The IPL 2025 encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is expected to be a thrilling contest. Both sides possess solid line-ups with individual contests between top players likely to tip the balance. Five such important showdowns to look out for in this high-intensity game are: Sno Players 1 Quinton de Kock vs Mohammed Shami 2 Ajinkya Rahane vs Pat Cummins 3 Andre Russell vs Harshal Patel 4 Vaibhav Arora vs Travis Head 5 Varun Chakravarthy vs Heinrich Klaasen Quinton de Kock vs Mohammed Shami Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2019 20 12 1 3 0 2 166.7 20.0 2020 12 6 0 1 1 0 200.0 - 2021 5 3 1 1 1 0 166.7 5.0 2022 7 9 1 5 1 0 77.8 7.0 2023 10 6 0 2 2 0 166.7 - Total 54 36 3 12 5 2 150.0 18.0 Quinton de Kock is among the most destructive openers in T20 cricket. But he has had a hit-and-miss record against Mohammed Shami earlier. In their one-on-one battles, de Kock has made 54 runs from 36 balls but has also lost his wicket three times. Shami has been able to trouble him with tight lines and movement, trapping de Kock into errors. If de Kock makes a flying start, it can go a long way in setting the tone for KKR, but if Shami can eliminate him early, SRH will be in the driver's seat. Ajinkya Rahane vs Pat Cummins Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2017 2 2 0 0 0 0 100.0 - 2020 0 1 1 1 0 0 0.0 0.0 2024 11 8 0 3 0 1 137.5 - Total 13 11 1 4 0 1 118.2 13.0 Ajinkya Rahane has a classical batting approach, but he has been struggling against pace in recent times. His contest with Pat Cummins will be an interesting one as Cummins has been able to keep Rahane in check. In their previous encounters, Rahane has played only 13 runs off 11 balls and has been dismissed once. Cummins' extra bounce and pace can be a threat to Rahane. But if Rahane manages to rotate the strike and establish his innings, he can negate Cummins' threat successfully. Also Read | Top 5 Best Bowling Figures on IPL Debut Andre Russell vs Harshal Patel Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2015 17 8 0 3 2 1 212.5 - 2019 15 8 0 3 0 2 187.5 - 2021 3 5 1 2 0 0 60.0 3.0 2022 0 5 1 5 0 0 0.0 0.0 Total 35 26 2 13 2 3 134.6 17.5 Andre Russell is one of the most feared power-hitters in T20 cricket, and his duel with Harshal Patel will be crucial. Russell has made 35 runs off 26 balls against Harshal but has also got out twice. Harshal's slower balls and variations have been troublesome for Russell to consistently play big shots. If Russell picks up speed, he is able to turn the match in KKR's direction within minutes. But if Harshal is able to trick him with cutters and yorkers, he is able to stop a late attack from the finisher of KKR. Also Read | How IPL Franchise Scout and Nurture Emerging Talents Vaibhav Arora vs Travis Head 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 Vaibhav Arora is a young quick bowler who has impressed with his speed and accuracy. He will face Travis Head, an aggressive batsman. In their last encounter, Arora sent Head back to the pavilion for a duck off just one ball. But Head is a player who can snatch the game away from the other team in no time. If Arora is able to do it once again, then it will be a big morale-booster for KKR, but if Head settles, then SRH will have a nice platform. Varun Chakravarthy vs Heinrich Klaasen Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2023 1 1 0 0 0 0 100.0 - 2024 34 19 1 7 0 4 178.9 34.0 Total 35 20 1 7 0 4 175.0 35.0 Varun Chakravarthy has been KKR's preferred bowler in the middle overs, and his battle with Heinrich Klaasen will be decisive. Klaasen has been a threat against spin, and his recent form against Chakravarthy attests to this. In two years, Klaasen has made 35 runs from 20 balls and has also hit four sixes. Still, Chakravarthy has also dismissed him once. If Klaasen is able to control the spin attack, SRH will be well-placed, but if Chakravarthy is able to get him out early, it will leave KKR in charge.