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In the lead-up to the high-stakes IPL 2024 final, former India's star batter Suresh Raina offered some valuable advice for Pat Cummins-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Raina, a four-time IPL champion with the Chennai Super Kings, boasts extensive experience playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the venue for this year's final. Notably, both finalists have tasted defeat against each other twice this season. In their previous encounters Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) managed to overpower SRH, leaving the Orange Army with a score to settle. However, the final is a fresh start for SRH. They'll be looking to shed the baggage of past losses and potentially claim their second IPL title. While KKR finished the league stage on top with an impressive 9 wins, including a victory over SRH in Qualifier 1, SRH demonstrated their resilience by bouncing back and defeating Rajasthan Royals to secure another shot at the championship. This sets the stage for a thrilling final where both teams will be vying for IPL glory.
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Raina's winning mantra for SRH
Raina advocated for SRH to stick with their strategy of batting first, even though they lost to KKR who used the same tactic. He emphasized Pat Cummins' leadership experience in high-pressure matches, citing his victories in the World Test Championship Final and ODI World Cup with Australia last year.
"Sunrisers should back their batting first approach and put runs on the board, but the eight overs of spin will be crucial. With KKR having won an IPL in Chennai, the pressure will be different. The key point for SRH is Pat Cummins who has already won the World Cup, he knows how to keep the dressing room running. You follow the process, you are switched on for the finals, the players know their roles, and everything will be organized," Raina told Jio Cinema.
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SRH's explosive Duo, Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head lead the way
Sunrisers Hyderabad's opening partnership of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head has been nothing short of phenomenal this IPL season. The pair has amassed a staggering 689 runs in just 14 innings, boasting a jaw-dropping strike rate of 227.4. This dominant duo has been instrumental in propelling SRH towards success, often securing one-sided victories for their team. Their dominance extends to record-breaking territory. Sharma and Head have created history with a record three century partnerships this season - no other opening pair has managed even two. These partnerships haven't come at a slow pace either, boasting strike rates of 220.4, 287.9, and a mind-boggling 344.7.
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