Key Highlights:
Hyderabad | April 6, 2025 – Mohammed Siraj made an immediate impact in the high-stakes SRH vs GT IPL 2025 fixture by dismissing Travis Head in a fiery first spell. This early strike on a tricky Hyderabad pitch not only disrupted SRH’s aggressive game plan but also tilted momentum in Gujarat Titans’ favor.
Facing Head for the first time in T20 cricket, Siraj showcased smart adaptation. After being hit for two boundaries, he adjusted his length and line, darting one into the pads and forcing Head into a mistimed chip straight to midwicket. The result? Head gone for 8 off 5 balls, and SRH’s top-order wobble continued.
Travishek’s Troubles Continue
SRH openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, once dubbed the “Travishek” duo, have been underwhelming this season:
- Last 4 Innings Together: Not passed 15
- Highest Partnership in IPL 2025: Below 50
Their misfiring top-order is a key reason behind SRH’s three consecutive defeats, despite a record-setting 286-run total in their opening game.
Pitch Report: Black-Soil Trap
The surface for today’s match was black-soil, which tends to slow down under lights and assist cutters and slower balls. Former pacer Varun Aaron, analyzing pre-match conditions, predicted that Cummins and Unadkat could find success with variation — and Siraj proved just that early on.
Rashid Khan Returns to Hyderabad
In a major emotional subplot, Rashid Khan is playing against his former franchise SRH in Hyderabad for the first time. The Afghan spinner, who played six seasons with SRH, now leads GT’s spin attack alongside R Sai Kishore and Washington Sundar, who is also making his debut for Gujarat Titans today.
Squad Changes and Impact Substitutes
Both teams made tactical changes to suit the conditions:
Gujarat Titans XI (Bowling First):
- Shubman Gill (c), B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, R Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma
- Impact Subs: Rutherford, Phillips, Rawat, Lomror, Arshad Khan
Sunrisers Hyderabad XI (Batting First):
- Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins (c), Zeeshan Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammed Shami
- Impact Subs: Manohar, Baby, Simarjeet, Chahar, Mulder
Notably, Jaydev Unadkat made his first appearance of the season for SRH, replacing Harshal Patel, who was sidelined with illness.
Tactical Spotlight: Washington Sundar’s Debut
GT introduced offspin-bowling allrounder Washington Sundar into their lineup, expecting him to operate early against SRH’s three left-handers in the top order. Despite not playing since February’s ODI in Ahmedabad, his utility on slow wickets could be crucial.
What This Means for the Table
- GT: Riding high with two back-to-back wins
- SRH: Rock bottom with three straight losses
Today’s game could shape SRH’s survival hopes or solidify GT’s top-four contention. Siraj’s early impact may already have tipped the scales.
Siraj Sets the Tone
Mohammed Siraj’s breakthrough against Travis Head wasn’t just a wicket—it was a statement. As GT seeks control on a pitch where containment is as valuable as wickets, Siraj’s early strike could anchor their defensive blueprint.
With Rashid Khan facing SRH, Washington Sundar’s return, and Unadkat’s fresh start, this clash isn’t just about points. It’s about comebacks, rivalries, and redemption arcs—with Siraj leading the charge.
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