Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are gearing up for an electrifying face-off in Match No. 2 of IPL 2025 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday, March 23. Both teams enter the season with fresh strategies, revamped squads, and high hopes of making a strong start.
SRH, after an impressive 2024 season where they finished as runners-up, are hungry to go one step further and claim the title this time. Led by the experienced Australian skipper Pat Cummins, the Orange Army showcased an attacking style of cricket last year that saw them dominate most opponents before falling short against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Qualifier 1 and the Final. This season, they’ve retained their explosive top-order duo — Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma — who were instrumental in providing blistering starts, setting the tone for big totals. To bolster their bowling department, SRH made some strategic acquisitions, including Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami and Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa, both of whom add variety and depth to their attack.
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals found themselves in a tricky situation right at the start, with regular captain Sanju Samson sidelined for the first three matches due to a finger injury. In his absence, the leadership mantle falls on the shoulders of Riyan Parag, who emerged as the third-highest run-scorer for RR last season. While Parag’s batting prowess is undeniable, captaining a side filled with seasoned players like Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Trent Boult brings a whole new set of challenges. It remains to be seen how the young all-rounder handles the added responsibility under pressure.
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has long been a high-scoring venue, with an average T20 score of 163 across 137 matches. In IPL history specifically, the stadium has hosted 77 matches, with chasing sides having a slight edge — winning 42 times, compared to 34 wins for teams batting first (one match was abandoned due to rain). The Sunrisers hold the record for the highest IPL total at this venue, smashing a breathtaking 277 for 3 against Mumbai Indians in March 2024. That remains a benchmark performance, showcasing the true batting-friendly nature of this ground.
Weather-wise, Hyderabad looks set to offer perfect cricketing conditions. The forecast indicates clear skies with less than 10% cloud cover, ensuring uninterrupted play. Temperatures are expected to hover between 30 and 34 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels around 50-60%. A light breeze of 13 km/h should keep things comfortable for players and fans alike.
With SRH’s power-packed batting lineup facing off against RR’s blend of youth and experience — plus the added intrigue of Riyan Parag stepping in as captain — this contest promises to be a thrilling, edge-of-the-seat battle. Both teams will be keen to make a statement in their opening match, setting the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating IPL 2025 season.
