Every batter carries a unique rhythm against specific opponents, whether auspicious or otherwise. Travis Head’s narrative in the IPL Finals epitomized this phenomenon as the Aussie succumbed to a golden duck, perpetuating his trend of faltering against teams donning non-blue jerseys.
As the curtains descended on this year’s Indian Premier League, a bustling Chepauk Stadium awaited the showdown between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). SRH skipper Pat Cummins elected to bat first, a strategy that had served them well throughout the season.
WATCH – Mitchell Starc’s Magic Delivery Bowls Out Abhishek Sharma In IPL 2024 Final
However, fortune did not favour his decision as Abhishek Sharma fell victim to an early dismissal in the opening over, followed swiftly by Travis Head’s departure in the next. In the first over, Travis Head decided not to take the strike, leaving it to Abhishek Sharma. This decision might have been influenced by his previous encounter with Mitchell Starc, who had sent him packing with a peach of a ball in Qualifier 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
— Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (@Hanji_CricDekho) May 26, 2024
— Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (@Hanji_CricDekho) May 26, 2024
Mitchell Starc’s earlier dismissal of Head appeared to have left an impact, as the Australian pacer got into the head of his compatriot, teasing him for not taking the strike. Mitchell Starc didn’t miss the opportunity to rattle the young Indian batter either, sending Abhishek Sharma back to the pavilion with a sensational delivery.
WATCH – Shreyas Iyer’s Toss Troubles: ‘Black Magic’ Fail To Break Toss Jinx In IPL 2024 Final
It was a ball that swung late and sharply, deserving the label of the tournament’s best, to which Sharma had no answer. On the last ball of the second over, Vaibhav Arora delivered a well-pitched outswinger to Head. The left-hander attempted to defend, but Arora’s impeccable swing forced the ball to deviate away from Head’s body, resulting in an edge that landed comfortably in the gloves of Kolkata’s wicket-keeper, Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
— Bill Jax (@jax_bill74377) May 26, 2024
Disheartened, Head trudged back to the pavilion, marking yet another golden duck in the tournament. Meanwhile, jubilation erupted in the Kolkata dugout as they celebrated the dismissal of this prized wicket.
The dismissals of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head set the tone for a challenging innings for Sunrisers Hyderabad, highlighting the psychological battles within cricket and the tactical acumen required to overcome such hurdles. Despite the early setbacks, the match promised to deliver an enthralling contest as both teams vied for the coveted IPL 2024 title.
