impressive 82* in the previous game. To counter the England batsman’s form, KKR could use the services of Varun Chakaravarthy, who has been in exceptional form this season. Chakaravarthy has been one of the top-performing bowlers this year, having taken eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.82 in the overs between seven and fifteen. This makes him an ideal candidate to restrict Livingstone’s explosive hitting in the middle overs.

In IPL 2023, Livingstone has been in fine form, scoring at an impressive rate of 163.54. However, KKR will be hoping to use Chakaravarthy’s skills to stifle the batsman’s scoring rate and limit his impact on the match. A lot will depend on how well KKR’s bowlers execute their plans, and if they can successfully curb Livingstone’s form, it could tip the scales in their favor.