Did Sunrisers Hyderabad Make the Right Choice to Bat First Against Kolkata Knight Riders?
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Synopsis
The final match of IPL 2025 between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders is set to be thrilling. With both teams already out, the captains share their strategies and hopes for a strong finish. Can SRH's decision to bat first lead them to victory?
Key Takeaways
- Pat Cummins opts to bat first after winning the toss.
- Both teams aim to end the season positively.
- The match is crucial for team pride and fan engagement.
- Pitch conditions favor the batting side.
- Key players include Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi.
New Delhi, May 25 (NationPress) The captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Pat Cummins, won the toss and chose to bat first against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their concluding match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.
With both SRH and KKR already out of the tournament for some time, clinching a victory in this final encounter at a neutral venue in New Delhi would allow either team to conclude the season on a high note. The team that triumphs in this match could potentially secure a sixth-place finish in the points standings.
Post-toss, Cummins remarked, “It seems like a favorable wicket. We've clicked as a unit, the bowlers are on point, and the batters have showcased their capabilities. We aim to gain momentum early; the good news is that we know we can keep this squad intact moving forward. We have performed well in our last few games and will strive for consistency.”
Meanwhile, KKR's captain, Ajinkya Rahane, expressed he would have preferred to bowl first, noting that the last two matches at this venue saw the chasing teams dominate. KKR steps onto the pitch after their previous match against Chennai Super Kings on May 7, with Manish Pandey maintaining his position in the playing eleven and Quinton de Kock replacing Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
“Competing after 18 days poses a challenge, but we are focusing on our practice sessions. We know this is the last game for everyone, so our objective is to play to win and entertain. We had our moments this season, and it's crucial to accept our mistakes while learning from our successes,” Rahane stated.
“It’s about playing for our fans and our pride. Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been exceptional. Although he is an opening batter, he has adjusted well to batting at positions 4 or 5. I hope he continues to progress and represents India in the future. He has been putting in the effort, and a bright future awaits him,” he added.
Sunday's match will take place on pitch number six, featuring square boundaries of 67m and 60m, while the boundary straight down the ground measures 73m.
Playing XIs:
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins (captain), Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, and Eshan Malinga
Impact substitutes: Mohammad Shami, Harsh Dubey, Sachin Baby, Zeeshan Ansari, and Simarjeet Singh
Kolkata Knight Riders: Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakaravarthy
Impact substitutes: Anukul Roy, Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Spencer Johnson, Luvnith Sisodia
Point of View
I believe that both teams have faced challenges this season. However, today's match is a chance for redemption and showcasing their skills. The decision to bat first by SRH may set the tone for an entertaining finale. Let the players give their best and provide fans with a memorable experience.
NationPress
25/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the toss?
Pat Cummins won the toss for Sunrisers Hyderabad and elected to bat first.
Where is the final match being held?
The final match is being hosted at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
What is the significance of this match?
Both teams are eliminated from the tournament but aim to finish on a high.
Who are the key players to watch?
Watch out for Pat Cummins, Ajinkya Rahane, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi for their performances.
What are the boundary dimensions for today's match?
The square boundaries are 67m and 60m, with the straight boundary measuring 73m.
