IPL 2024: Qualifier 2: SRH vs RR: 3 players to be in focus from SRH

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will vie for a spot in the final as the former champions clash in IPL 2024 Qualifier 2 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, May 24. Pat Cummins’ SRH enters the contest following a crushing 8-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 1, while Sanju Samson’s RR come in buoyed by a 4-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Eliminator. 

In their previous match, SRH’s strong batting lineup faltered, with Rahul Tripathi’s lone fifty and Cummins’ late cameo helping them reach 159. However, KKR chased down the target in under 14 overs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, securing a direct entry to the final. Despite the defeat, SRH gets another chance to reach the final thanks to their second-place finish in the points table.  

On the other hand, RR have relied on Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer’s partnership to chase down 173 and defeat RCB, advancing to the second qualifier in Ahmedabad. Both SRH and RR aim to move one step closer to their second IPL title when they face off in their 20th IPL meeting and first clash in Chennai. Here is a look at SRH vs. RR head-to-head numbers and other details. 

Also Read: IPL 2024: Most runs and Most wickets after Eliminator 1, RR vs RCB 

Let us look at three major players from SRH to look into ahead of Qualifier 2; 

Heinrich Klaasen  

Heinrich Klaasen had a mediocre qualifier 1 by his standards and he will be looking to improve on it. While Travis Head has given SRH explosive starts, Heinrich Klaasen has been vital in sustaining momentum during the middle overs. Klaasen has scored 413 runs in 13 innings at an impressive strike rate of 180.34, with an average of 41.30 in IPL 2024 so far. He will once again be aligned with the duty of finishing off SRH innings. 

Travis Head 

After a bizarre dismissal in the first Qualifier where the left-hand batter was clean bowled by a brilliant full-length delivery from Mitchell Starc, there will be a lot residing on him to deliver. It is a no brainer that he has been one of the most vital clogs in SRH’s wheel to success. The star Australia batter has delivered explosive performances at the top of the order, helping his team achieve mammoth totals. In IPL 2024, Head has amassed 533 runs in 12 innings, averaging 44.41 with an impressive strike rate of 199.62. 

Pat Cummins 

The saying “Cometh the hour, cometh the man” aptly describes Pat Cummins. Throughout 2019, Cummins has consistently shown his exceptional ability when the stakes are high. Therefore, in Qualifier 2, SRH fans will be expecting Cummins to lead the team to victory and perform at his highest potential. In the IPL 2024, the Australian Test captain has picked up 16 wickets in the 14 games with a best bowling figure of 3/43 to his name.