IPL 2025, SRH vs RR: A look at key battles
What's the story
The second match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 promises to be a thrilling affair as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) take on Rajasthan Royals (RR).
The match will be played on Sunday, March 23 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Both teams would be looking to start their campaign on a high after last year's impressive performances.
Here we look at the player battles that might be on display.
#1
Riyan Parag vs Harshal Patel
RR's stand-in skipper for the first three games, Riyan Parag had a dream IPL 2024 and he would want to replicate his heroics.
Notably, the dasher had a strike rate of 185.52 in the final five overs last season, as per ESPNcricinfo.
Known for his pace variations, Harshal Patel could challenge him in this phase.
16 of Harshal's wickets in IPL 2024 came in the final five overs (ER: 10.38).
#2
Sanju Samson vs Pat Cummins
The match could also see a clash between Sanju Samson and Pat Cummins.
Samson comes into this season with three T20I centuries to his name. His performance could well tilt the scales in RR's favor if he bats long enough.
Cummins could challenge him with the new ball as he owns 21 IPL wickets in powerplay at 35.85.
Meanwhile, Samson is expected to feature in RR's first few games as an Impact Player due to fitness issues.
#3
Travis Head vs Jofra Archer
RR will be keen to dismiss Travis Head early, considering his phenomenal form last season when he scored 567 runs at a strike rate of over 190.
Jofra Archer will have the onus to trap the southpaw with the new ball. Notably, Head had a strike rate of 208.29 in powerplay last season.
Archer owns 62 T20 wickets in the first six overs at an impressive economy of 7.69.
#4
Heinrich Klaasen vs Wanindu Hasaranga
Heinrich Klaasen was in beast mode against spinners last season, hammering 224 runs against them at a strike rate of 182.11.
Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga would not want to face his wrath in the middle overs.
These two have not faced each other much in the 20-over format. Meanwhile, Hasaranga has a bowling average of 16.91 in Asia.