In the double-header on March 5, 2024, on Sunday, opening batters for both Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sunil Narine managed to score a significant amount of runs to take them up in the race for the orange cap in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League.
Follow the Live Updates for LSG vs KKR in IPL 2024 – Here
For KKR, Narine put up yet another fine performance from the top of the order to score a blistering 81 in 39 deliveries to set the tone for his side who took on the Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. His knock allowed the visitors to set the highest total in that very venue where KKR set a mammoth target of 236.
Earlier in the afternoon, the defending champions CSK were able to get to a target of 167/9 against the Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. The skipper scored 32 in 19 balls to help the side get going but conditions proved to be not so easy as in Lucknow.
Stay updated with the latest from IPL 2024, including top contenders for the IPL 2024 Orange Cap and IPL 2024 Purple Cap. Explore the complete IPL 2024 Schedule, IPL 2024 Points Table and players with the Most Sixes, Most Fours and Most Fifties in IPL 2024
Top 5 Batters in Orange Cap Race
Virat Kohli: The RCB man continues to showcase his prowess with the bat as he leads the run-scoring charts at the moment. Despite holding the title for the majority of the season, his time at the top of the run-scoring charts if he is unable to score the big runs.
Ruturaj Gaikwad: The CSK skipper despite having a tough start to the tournament but with the added role to lead the side, has found the consistency of scoring some crucial runs at the top of the order and could be leading the charts if his form continues like this.
Sunil Narine: Arguably the best performing season with the bat for the former West Indies international, Narine has found his mojo with the bat once again going at the top of the order. But along with his power-hitting abilities, he has been able to maintain his consistency as well which will be something the franchise will continue to rely on.
KL Rahul: The LSG skipper has had a fairly decent season with the bat but the lack of regular partners especially at the top seems to have hampered the side’s luck with a hammering loss against KKR by 98 runs. KL Rahul will have to take his game to another level if LSG will look to improve their chances to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Phil Salt: Despite going unsold in the auctions, the Englishman has certainly proved why he is a worthy investment as he forms a lethal opening duo with the likes of Narine for KKR and has a ridiculous record at home. He was once again able to provide the start the side needed with a quick knock in the powerplay.
Top 5 Bowlers in Purple Cap Race
Jasprit Bumrah: The MI fast bowler has been outstanding through all three phases of the innings. Despite the franchise having contrasting fortunes, Bumrah continues to deliver consistently with both wickets and minimal runs conceded.
Harshal Patel: The leading wicket-taker for PBKS has had an outstanding performance at Dharamsala against CSK where he finished with 3/24. Notably, he also got the legendary MS Dhoni for a golden duck where he uprooted the off-stump too. Despite going for runs on certain occasions he has shown that he can be a reliable wicket-taker in the IPL 2024.
Varun Chakravarthy: The mystery spinner has turned around his fortunes and has been amongst the wickets regularly and helping a dominant bowling attack fire on all cylinders. Against LSG he picked up three wickets to take him up to 16 wickets for the season.
T Natarajan: The left-arm pacer for the Sunrsiers Hyderabad has been outstanding in a side that is known for an explosive batting unit. But quietly the pacer has been doing his job with the ball consistently taking wickets as the side are eyeing a spot in the playoffs.
Arshdeep Singh: The left-arm pacer has been among the wickets regularly. However, a concern would be the amount of runs he concedes with an economy rate just above 10 runs per over. Nonetheless, he has shown the ability to bowl through all three stages of the innings which will be a useful asset.
Comments
0 comment