The IPL 2025 season is in full swing, and one of the most exciting early fixtures is set to take place in Hyderabad. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), known for their explosive performances in IPL 2024, will return to their home ground, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, to begin their campaign against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday, March 23, at 3:30 PM IST.
SRH were one of the most dominant teams last season, playing an aggressive brand of cricket but falling just short of the title. However, this year, they look even stronger with a batting lineup featuring Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen. Their bowling unit, led by Pat Cummins, Mohammed Shami, Rahul Chahar, and Harshal Patel, gives them a well-balanced squad.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals are also a formidable side. With Riyan Parag temporarily leading the team in place of Sanju Samson, who will play purely as a batter while recovering from an injury, RR still has immense firepower. Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Rana bolster the batting, while their bowling attack, featuring Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sandeep Sharma, and Maheesh Theekshana, is equally dangerous.
This high-stakes match presents an excellent opportunity for fantasy cricket players. Here are captain or vice-captain choices for SRH vs RR in IPL 2025.
- Travis Head (SRH)
- Why: Travis Head was a standout performer in IPL 2024, scoring 567 runs at a strike rate of around 192. His explosive batting at the top makes him a prime captaincy pick, especially at the batting-friendly Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. He also has a good record against RR, scoring 92 runs across two matches last season.
- Abhishek Sharma (SRH)
- Why: Abhishek complements Head brilliantly, with a strike rate exceeding 200 in IPL 2024 (484 runs in 16 matches). His ability to dominate spinners, like RR’s Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, makes him a differential captaincy option with a high ceiling.
- Sanju Samson (RR)
- Why: Samson scored 531 runs in IPL 2024 at an average of 48.27 and has a strong record in season openers. Even if he’s only playing as a batter (not keeping or fielding due to injury concerns), his consistency and venue familiarity make him a reliable vice-captain choice.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR)
- Why: Jaiswal is a consistent run-scorer and loves the Hyderabad pitch, averaging 60.5 with a strike rate of 157.1 in three innings there. If he gets going, he could rack up big points, making him a solid vice-captain pick.
All-Rounder Suggestions:
- Nitish Kumar Reddy (SRH)
- Why: Nitish had a breakout IPL 2024 season, scoring 303 runs at a strike rate of 143 and picking up 3 wickets. His ability to bat in the middle order and bowl a few overs of pace makes him a versatile all-rounder. Against RR’s strong batting, his bowling could fetch extra points if SRH uses him tactically.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (RR)
- Why: Hasaranga is a world-class leg-spinner and a handy lower-order batsman. In IPL 2024, he took wickets consistently (exact stats depend on his participation, but he’s known for 10+ wickets in past seasons) and can chip in with quick runs. SRH’s aggressive top order might test him, but his wicket-taking ability on a flat Hyderabad pitch makes him a strong all-round pick.
- Abhishek Sharma (SRH)
- Why: While primarily a batsman, Abhishek bowled occasionally in IPL 2024, taking 2 wickets with his left-arm spin. His primary value lies in his explosive batting (484 runs, SR 200+), but if SRH gives him an over or two against RR’s middle order, he becomes a dual-threat option.
- Riyan Parag (RR)
- Why: Parag emerged as a key player in IPL 2024, scoring 573 runs at an average of 52.09, and he can bowl part-time off-spin. Though his bowling was underutilized last season, RR might turn to him for an over or two, especially if the pitch assists spin. His batting form alone makes him a worthy all-rounder pick.
- Heinrich Klaasen (SRH)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter
- Why: Klaasen smashed 479 runs at a strike rate of 171 in IPL 2024, excelling against spin and in the death overs. As SRH’s primary keeper, he adds value with potential catches/stumpings, making him a premium pick.
- Travis Head (SRH) – Captain
- Role: Opening Batter
- Why: Head’s 567 runs (SR 192) and Hyderabad record (avg 45.16) make him the standout captaincy option for his explosive starts.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR)
- Role: Opening Batter
- Why: Jaiswal’s 625 runs in IPL 2024 and 60.5 average at Hyderabad ensure he’s a top-order lock.
- Abhishek Sharma (SRH)
- Role: Opening Batter/All-Rounder
- Why: With 484 runs (SR 200+) and occasional spin, Abhishek’s dual contribution keeps him in the XI.
- Sanju Samson (RR)
- Role: Batter
- Why: Samson’s 531 runs (avg 48.27) in IPL 2024 hold strong even without keeping. His form against SRH’s pacers is a plus.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy (SRH)
- Role: Batting All-Rounder
- Why: Nitish’s 303 runs and 3 wickets in IPL 2024 offer versatility. His pace could exploit RR’s lower order.
- Riyan Parag (RR)
- Role: Batting All-Rounder
- Why: Parag’s 573 runs (avg 52.09) and part-time spin, plus his leadership role for RR, make him a key all-rounder.
- Pat Cummins (SRH)
- Role: Pace Bowler
- Why: Cummins’ 18 wickets in IPL 2024 and death-over mastery target RR’s batting firepower.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (RR)
- Role: Spin Bowler/All-Rounder
- Why: Hasaranga’s leg-spin can challenge SRH’s left-handers (Head, Abhishek), with batting depth as a bonus.
- Mohammed Shami (SRH)
- Role: Pace Bowler
- Why: Shami’s 24 wickets in IPL 2023 bring swing and precision to SRH’s attack.
- Sandeep Sharma (RR)
- Role: Pace Bowler
- Why: Sandeep’s 13 wickets in IPL 2024, including success against SRH’s openers, make him a crafty pick.
- Wicketkeeper: Heinrich Klaasen
- Batsmen: Travis Head (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson
- All-Rounders: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Riyan Parag
- Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammed Shami, Sandeep Sharma
- Vice-Captain: Heinrich Klaasen
- Klaasen as Wicketkeeper: Reinstated as the keeper over Jurel, Klaasen’s superior batting stats (479 runs vs. Jurel’s 195) and wicketkeeping points make him a better fantasy asset.
- Captain (Travis Head): Remains the top pick for his consistency and venue form.
- Vice-Captain (Heinrich Klaasen): His middle-order explosiveness and keeping duties justify the vice-captaincy over Jaiswal.
- Balance: Five batsmen (one as keeper), two all-rounders, and four bowlers maintain a robust lineup.
Final Thoughts
This team is well-poised to rack up points with a mix of proven performers and tactical picks. Best of luck—hope your fantasy team tops the charts!
Also Read: RCB Crush KKR in IPL 2025 Opener: Kohli and Salt Shine at Eden Gardens
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