SRH vs RR: Embracing Batting Expectations in IPL 2025

Context

The IPL has seen a shift in batting dominance, with teams adapting to the growing expectation of high scores. SRH and RR face off in a match where batting will likely take center stage, with bowlers navigating the challenges of the current format.

Match Details

When: Sunday, March 23, 2025, 03:30 PM IST
Where: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
What to Expect: A high-scoring encounter with potential thunderstorms in the forecast.

Head-to-Head

• SRH leads the H2H with 11 wins out of 20 matches.
• RR has struggled in Hyderabad, winning only once in five attempts.

Key Notes

SRH

• Tactics: SRH's top-order is loaded with spin-smashing options, including Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan.
• Probable XI:
  • Batters: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Abhinav Manohar
  • Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Adam Zampa, Mohammed Shami, Rahul Chahar/Jaydev Unadkat

RR

• Injury Update: Sanju Samson is unfit for captaincy but will bat. Riyan Parag will lead the side.
• Tactics: RR will rely on Fazalhaq Farooqi's pace in the PowerPlay and balance their overseas bowling options.
• Probable XI:
  • Batters: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel
  • Bowlers: Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Player Notes

• Sanju Samson: Averages 52.70 with a strike rate of 162.65 in T20s at Hyderabad.
• Mohammed Shami: Took 28 PowerPlay wickets in 2023 at an economy rate of 7.08.

Quotes

• Daniel Vettori: "Just don't be the team that concedes 300."
• Sanju Samson: "We've developed a lot of leaders in the team. Riyan Parag is ready to lead the side in the next three games."

This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to impose their batting strength and navigate the challenges of the modern IPL format.