NEW DELHI: Sunrisers Hyderabad will open their IPL 2025 campaign against Rajasthan Royals with confidence, having built a squad that blends explosive batting with experienced bowling options. Runners-up last season, SRH will be aiming to start strong at home on what’s expected to be a flat, high-scoring track at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
With Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen in the top order, the hosts are capable of posting record-breaking totals. Abhishek, fresh off a 135-run blitz in a recent T20I, is expected to continue his fine form, while the return of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy strengthens the middle.
The bowling attack, led by skipper Pat Cummins, includes the seasoned Mohammed Shami, spin ace Adam Zampa, and death-overs specialist Harshal Patel — making this a formidable unit across all phases.
On the other side, Rajasthan Royals are hampered by the unavailability of captain Sanju Samson, who will not be able to keep wickets or field due to a finger injury. He’s expected to bat as an Impact Player, with Riyan Parag leading the side. Without Jos Buttler, RR’s batting leans heavily on Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shimron Hetmyer. Their bowling attack, led by Jofra Archer and Wanindu Hasaranga, has the potential but lacks depth on paper compared to SRH.
Having dominated the Royals last season — including a crucial win in Qualifier 2 — Sunrisers will be looking to extend their supremacy in what promises to be a high-octane afternoon clash.
Perfect conditions are predicted for the clash, set to began at 3:30 PM IST on March 23, 2025, at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The forecast shows a pleasant 33°C with clouds but no rain is expected, meaning the players should enjoy a clear day for cricket festivities.
The head-to-head record favors SRH, with 11 wins to RR’s 9 in the previous 20 games. The matches in recent history have been evenly matched and contentious, keeping the rivalry exciting. Last season, SRH managed to edge out RR with narrow victories, one coming in the league stage and another with a 36-run win during Qualifier 2, which ended RR's hopes of reaching the finals.
One key player to watch for SRH is Travis Head, who has notched up 271 runs at an average of 45.16 and a strike rate of 183.10 in his IPL career in Hyderabad. He has showcased his destructive capabilities and is likely to be crucial for SRH in this match. Heinrich Klaasen looks equally promising, boasting 435 runs at an average of 62.14 in 10 innings played at this venue, indicating he can perform well under pressure.
For RR, Yashasvi Jaiswal is a bright talent, having scored 121 runs at an average of 60.50 in his previous outings at Hyderabad. Jaiswal's aggressive batting style will be essential for RR to set a competitive total or chase down any required target effectively.
The pressure is palpable for RR, as they are beginning their season without their regular captain and key players missing their fitness. Riyan Parag will have to step up and lead while being supported by a team that is filled with youthful energy and seasoned players alike.
The pitch at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is historically known for its batting-friendly conditions, with the average first-innings score in Hyderabad since 2024 being around 194, granting bowlers minimal assistance on the surface. Pacers have thrived here, grabbing 68.08% of wickets, and teams often prefer to chase below 190 with the intent of putting pressure on their opponents.
As the clock ticks down to match start, cricket fans and fantasy cricket enthusiasts alike will keep an eager eye on both teams to see how this vibrant match will unfold. With explosive batting line-ups and a fiercely competitive edge, SRH vs RR promises to be one of the most thrilling encounters in the IPL 2025 season.
