Rashid Khan To Trouble KL Rahul? 5 Player Battles To Watch Out In LSG vs PBKS IPL 2025 Match

KL Rahul and Rashid Khan [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]

The IPL’s allure often lies in its simmering subplots, those electrifying duels between bat and ball that quietly shape the game’s narrative. As teams strategize to outthink rivals, individual matchups emerge as tactical battlegrounds.

From crafty spinners plotting against explosive openers to pace veterans testing their wits against finishers, each clash carries layers of intrigue. Hence, ahead of the GT vs DC  clash in Ahmedabad let's take a look at the micro battles that can shape up the battlefield.

1) KL Rahul vs Rashid Khan in IPL

• KL Rahul’s struggles against Rashid Khan are evident in their head-to-head battles. In seven innings, Rahul has managed just 40 runs off 47 balls at a below-par strike rate of 85.10, falling to the Afghan spinner three times. Rashid’s guile and variations, particularly his googlies, have consistently disrupted Rahul’s rhythm, forcing him into defensive play. 
• With an average of 13.33, this matchup highlights Rashid’s dominance over one of the IPL’s premier batters. Teams may look to exploit this weakness strategically, using Rashid during Rahul’s innings to curb his impact.

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2) Jos Buttler vs Kuldeep Yadav in IPL

• Jos Buttler has largely dominated his encounters with Kuldeep Yadav, scoring 74 runs off just 49 balls at a blistering strike rate of 151.02. Despite being dismissed twice in eight innings, Buttler’s aggressive approach against Kuldeep’s wrist-spin stands out, particularly his ability to target the leg-side boundaries. 
• Kuldeep’s challenge lies in varying his pace and line to contain Buttler’s power during the middle overs. This duel could prove pivotal, with Buttler’s intent to attack spin contrasting sharply with Kuldeep’s knack for breaking partnerships.

3) Axar Patel vs Rashid Khan in IPL

• Axar Patel has held his own against Rashid Khan, scoring 58 runs off 47 balls at a healthy strike rate of 123.40 while being dismissed twice in nine meetings. Axar’s composure against Rashid’s spin, especially his ability to rotate strike and occasionally target the mid-wicket region, reflects his utility as a lower-order stabilizer. 
• Their battles often unfold in the middle overs, where Axar’s calculated aggression tests Rashid’s defensive strategies. This matchup underscores the tactical depth of spin-versus-spin contests in the IPL.

4) Faf du Plessis vs Rashid Khan in IPL

• Faf du Plessis’s woes against Rashid Khan are glaring, with just 24 runs scored off 41 balls at a dismal strike rate of 58.53. Rashid has dismissed him three times in seven innings, exploiting Faf’s tentative footwork against sharp turn. 
• The South African’s struggles highlight Rashid’s mastery over experienced batters who prefer pace on the ball. Teams might deploy Rashid early against Faf to capitalize on this psychological edge, turning it into a key tactical ploy during powerplays or middle overs.

5) Jos Buttler vs Mohit Sharma in IPL

• Jos Buttler’s explosive strike rate of 206.66 against Mohit Sharma reflects his dominance in this matchup. Despite being dismissed twice in three innings, Buttler’s 31 runs off just 15 balls showcase his ability to dismantle Mohit’s variations, particularly his slower balls. 
• Mohit’s challenge lies in outsmarting Buttler with precise yorkers or cutters during death overs. This clash epitomizes the high-risk, high-reward nature of T20 cricket, where one mistimed delivery could shift momentum decisively.

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