(Associated Press)
KKR vs SRH: Kolkata’s pace spearhead, Harshit Rana, emphasized that deciphering the Chennai conditions will be pivotal for success in the final. While KKR gains firsthand experience on the ground, SRH will bring insights from their recent encounter in Qualifier 2.
KKR’s fast bowler Harshit Rana underscores the importance of evaluating the conditions for clinching the Indian Premier League 2024 championship. Rana, renowned for his prowess in KKR’s death over bowling, aims to secure his maiden IPL title following a standout season. Ahead of the showdown against SRH, Rana shared his match focus with Wisden India.
Expressing his thoughts, the fast bowler, who faced a ban for his exuberant celebrations, highlighted the intensity experienced by bowlers throughout the tournament.
“In-game situations are highly charged,” he remarked. “The sooner we gauge the conditions and pitch dynamics, the better it is for me. Hence, my primary focus is to decipher the strategies that will be effective on this pitch,” Harshit Rana informed Wisden India.
In regards to his preparation, Rana shared that he intentionally subjected himself to pressure during training, striving to recreate match scenarios to enhance his ability to perform under duress. With 17 wickets from 12 matches at an impressive economy rate of 9.41, Rana’s performance stands out. Given the high scoring trend in Kolkata this season, maintaining an economy rate of 9.4 and a strike rate of 13.47 is commendable indeed.
“It is tough but I have been working hard on these. I keep working on these in the practice sessions, and it becomes easier for me to implement them during the game. It is tough but as I have worked hard on it during training, I know exactly what to bowl when – I have put that pressure on myself to excel in various situations,” Rana said.
Having secured their spot in the final by defeating SRH in Qualifier 1 at Ahmedabad, KKR is poised to face them once again. With two victories already against SRH this season, KKR aims to continue their winning streak and secure their third title in the history of the tournament.
