KKR vs SRH: "Don't be surprised if they..." - Aakash Chopra's bold prediction for IPL 2024 final; names key players for SRH

The big stage is all set for the grand IPL 2024 Final encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, May 26.

Ahead of the summit clash between the top two teams this season, former Indian batter and cricket analyst Aakash Chopra shared his insights on the final showdown in Chennai. Chopra predicted an entertaining encounter between KKR and SRH, with both teams putting up a strong fight for the coveted trophy.

Don't be surprised if SRH lift the trophy: Aakash Chopra

The commentator further warned the KKR that SRH shouldn't be underestimated while highlighting their potential to clinch the IPL trophy in Chennai on Sunday. He stressed that people should not be surprised if SRH wins the final against KKR.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel, “It's going to be a good game. I feel this encounter will be extremely enjoyable. Hyderabad will not go down without a fight. Don't be surprised if they lift the trophy. That is also possible. It is the third final for both teams (fourth for KKR). KKR lifted the trophy at this ground itself in 2012 after beating Chennai.”

Going further into his analysis, Chopra has named Abhishek Sharma as a key player for SRH in their batting lineup for the title clash against KKR, considering his recent form in the IPL 2024 despite minor setbacks in the previous matches, scoring 3 in Qualifier 1 and 12 in Qualifier 2.

He also singled out Heinrich Klaasen as his second player to watch out for from the SRH team, given his consistent performance this season, especially in the IPL 2024 playoffs.

Heinrich Klaasen and Abhishek Sharma will shine with the bat against KKR: Aakash Chopra

Chopra said, “Abhishek Sharma became a little too greedy in the last match and got out because of that. However, he bowled, and he might be required to bowl in this match as well." Speaking about Klaasen, the commentator said: "In Qualifier 1 and also the third game of the season, runs came from Heinrich Klaasen’s bat against this team. He is not bothered that much by spin, and he plays differently.”

Speaking about SRH’s bowling attack, Chopra described SRH skipper Pat Cummins as “absolutely gun” and felt KKR should be wary of the Australian pacer. He also mentioned Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan as key bowlers to watch out for in the title clash in Chennai.

Additionally, Chopra praised Rahul Tripathi for his impactful contributions with the bat, despite his extremely high-risk batting this season. Notably, Nataraja is the leading wicket-taker for the SRH with 19 scalps this season so far, followed by Cummins (17) and Bhuvneshwar (11).

Notably, KKR have a great record against SRH, winning 18 games from their 27 meetings, with Hyderabad winning nine games so far.