SRH Enter IPL 2025 as Favorites Against Injury-Hit RR in Hyderabad Opener

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), runners-up in the last IPL season, will launch their 2025 campaign as firm favorites against a depleted Rajasthan Royals (RR) side at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday.

Boasting a dynamic batting lineup and seasoned bowlers, SRH aim to capitalize on their explosive form and a batting-friendly pitch in this afternoon double-header clash starting at 3:30 PM IST.

SRH’s batting firepower features Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen—capable of posting mammoth totals. Last season, they breached the 250-run mark thrice, including a record 287 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and 277 versus Mumbai Indians.

Abhishek’s recent T20I blitz—135 off 54 balls against England—and Head’s consistency signal trouble for RR’s bowling, where Jofra Archer stands as the lone marquee name. The return of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy from injury further bolsters SRH, while Pat Cummins, Mohammed Shami, and Adam Zampa anchor a robust bowling unit.

RR, the 2008 champions, face an uphill battle. Captain Sanju Samson, nursing a finger injury, may only feature as an Impact Player, with Riyan Parag stepping in as interim skipper for the first three games. The release of Jos Buttler has weakened their batting, though Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, and Dhruv Jurel offer hope.

SRH swept RR in both encounters last season—a nail-biting one-run win and a commanding 36-run triumph in Qualifier 2—adding to their psychological edge. With form, depth, and home advantage, SRH are poised to dominate this opener.