In the concluding battle of the IPL 2024, the two-time champion and table-leader Kolkata Knight Riders will face another former champion Sunrisers Hyderabad at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday (May 26).

The face-off will be a rematch of Qualifier 1 of IPL 2024, where KKR have destroyed SRH with complete domination. Both of the franchises have met each other 27 times in the past and the Knights have an overwhelming dominance over their rivals by a 18 to 9 winning ratio. This season KKR beat SRH on both occasions they have met.

On its way to their fourth IPL Final, the Knights have managed to win nine matches and two matches ended up with washouts which led them to a secure spot at the top of the table. On the other hand, SRH managed to win eight matches and ended up second with 17 points. After facing a humiliating defeat against the Knights in Qualifier 1, the Risers made a comeback and managed a comfortable win over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2.

KKR vs SRH IPL 2024 Final: Bowling Squad Comparison

The Knights emerged as one of the strongest bowling units this season with five bowlers having 15 wickets or more. Though their pace attack seems to be in disarray at the beginning of the season, they pick their form at the right time of the tournament. Harshit Rana has been brilliant throughout the season. The only concern was Mitchell Starc, who had also shown his mettle in the last match by single-handedly destroying the SRH top-order. Other pacers, Vaibhav Arora and Andre Russel also picked wickets at crucial moments multiple times. Though the cornerstone of the Knights bowling attack is their spinner duo, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy who have collectively bagged 36 wickets so far.

On the other hand, the Orange brigade remained highly dependent on their pacers all over the season. Despite having star pacers like Pat Cummins and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the squad, T. Natarajan emerged as the best bowler of the Hyderabad side. Their regular spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Mayank Markande have failed to deliver up to expectations. However, in the last match, part-time spinners like Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhishek Sharma stepped up and turned the fate of the match with an outstanding display.

KKR vs SRH IPL 2024 Final: Starc vs Cummins, Who Will Get Maximum Wickets in the Final Showdown

Varun Chakravarthy (KKR): The 32-year-old Indian spinner has been a pivotal part of the KKR bowling attack. The right-arm leg-spinner is the highest wicket-taker for the Knights and also the highest wicket-taker as a spinner this season with 20 wickets. With his meagre economy rate and wicket-taking ability, Chakravarthy can be deadly in the spinner-friendly pitch of the Chepauk. It will be a challenge for him to stop the SRH middle order in the middle overs.

Sunil Narine (KKR): The legendary Caribbean mystery spinner has played key roles in making the Knights champion in the past. This season also the 35-year-old veteran is showing his magic across the matches with all-round performances. The right-arm offspinner has picked 16 wickets so far and he is expected to extend his tally in the final also.

T. Natarajan (SRH): The left-arm medium-fast bowler, along with Pat Cummins made the SRH pace attack formidable this season. The 33-year-old Indian pacer has picked 19 wickets so far. With his intelligent bowling, Natarajan will be vital in getting an early breakthrough against the Knights top-order.

Shahbaz Ahmed (SRH): The 29-year-old left-arm offspinner has been phenomenal in Qualifier 2, as the all-rounder managed to scalp three RR batters including Yashasvi Jaiswal and in-form Riyan Parag. If the weather remains similar to the last match and the pitch remains dry, he might take advantage of the situation just like the last match. However, the challenge will be tougher against the KKR middle order who have plenty of options and good records against spin bowling.

Despite an easy win against the Royals, it will be a difficult fixture for the Risers against the Knights, given the recent defeat against the same opponents. KKR have some world-class bowlers in their team along with some great local talents. The Orange Brigade has their squad filled with some of the best power hitters of this time. Keeping in mind the nature of the pitch of the last match, it can be safe to say that bowlers will play a decisive role in this game. Hence, a highly competitive battle can be expected in this closing fixture of IPL 2024.