IPL 2025: Sunrisers Hyderabad Aiming for a Strong Start Against Rajasthan Royals
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Synopsis
Sunrisers Hyderabad will commence their IPL 2025 campaign against Rajasthan Royals. With a powerful batting lineup and key players returning from injury, they aim for victory at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The Royals face challenges with skipper Sanju Samson injured, making this match crucial for both teams.
Key Takeaways
- Sunrisers Hyderabad's strong batting lineup.
- Rajasthan Royals coping without Sanju Samson.
- Potential for a high-scoring match.
- Return of Nitish Kumar Reddy strengthens Sunrisers.
- Recent dominance of Sunrisers over Royals.
Hyderabad, March 22 (NationPress) The Sunrisers Hyderabad, last season’s IPL runners-up, are set to launch their campaign with vigor as they face off against the Rajasthan Royals in their inaugural match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday.
With a powerful batting lineup and a seasoned bowling attack, the Sunrisers enter this contest as favorites, particularly on a pitch known for high scores that could lead to an exciting match.
The Hyderabad franchise features some of the most explosive batsmen in the world, including Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen, creating a formidable top order.
Known for their ability to set towering totals, the Sunrisers are among the few teams with the potential to cross the elusive 300-run threshold in T20 cricket.
Last season's dominance saw them achieving 250-plus scores on three occasions, highlighted by a record-breaking 287 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and 277 versus the Mumbai Indians.
A significant boost for the Sunrisers is the return of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy from injury, which enhances their already strong lineup. Abhishek Sharma is in particularly exceptional form, having blasted 135 runs off just 54 balls in a recent T20I against England.
Rajasthan Royals' bowling attack appears to lack depth, with the exception of England pacer Jofra Archer, making the Sunrisers keen to set another massive score if they bat first.
The bowling unit, led by captain Pat Cummins and veteran bowler Mohammed Shami, ensures that the Sunrisers maintain a well-rounded squad. The addition of seasoned spinner Adam Zampa provides further variety, giving them an advantage over the relatively inexperienced Rajasthan team.
On the other hand, the Royals face an early challenge as skipper Sanju Samson is dealing with a finger injury.
Although Samson can still bat with protection, he cannot field or keep wickets, necessitating tactical changes for Rajasthan. Young batsman Riyan Parag will temporarily lead the team for the first three matches.
Rajasthan’s batting lineup appears slightly weakened after the release of Jos Buttler, though they still possess quality players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Rana, Shimron Hetmyer, and Dhruv Jurel.
Given Sunrisers' recent dominance over them—having defeated the Royals twice last season, including a vital Qualifier 2 win—Rajasthan will need an extraordinary performance to shift the momentum.
Squads:
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Abhishek Sharma, Sachin Baby, Mohammed Shami, Adam Zampa, Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Chahar, Eshan Malinga, Harshal Patel, Kamindu Mendis, Wiaan Mulder, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Atharva Taide, Brydon Carse, Simarjeet Singh, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari.
Rajasthan Royals: Riyan Parag (c), Sanju Samson, Shubham Dubey, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Rana, Kunal Singh Rathore, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Ashok Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Kwena Maphaka, Sandeep Sharma, Maheesh Theekshana, Yudhvir Singh.
When: Sunday, Match 23
Where: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Broadcast: The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network.
Streaming: The match will be live streamed on JioHotstar
