The KKR vs SRH IPL 2024 match is scheduled for March 23 in Kolkata, marking the season opener for both teams. Eden Gardens hosts just one game in the first phase of IPL 2024. Last season, KKR finished seventh while SRH finished last. In their 25 IPL encounters, KKR has won 16 matches compared to SRH’s nine, showing KKR’s dominance.
KKR made headlines by acquiring Mitchell Starc for 24.75 crores in the IPL 2024 auction. Gautam Gambhir’s return as team mentor adds depth to their lineup. They have a strong chance to make the playoffs, having reached the final in 2021.
SRH, on the other hand, spent over 20 crores to bring back Pat Cummins, naming him captain. Their challenge lies in managing their eight top-class international players.
The Eden Gardens pitch has historically favored batting, but with Gambhir’s return, it may return to being spin-friendly. KKR’s spinners - Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Auyash Sharma, and newcomer Mujeeb Ur Rahman - are expected to play a vital role.
Some players from both teams have had limited international exposure, impacting their form. SRH has no fitness concerns, but KKR’s Shreyas Iyer’s fitness is in question. He was cleared by medical teams but consulted a Mumbai specialist who advised caution in his defensive techniques.