When the Texas Super Kings (TSK) face off against the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) in the 21st match of Major League Cricket 2025, the match is sure to grab the attention of the batters. With both teams including some noteworthy hitters, we ask which hitter will reign supreme. Let’s look at some numbers and do a deep dive into which batter might have an impact in this exciting matchup.
Faf du Plessis – TSK

To start, it is impossible to overlook the exceptional consistency and firepower of Faf du Plessis for TSK. With 474 runs in 10 matches, an average of 47.4, and a strike rate of 172.36, Faf cruised to impressive scores. He combines textbook technique with positive intent, which means he can anchor the innings or he can go berserk – it depends on the topic. When faced with LAKR’s bowling attack, Faf’s experience and ability to read the conditions will be invaluable. If Faf gets going quickly, TSK’s innings could be on a rocket right from the get-go.
Devon Conway – TSK

The next TSK player is Devon Conway. His 304 runs at an average of 43.43 and a strike rate of 134.51 in 9 matches means he’s no less important. While it can be hard to compare Conway to Faf given their differing styles, he is certainly someone who can assess the situation and know when to stabilize and when to kick on. In some ways, this is the most consistent and calm approach of the three TSK middle order players; when you have no wickets left, he is a wonderful player to send in and stabilize, or a perfect player to send in at the back end to finish off any runs still needed. If he ends up batting well for TSK, the LAKR bowlers could be in for a long day.
Unmukt Chand – LAKR

On the LAKR side, Unmukt Chand has been quite low-key, but he has quietly scored runs. Unmukt has scored 319 in 10 matches with an average of 35.44 and a strike rate of 126.58. Unmukt’s numbers do not jump off the page like Faf does; however, Unmukt plays a little more of a sneaky kind of cricket, smart cricket to build an innings, but has enough back lift to keep the run rate ticking up. Of course, if LAKR gets into trouble early it would be nice to have Chand as he has plenty of experience at the top of the order and could help settle the innings down, but if the team needed to steal a couple of runs, Chand’s run striking, and ability to know when to turn on the gas could be critical.
What makes the TSK versus LAKR match compelling is the clash of contrasting batting approaches and clearly defined individual roles. Faf du Plessis is the aggressive opener capable of ruining a game in the powerplay. There is Devon Conway, who is the stabiliser and finisher that TSK needs.
There is the calming hand of Unmukt Chand that holds the innings for LAKR. Depending on how well these three players do, it will go a long way toward determining the outcome of a match. It is not only about how many runs they score, but also their impact on the game momentum, how they can perform under pressure, and how they can face the bowling threat from their opponents.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.