Match Preview: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals, Match 2, IPL 2025
**Date:** Sunday, March 23, 2025
**Venue:** Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
**Time:** 3:30 PM IST (10:00 AM GMT)
**Match Context:** IPL 2025, Match 2
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 kicks into high gear with its second match as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Following an electrifying opener between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, this clash pits two teams with contrasting fortunes from 2024 against each other. SRH, runners-up last season, will look to start their campaign with a bang on home turf, while RR aim to overcome their playoff disappointment and assert early dominance.
#### Team Overview
**Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):**
SRH enter IPL 2025 as one of the favorites after a sensational 2024 season, where their aggressive batting redefined T20 cricket. Led by Pat Cummins, they reached the final but fell to KKR. With a bolstered squad featuring new additions like Ishan Kishan and Mohammed Shami alongside retained stars Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen, SRH’s batting firepower is unmatched. Their bowling, spearheaded by Cummins, Shami, and Harshal Patel, adds depth. Playing at home, where they posted monstrous totals last year (e.g., 287/3 vs RCB), SRH will aim to overwhelm RR.
**Rajasthan Royals (RR):**
RR, inaugural IPL champions, had a rollercoaster 2024, finishing third but losing to SRH in Qualifier 2. Captain Sanju Samson’s finger injury sees Riyan Parag take the reins for this game, putting pressure on a squad missing Jos Buttler. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, and Dhruv Jurel bolster the batting, while Jofra Archer’s return strengthens their pace attack alongside Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande. However, their bowling depth is tested without Trent Boult, and they’ll need a cohesive effort to counter SRH’s might.
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#### Head-to-Head
– **Matches Played:** 20
– **SRH Wins:** 11
– **RR Wins:** 9
– **Recent Form:** SRH won both encounters in 2024—a thrilling one-run victory in the league stage and a 36-run triumph in Qualifier 2.
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#### Pitch and Conditions
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is a batting paradise, known for high-scoring games. Last season, SRH smashed records here, including the highest IPL total (287/3). The pitch offers true bounce and short boundaries, favoring aggressive strokeplay, though spinners might find some grip later. Weather on March 23 is expected to be clear, with temperatures around 32°C and no rain forecast, ensuring a full game.
#### Probable Playing XI
**Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):**
1. Travis Head
2. Abhishek Sharma
3. Ishan Kishan (wk)
4. Nitish Kumar Reddy
5. Heinrich Klaasen
6. Abhinav Manohar
7. Wiaan Mulder
8. Pat Cummins (c)
9. Harshal Patel
10. Mohammed Shami
11. Rahul Chahar
**Impact Player:** Jaydev Unadkat
– **Key Players:** Head and Sharma’s explosive opening, Klaasen’s finishing, and Cummins-Shami’s pace duo.
– **Notes:** Ishan Kishan’s addition at No. 3 strengthens the top order, while Shami’s experience could exploit early swing.
**Rajasthan Royals (RR):**
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. Nitish Rana
3. Riyan Parag (c)
4. Shimron Hetmyer
5. Dhruv Jurel (wk)
6. Shubham Dubey
7. Wanindu Hasaranga
8. Jofra Archer
9. Sandeep Sharma
10. Maheesh Theekshana
11. Tushar Deshpande
**Impact Player:** Fazalhaq Farooqi
– **Key Players:** Jaiswal’s flair, Archer’s pace, and Hasaranga’s all-round skills.
– **Notes:** Parag steps up as captain, and RR’s spin duo (Hasaranga-Theekshana) could challenge SRH’s middle order.
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#### Live Streaming Details Worldwide
Catch the SRH vs RR Match 2 action live across the globe:
– **India:**
– **TV:** Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1 SD/HD, Star Sports Select, regional channels)
– **Streaming:** JioCinema app and website (free)
– **Pakistan:**
– **TV:** Geo Super
– **Streaming:** Tapmad, Tamasha app
– **New Zealand:**
– **TV:** Sky Sport NZ
– **Streaming:** Sky Sport Now
– **Australia:**
– **TV:** Fox Cricket
– **Streaming:** Kayo Sports
– **United Kingdom:**
– **TV:** Sky Sports Cricket
– **Streaming:** Sky Go, NOW TV
– **United States/Canada:**
– **Streaming:** Willow TV (via cable or app)
– **Middle East & North Africa:**
– **TV:** beIN Sports
– **Streaming:** beIN Connect
– **South Africa/Sub-Saharan Africa:**
– **TV:** SuperSport
– **Streaming:** SuperSport app
– **Rest of the World:** Check IPLT20.com for local broadcasters or streaming partners.
**Live Score Updates:** Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, IPLT20.com
#### Match Prediction
SRH hold the upper hand with their explosive batting and home advantage. Their 2024 dominance over RR—winning both games—adds confidence, and the Hyderabad pitch suits their aggressive style. RR’s bowling, while bolstered by Archer, lacks the depth to contain SRH’s firepower, especially without Samson’s leadership. Unless Jaiswal and Hetmyer produce something extraordinary, SRH are likely to prevail.
**Verdict:** Sunrisers Hyderabad to win by 20-30 runs or 7-8 wickets.
This clash promises fireworks—tune in to see if SRH’s batting juggernaut rolls on or if RR can spring an upset in IPL 2025’s second outing!