Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Rajasthan Royals in the second match of IPL 2025 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday, March 23.
The Orange Army, led by Pat Cummins, had a fantastic run in IPL 2024, finishing as runners-up. They played aggressive cricket throughout the season, winning eight out of their 14 league games and securing a second-place finish. SRH defeated Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 by 36 runs but fell short in the final against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals have made a surprising decision by appointing Riyan Parag as their captain for the first three games of the season. They have had strong starts in previous editions but failed to maintain momentum towards the end. Last season, they won eight of their first nine matches but lost four of their last five, forcing them into the Eliminator, where they beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru before losing to SRH in Qualifier 2.
The Royals will be without Jos Buttler, who has moved to Gujarat Titans. However, Nitish Rana’s addition strengthens their middle order. Rajasthan may opt for three overseas bowlers—Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s explosive form at the top will be crucial for them.
SRH vs RR Match Details
- Match: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals, Match 2, IPL 2025
- Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
- Date & Time: Sunday, March 23, 2025, 7:30 PM (IST)
- Live Broadcast & Streaming: Sports18/Star Sports Network, JioHotstar (app & website)
Pitch Report The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is known for its batting-friendly surface. However, early in the innings, pacers can extract some extra bounce. Chasing teams have had an edge historically, as the pitch remains true throughout. Weather conditions could play a role, with thunderstorms and gusty winds predicted on match day, potentially causing delays.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches: 20
- SRH Wins: 11
- RR Wins: 9
- Tied/No Result: 0
- First Meeting: April 24, 2013
- Most Recent Meeting: May 24, 2024
Predicted Playing XI Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):
Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Abhinav Manohar, Wiaan Mulder/Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins (C), Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Mohammed Shami.
Impact Player: Jaydev Unadkat/Simarjeet Singh.
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma.
Impact Player: Akash Madhwal/Kumar Kartikeya.
Probable Best Performers
- Best Batter: Travis Head
Head was one of the most destructive batters in IPL 2024, scoring 567 runs at an average of 40.50 and a strike rate of 191.55. His attacking approach in the powerplay could set the tone for SRH. - Best Bowler: Mohammed Shami
Shami missed IPL 2024 due to injury but was the Purple Cap winner in IPL 2023. He recently took nine wickets in the 2025 Champions Trophy, playing a crucial role in India’s title win. His ability to strike early makes him a key weapon for SRH.
Match Prediction: Team bowling first to win the match
Scenario 1: SRH wins the toss and bowls
- Powerplay Score (RR): 55-65
- RR Total: 200-210
- Sunrisers Hyderabad win the match
Scenario 2: RR wins the toss and bowls
- Powerplay Score (SRH): 60-70
- SRH Total: 210-220
- Rajasthan Royals win the match
