IPL 2025 season is still thrilling cricket enthusiasts, and among the most awaited match-ups is between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Besides the teams, the encounter has some intriguing one-to-one battles between star cricketers that may determine the result. In the following, we examine the top four such player battles to keenly watch in Match 65. Top 4 Key Player Battles to Watch in RCB vs SRH Sno Players 1 Abhishek Sharma vs Yash Dayal 2 Heinrich Klaasen vs Suyash Sharma 3 Virat Kohli vs Pat Cummins 4 Virat Kohli vs Harshal Patel Abhishek Sharma vs Yash Dayal Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2022 12 9 0 3 2 0 133.3 - 2023 4 4 1 3 1 0 100.0 4.0 2024 10 6 1 2 2 0 166.7 10.0 Total 26 19 2 8 5 0 136.8 13.0 Abhishek Sharma of SRH and Yash Dayal of RCB have shared some face-offs over the past few seasons. Abhishek, who is a young and promising batter, has made a total of 26 runs off 19 balls against Yash Dayal in the IPL till date and has a very good strike rate of almost 137. Although he has been dismissed twice in these matches, Abhishek's attacking style has also put Yash in trouble at times. Abhishek's strike rate in 2024 was a remarkable 166.7, having scored 10 runs on only 6 balls, proving his capability of dealing with the pacer. Yash Dayal, with his pace and accuracy, will try to stifle Abhishek's run-scoring. He has been good but the attacking nature of the young batter makes this an interesting contest to watch out for. If Yash is able to maintain a tight line and bowl dot balls, he can put pressure on Abhishek and make him make mistakes. Also Read | Who are the batters to have been retired out in the history of IPL? Check full list here Heinrich Klaasen vs Suyash Sharma Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2024 3 3 0 1 0 0 100.0 - Total 3 3 0 1 0 0 100.0 - This contest has witnessed minimal action but is interesting in its own right. SRH hard-hitting batsman Heinrich Klaasen has once batted against Suyash Sharma in the IPL, getting 3 runs off 3 balls at a strike rate of 100. While this is a sample size, Klaasen's serenity under pressure and capability to get to gaps may prove testing for the inexperienced RCB bowler. Suyash Sharma, the talented bowler, will try to silence Klaasen and not allow him to settle in. This battle may be decisive in the middle overs when Klaasen is able to take the innings forward, and Suyash will need to bowl with control and discipline. Also Read | 7 Legal Balls in One Over in IPL? Here's What Happened Virat Kohli vs Pat Cummins Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2015 13 9 0 4 1 1 144.4 - 2017 4 7 0 3 0 0 57.1 - 2020 0 0 0 0 0 0 - - 2024 16 8 0 1 3 0 200.0 - Total 33 24 0 8 4 1 137.5 - One of the most thrilling contests is between SRH's pace attack leader Pat Cummins and RCB's leading batsman Virat Kohli. Kohli has played against Cummins a number of times in the past and has a staggering 33 runs from 24 balls against him, without ever being dismissed by him. Virat has had an impressive strike rate of about 137 against Cummins, demonstrating the ease with which he plays fast bowling. Significantly, Kohli hit a rapid 16 runs off only 8 balls against Cummins in 2024, at a strike of 200, reflecting his attacking mindset. Cummins, meanwhile, would be eager to utilize his experience and variations to prevent Kohli from ruling. This battle is crucial because Kohli’s innings often set the tone for RCB, and Cummins’ wickets can shift momentum towards SRH. Watching how these two greats compete will be thrilling. Virat Kohli vs Harshal Patel Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2018 21 14 1 3 1 1 150.0 21.0 2020 22 13 0 2 1 1 169.2 - 2024 29 15 1 2 3 1 193.3 29.0 Total 72 42 2 7 5 3 171.4 36.0 The other important battle for Virat Kohli will be with Harshal Patel, SRH's talented bowler. Kohli has confronted Harshal more than Cummins and done exceptionally well. In three seasons, Kohli has accumulated 72 runs off 42 deliveries against Harshal with some strong hitting with five fours and three sixes. His strike rate of more than 171 indicates his supremacy. In 2024, Kohli’s form was exceptional against Harshal, scoring 29 runs off 15 balls, which is a big boost for RCB. Harshal, however, is known for his clever variations and death-over expertise. He will look to use his experience to break Kohli’s rhythm and take important wickets.