The IPL 2025 season continues with an exciting face-off between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday, March 23 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. As teams adapt to the impact player era and pursue aggressive totals, this RR vs SRH clash is expected to deliver fireworks.
Key Highlights For RR vs SRH:
A New Reality: 300 as the New Benchmark?
With batting-friendly rules favoring deep line-ups, the casual mention of “300” is no longer hyperbole. IPL teams, including SRH and RR, have embraced this reality. SRH head coach Daniel Vettori humorously summed up his strategy: “Just don’t be the team that concedes 300.”
Pitch and Weather: Thunderstorms Possible, but Runs Likely
- Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
- Match Time: 03:30 PM IST
- Conditions: A yellow alert has been issued for thunderstorms and gusty winds in Hyderabad. However, no rain is predicted during match hours. Expect a high-scoring contest with occasional weather interruptions.
Team News: Sunrisers Hyderabad
Availability: SRH enters with a full-strength squad. Skipper Pat Cummins and key all-rounder Nitish Reddy are fit and available.
Key Match-up: SRH boasts the highest-ever strike rate against spin in a single IPL season (161.43 in 2024). Spin-hitters like Abhishek Sharma (200+ SR vs spin), Travis Head, Nitish Reddy, and Heinrich Klaasen will test Wanindu Hasaranga early.
Probable Playing XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Adam Zampa, Mohammed Shami, Rahul Chahar/Jaydev Unadkat
Team News: Rajasthan Royals
Injury Update: Captain Sanju Samson is nursing a finger injury and will play only as a batter for the first three games. Riyan Parag has been named interim captain.
Bowling Focus: RR had the best PowerPlay bowling attack in 2024. Fazalhaq Farooqi, with 45 PowerPlay wickets since 2024, leads a new-look unit with experienced options like Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, and Sandeep Sharma.
Probable Playing XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Key Players to Watch
- Abhishek Sharma (SRH): One of the most destructive powerplay hitters, his spin-dominating style will be crucial on Hyderabad’s flat deck.
- Travis Head (SRH): A strong performer against both pace and spin, capable of taking games away early.
- Sanju Samson (RR): Despite injury, his numbers in Hyderabad are outstanding – averaging 52.70 with two centuries in 12 innings.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi (RR): RR’s powerplay enforcer, his early breakthroughs could be key against SRH’s explosive top order.
- Riyan Parag (RR): Trusted with leadership, Parag has a point to prove as he steps into a more central role.
Head-to-Head Record: Sunrisers vs Royals
- Overall: SRH lead with 11 wins out of 20 matches
- At Hyderabad: RR have only one win in five attempts, with last season’s game going down to the final ball
- Expect another close contest, with both teams featuring revamped bowling lineups and high-impact batters.
What They Said
“Just don’t be the team that concedes 300.”
– Daniel Vettori, Head Coach, SRH
“Riyan Parag is ready and capable to lead the side.”
– Sanju Samson, on handing over captaincy
The RR vs SRH clash may not carry the legacy of CSK vs MI, but it promises pure cricketing entertainment. With powerful top orders, evolving captains, and a forecast of thunder both on and off the field, Match 2 of IPL 2025 could set a new tone for this high-scoring season.
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