IPL 2023: 4 key battles to watchout for this week ft. KL Rahul vs Punjab Kings

Another exciting week of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is right around the corner where some of the top battles will be seen. Matchups have started to play a major role in T20 cricket and so eyes be on numerous key battles on the cards.

The first week of the IPL was a dramatic one including Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) victory against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) marvellous 8-wicket victory against Mumbai Indians (MI), and Shardul Thakur’s power-packed batting against Faf du Plessis’ men.

Let us take a look at the top interesting moments that we will get to see in the coming week. Here’s a glance:

Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals

It's time to relive the epic final of the IPL 2022 where Gujarat Titans became victorious in a one-sided game. Hardik Pandya & Co. scripted history by winning the title in their inaugural season and that too against a quality side like Rajasthan.

Now, Sanju Samson and his team would like to take revenge for the finale by beating them by a great margin. The Men in Pink are full of power hitters including Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Shimron Hetmyer who can steal the encounter in minutes.

Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, would want to maintain their winning run against the Royals as they are coming with a sensational victory against Delhi Capitals.

Arshdeep Singh vs Hardik Pandya

Arshdeep Singh is known to bowl some great overs at death and on the other hand, Hardik Pandya likes to hit big on the yorkers. This is going to be an exciting face-off as both of them would learn from one another.

Having Hardik Pandya at the batting end, Arshdeep Singh has to bowl some tight lines, or else he can be hit for sixes. Pandya has been a more responsible batter now and likes to take his time at the pitch. Moreover, Arshdeep would never want to settle him down as the Gujarat Titans skipper can be dangerous for Punjab. The battle between the two can be witnessed on April 13.

Sunil Narine vs Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma is enjoying his batting with Mumbai Indians and is set to be their impact player for a longer time. He has confidence, shots, elegance and power as well which has helped Rohit Sharma & Co. a lot in the past. After the exit of some players from the side like Pollard, Pandya brothers, and Malinga, MI needed some players who can take responsibility and win matches like before and Varma has proved himself on multiple occasions.

On the other side, top-class mystery bowler like Sunil Narine has dismantled multiple big players in the league and can make Tilak Varma frustrated with his deliveries. It is never easy against a bowler like Narine to hit consecutive boundaries because he has variety in his bowling. Varma has to be on his toes if he has to tackle a bowler like Narine. Witness this battle on April 16.

KL Rahul vs Punjab Kings

It is surely going to be a nostalgic moment for KL Rahul as he has been their captain in the past. He was the face of Punjab Kings before joining LSG in 2022, also the right-hander played his best cricket in the IPL for the Kings and won a number of games for them in the past.

On April 15, the elegant player will be against Punjab in Lucknow and it is going to be very important for him to give his best. Rahul has lost his form in the recent past and is still struggling to find his rhythm back. However, he is lucky enough to still be a part of the team and here is the correct time to prove the management right.

By - Mohak Arora (Parimatch sports expert)