The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 kicks off with a bang, and the second match on March 23, 2025, promises an epic showdown between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Scheduled at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad at 3:30 PM IST, this afternoon clash is the first of a double-header day. SRH, with their explosive batting, will take on a revitalized RR side in what’s shaping up to be a thrilling contest. Whether you’re here for match insights, Dream11 predictions, or the latest IPL news, this 1800-word guide has you covered with a preview, analysis, squads, fantasy tips, and more—all tailored for cricket fans and optimized for SEO performance.
Match Preview: SRH vs RR IPL 2025
Sunrisers Hyderabad, runners-up in IPL 2024, are back with a vengeance. Led by Pat Cummins, SRH’s batting firepower—spearheaded by Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma—lit up scoreboards last season, including a record-breaking 277/3 against Mumbai Indians. With new additions like Mohammed Shami and Ishan Kishan, they’re poised to dominate at home. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals, who fell to SRH in Qualifier 2 last year, bring a refreshed squad under Riyan Parag’s interim captaincy (with Sanju Samson sidelined from keeping due to a finger injury for the first few games). Boosted by Jofra Archer’s return and Rahul Dravid’s coaching expertise, RR aims to upset the hosts.
This SRH vs RR clash is more than just a game—it’s a chance for SRH to assert early dominance and for RR to exact revenge. Expect fireworks as two strong teams battle it out on a batting-friendly Hyderabad pitch.
Match Analysis: Strengths and Challenges
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH’s strength lies in their top-order batting. Travis Head (567 runs in 2024) and Abhishek Sharma (484 runs at a 204.22 strike rate) can dismantle any bowling attack. Heinrich Klaasen’s finishing prowess (463 runs, 186.69 SR) adds depth, while Pat Cummins (18 wickets) and Mohammed Shami bolster the pace attack. However, their middle order can wobble if the top fails, and spinners have occasionally struggled on flat tracks like Hyderabad’s.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR boasts a versatile lineup. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s flair (435 runs in 2024), Riyan Parag’s breakout form (573 runs), and Shimron Hetmyer’s power-hitting make them dangerous. Jofra Archer’s return and Wanindu Hasaranga’s spin add bite to their bowling. Yet, RR’s bowling lacks the depth of past seasons without Chahal and Ashwin, and their batting can falter under pressure against SRH’s pace-heavy attack.
Key Battles
- Travis Head vs Jofra Archer: Head’s aggression meets Archer’s pace—Archer has dismissed him twice in T20s.
- Sanju Samson vs Mohammed Shami: Samson’s flair (801 runs vs SRH) will face Shami’s swing.
- Abhishek Sharma vs Wanindu Hasaranga: Abhishek’s spin-playing ability will be tested by Hasaranga’s guile.
Full Squads: SRH and RR for IPL 2025
Sunrisers Hyderabad Squad
- Batters: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Rahul Tripathi, Anmolpreet Singh
- Wicketkeepers: Heinrich Klaasen, Upendra Yadav
- All-rounders: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhinav Manohar, Wiaan Mulder, Shahbaz Ahmed
- Bowlers: Pat Cummins (c), Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, T Natarajan, Jaydev Unadkat, Adam Zampa, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umran Malik
Rajasthan Royals Squad
- Batters: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, Shimron Hetmyer, Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- Wicketkeepers: Dhruv Jurel, Kunal Singh Rathore
- All-rounders: Riyan Parag (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Shubham Dubey
- Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Navdeep Saini
Note: Squads reflect updates from IPL 2025 auctions and news sources as of March 22, 2025. Check back for final lineups closer to match day.
Probable Playing 11: SRH vs RR
SRH Probable XI
- Travis Head
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan (wk)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Abhinav Manohar
- Wiaan Mulder
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mohammed Shami
- Harshal Patel
- Rahul Chahar
Impact Player: Jaydev Unadkat
RR Probable XI
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Sanju Samson
- Nitish Rana
- Riyan Parag (c)
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Jofra Archer
- Tushar Deshpande
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Sandeep Sharma
Impact Player: Akash Madhwal
Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Tips
Here’s a winning Dream11 team for SRH vs RR IPL 2025 Match 2, based on form, stats, and pitch conditions:
Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeepers: Heinrich Klaasen, Sanju Samson
- Batters: Travis Head (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma
- All-rounders: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Wanindu Hasaranga
- Bowlers: Pat Cummins (vc), Mohammed Shami, Jofra Archer, Harshal Patel
Fantasy Tips
- Captain/Vice-Captain Picks: Travis Head (consistent big scores) and Pat Cummins (all-round value) are top choices. Heinrich Klaasen is a multiplier pick for small leagues.
- Must-Have Players: Klaasen (194.62 SR in Hyderabad), Head (3 fifties at home), and Jaiswal (266 runs vs SRH) are essential.
- Differential Picks: Nitish Reddy (140 runs, 159.09 SR in Hyderabad) and Wanindu Hasaranga (5-fer vs SRH) could surprise.
- Pitch Favor: Load up on top-order batsmen and all-rounders, as Hyderabad favors high scores over bowlers.
Match Timings and Venue
- Date: March 23, 2025
- Time: 3:30 PM IST (10:00 AM GMT)
- Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
- Live Telecast: Star Sports Network (India)
- Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar
This afternoon game is perfect for fans tuning in early—don’t miss it!
Key Players to Watch
Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Travis Head: Scored 567 runs in 2024 (SR 191.27); his 241 runs in Hyderabad make him a must-watch.
- Heinrich Klaasen: Averages 90.50 at home with a century—RR bowlers beware!
- Mohammed Shami: His 10 wickets in Hyderabad IPL games add experience to SRH’s attack.
Rajasthan Royals
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 266 runs vs SRH at 158.30 SR—can he kick off 2025 with a bang?
- Riyan Parag: 573 runs in 2024; his captaincy and form make him pivotal.
- Jofra Archer: Back after years, his pace could rattle SRH’s top order.
Head-to-Head Records and Stats
- Matches Played: 20
- SRH Wins: 11
- RR Wins: 9
- Last 5 Meetings: SRH 3, RR 2 (SRH won Qualifier 2, 2024 by 36 runs)
- Highest Total: SRH – 277/3 (2024); RR – 214/2 (2023)
- Highest Chased at Hyderabad: 209/4 (RR, 2023)
SRH holds a slight historical edge, especially at home, but RR’s recent competitiveness keeps this rivalry tight.
Pitch Report: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
Hyderabad’s pitch is a batsman’s dream. In IPL 2024, the average first-innings score was 204, with SRH chasing 165 in just 9.4 overs against LSG. Expect another flat track with true bounce and short boundaries. Pacers might get early seam, but spinners like Rahul Chahar and Hasaranga could find grip later. Teams chasing have a 54% win rate here, so the toss winner might opt to bowl first. A score of 190-200 is par, but SRH could push it higher.
Weather Update: Hyderabad, March 23, 2025
The forecast for Hyderabad is ideal—clear skies with a temperature of 32-33°C at match time (3:30 PM IST). Humidity will be around 73%, with winds at 3.5 m/s. There’s no rain expected (5% chance), ensuring a full 40 overs. Perfect conditions for a high-scoring thriller!
Recent Form Guide
SRH (Last 5 Matches, IPL 2024)
- L (Final vs KKR)
- W (Qualifier 2 vs RR)
- L (Qualifier 1 vs KKR)
- W (League Stage)
- W (League Stage)
RR (Last 5 Matches, IPL 2024)
- L (Qualifier 2 vs SRH)
- W (Eliminator vs RCB)
- L (League Stage)
- L (League Stage)
- L (League Stage)
SRH’s recent win over RR gives them confidence, but RR’s resilience can’t be underestimated.
Why SRH vs RR Matters in IPL 2025
This early clash sets the tone for both teams. SRH, with home advantage and a stacked lineup, aims to signal their title intent after last year’s near-miss. RR, under new leadership and with Archer’s return, wants to prove they can compete with the best. For fans, it’s a feast of cricket featuring IPL’s biggest stars—perfect for your Sunday afternoon.
Conclusion: Who Will Win SRH vs RR?
SRH enters as favorites with their batting might and home record (only 1 loss in Hyderabad in 2024). RR’s bowling looks thin without Chahal and Ashwin, but Jaiswal, Parag, and Archer could keep them in the fight. Expect a close, high-scoring game—SRH might edge it by 10-15 runs or 5 wickets if they chase. What’s your prediction? Drop it in the comments!
For more IPL 2025 news, Dream11 tips, and cricket updates, keep visiting our blog. Let’s enjoy the SRH vs RR spectacle on March 23!
FAQs: SRH vs RR IPL 2025 2nd Match
1. When and where is the SRH vs RR IPL 2025 2nd Match happening?
The SRH vs RR IPL 2025 2nd Match is scheduled for March 23, 2025, at 3:30 PM IST. It will take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, a venue known for high-scoring IPL games.
2. Who are the probable playing 11 for SRH vs RR in IPL 2025 Match 2?
For SRH, expect Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Abhinav Manohar, Wiaan Mulder, Pat Cummins (c), Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, and Rahul Chahar. RR’s lineup may include Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, and Sandeep Sharma.
3. What is the Dream11 prediction for SRH vs RR IPL 2025 2nd Match?
Our Dream11 prediction features Heinrich Klaasen, Sanju Samson (wk), Travis Head (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma (batters), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Wanindu Hasaranga (all-rounders), and Pat Cummins (vc), Mohammed Shami, Jofra Archer, Harshal Patel (bowlers). Top captaincy picks are Head and Cummins.
4. How is the pitch at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium for SRH vs RR?
The Hyderabad pitch is batting-friendly, with an average first-innings score of 204 in IPL 2024. It offers true bounce and short boundaries, favoring batsmen, though spinners like Hasaranga may get grip later. Teams chasing have a 54% win rate here.
5. What’s the weather forecast for SRH vs RR IPL 2025 Match 2?
On March 23, 2025, Hyderabad will see clear skies with no rain (5% chance). The temperature will be around 32-33°C at 3:30 PM IST, with 73% humidity and light winds—ideal for a full match.
6. Who are the key players to watch in SRH vs RR IPL 2025?
For SRH, watch Travis Head (567 runs in 2024), Heinrich Klaasen (90.50 avg in Hyderabad), and Mohammed Shami (10 wickets at venue). For RR, Yashasvi Jaiswal (266 runs vs SRH), Riyan Parag (573 runs in 2024), and Jofra Archer (pace threat) are crucial.
7. What’s the head-to-head record between SRH and RR in IPL?
In 20 IPL matches, SRH leads with 11 wins to RR’s 9. SRH won their last meeting in Qualifier 2, 2024, by 36 runs. At Hyderabad, SRH’s batting dominance gives them an edge.
8. Who is likely to win the SRH vs RR IPL 2025 2nd Match?
SRH are favorites due to their home advantage, explosive batting (Head, Abhishek, Klaasen), and strong bowling (Cummins, Shami). RR could challenge with Jaiswal and Archer, but SRH might win by 10-15 runs or 5 wickets if chasing.
DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.