The highly anticipated matchup between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025 will be an electrifying contest. Both the sides have a deep squad, and the game is expected to be an intense competition. Much will hinge on top individual duels that might determine the fate of the game. Here, we present the top five player duels to watch out for in this interesting fixture. Top 5 Key Player Battles to Watch in DC vs SRH Sno Players 1 KL Rahul vs Shami 2 Faf du Plessis vs Pat Cummins 3 Travis Head vs Mitchell Starc 4 Heinrich Klaasen vs Axar Patel 5 Ishan Kishan vs Mukesh Kumar KL Rahul vs Shami Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2018 11 3 0 0 1 1 366.7 - 2022 2 14 2 12 0 0 14.3 1.0 2023 15 14 0 8 3 0 107.1 - Total 28 31 2 20 4 1 90.3 14.0 KL Rahul, known for his elegant stroke play, has been one of the most consistent hitters in IPL history. However, he will have a tough challenge against Mohammed Shami, who is one of the best seamers in the tournament. Shami’s ability to generate movement with the new ball and his pinpoint accuracy make him a potent threat. In the earlier meetings, Rahul has been able to score some runs against him, but Shami has also given him trouble with his tight lines. If Rahul survives the initial storm, he can place DC in a strong position, but if Shami gets the upper hand, SRH will take an early lead. Also Read | Which Player Has the Highest Powerplay Score in IPL History? Faf du Plessis vs Pat Cummins Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2014 9 6 0 1 1 0 150.0 - 2015 3 4 0 1 0 0 75.0 - 2020 7 5 0 2 1 0 140.0 - 2021 27 14 0 3 2 2 192.9 - 2024 25 10 1 3 2 2 250.0 25.0 Total 71 39 1 10 6 4 182.1 71.0 Faf du Plessis is an old campaigner and is most effective under pressure. His experience of scoring at a quick rate will make him one of the players DC can depend on. Nevertheless, he faces Pat Cummins, who is one of the fastest bowlers in the game. Cummins' knack for finding extra bounce and making it difficult for the batters to handle his hostile pace will pose a significant problem for Faf du Plessis has played some great innings against top bowlers over the years, but Cummins is not an ordinary bowler. If du Plessis can get past Cummins' initial spell, he can establish the platform for a massive total, but if the Australian pacer gets him out early, SRH will be in control. Travis Head vs Mitchell Starc Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2024 0 2 1 2 0 0 0.0 0.0 Total 0 2 1 2 0 0 0.0 0.0 Travis Head has been in sensational touch of late, famous for his attacking batting style. But against Mitchell Starc, it is never a cakewalk, particularly with the new ball. Starc's capability to swing the ball at such high velocities makes him one of the most lethal bowlers in international cricket. Head, who has been vulnerable against left-arm pacers in the past, will have to be very careful. If Starc is able to get his line and length correct, he can get rid of Head early and pressurize DC. Conversely, if Head is able to settle down and play Starc's swing, he can turn the game around in a matter of overs. Heinrich Klaasen vs Axar Patel Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2023 19 10 0 1 0 2 190.0 - 2024 2 4 1 2 0 0 50.0 2.0 Total 21 14 1 3 0 2 150.0 21.0 Heinrich Klaasen has emerged as one of the most perilous middle-order hitters in T20 cricket. His capacity to handle spinners makes him a vital cog for SRH. But he will face Axar Patel, who is renowned for his accuracy and subtle variations. Axar is not a big turner of the ball, but his capacity to bowl tight lines and compel batters to make errors makes him a vital cog for DC. Klaasen, who enjoys attacking spinners, will seek to overpower Axar, but the left-arm spinner, if he finds a rhythm, can strangle the run rate and mount pressure. This battle in the middle overs will prove decisive in determining the course of the match. Also Read | Who Scored the Fastest Century in IPL History? Ishan Kishan vs Mukesh Kumar Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2024 0 1 1 1 0 0 0.0 0.0 Total 0 1 1 1 0 0 0.0 0.0 Ishan Kishan is famous for his aggressive approach to batting and explosive opening starts. His capacity to carry the attack to the bowlers from the very first ball makes him a threat. Mukesh Kumar, though, has been working hard as a bowler and will try to challenge him with his accuracy and capability to bowl tight lines. Mukesh is not a fast bowler, but he has the ability to take important wickets at the right time. Ishan will need to be cautious of Mukesh's swing and tight bowling. DC can start off to a roaring start if Kishan gets going, but if Mukesh can get him out early, SRH will have a big advantage in the match.