To add to the thrilling element in the T20 league, the Big Bash League (BBL) introduces several revisions in competition rules and regulations. The BCCI has also devised a virtual seeding system, and they grouped the ten teams into two virtual groups based on the number of championships each squad had won. The IPL 2022 season will start with a blockbuster match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The much-anticipated showdown between Lucknow and Gujarat, the two new debutants, will also take place in the first week. While spectators are hooked to their televisions and mobile devices to witness these enthralling events, the enthralling competitions between players have also piqued their interest. This article looks at three such player rivalries to keep an eye on in the next season.
1. Virat Kohli vs Shreyas Gopal:
Virat Kohli’s battle with spin bowling is no longer a holy grail. Kohli’s strike rate against spin has dropped dramatically in the last three to four years, and Kohli had the lowest strike rate against spinners among hitters who faced more than 100 balls in the IPL 2021. Many bowlers, including Shreyas Gopal, have exploited his weakness against tweakers. Except for the Rajasthan Royals, Kohli has amassed many runs against all clubs. Against RR, he has an average of 21.58, which is awful by his standards. Shreyas Gopal is the domino effect. Kohli has been dismissed three times in six innings by the leg spinner. Gopal will play for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the coming season, but the rivalry will remain. Given that RCB is in the same group as SRH, the match-up between Kohli and Gopal will be interesting to watch.
2. Jasprit Bumrah vs Andre Russell:
The Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders match one of the most exciting in the IPL. Mumbai has trounced Kolkata, winning 19 games to Kolkata’s six victories. On the other hand, fans have been treated to some thrilling matches between the two teams.
But the rivalry isn’t complete until Jasprit Bumrah, and Andre Russell go head-to-head. Bumrah’s rabbit is now the West Indian power hitter, and Russell has been removed three times by the Mumbai Indians captain, who has surrendered 51 runs in 40 balls. But who knows, maybe the tides will flip in Russell’s favour in the next issue. 
3. Trent Boult vs Prithvi Shaw:
Prithvi Shaw, the 2018 U19 World Captain, rose to prominence in the province with a century on his Test debut against the West Indies. India appeared to have discovered a strong opener for the future. Shaw has been compared to Virender Sehwag because of his lack of footwork but excellent hand-eye coordination. On the other hand, Pace bowlers exploited his vulnerability against the moving ball, which led to his demise. Trent Boult, noted for his enormous swing, has just removed Shaw for the third time in five innings, conceding 19 runs in 18 balls. In the coming season, the Kiwi pacer will play for Rajasthan Royals. The pitches in Mumbai and Pune will aid swing, putting Shaw, the cogwheel of the Delhi Capitals’ batting line, to the test once more.
