IPL 2025, SRH vs RR, Talking Point: Ishan Kishan, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen power SRH to the second-highest total in IPL history as they clinch victory in their opening game.
Brief score: Sunrisers Hyderabad: 286/6 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 106 not out, Travis Head 67, Tushar Deshpande 3/44) beat Rajasthan Royals: 242/5 in 20 overs (Dhruv Jurel 70, Sanju Samson 66, Simarjeet Singh 2/46) by 44 runs.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were unstoppable, delivering an extraordinary performance right from their opening game in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Swashbucklers Travis Head and Ishan Kishan dismantled the Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) bowling attack, leaving their opponents with no effective counter strategy. In the second innings, Dhruv Jurel and Sanju Samson showed some resilience, but their efforts were in vain as the home team secured a commanding 44-run victory.
Talking points: Orange Army’s aggressive assault
The duo of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head are well known for their aggressive starts, a hallmark of their performances in the previous IPL edition. They picked up right where they left off, attacking from the very first ball. Sharma departed in the fourth over, but not before setting the tone for his teammates. Turbochargers Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan, and Nitish Reddy simply had to carry the momentum forward.
There are several reasons why SRH have been able to surpass the 250-run mark multiple times.
250+ scores by SRH
| Opponent | Score | IPL Season |
| Rajasthan Royals | 287 | 2025 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 272 | 2024 |
| Delhi Capitals | 261 | 2024 |
| Mumbai Indians | 258 | 2024 |
Read More: Impact player rule: Will we see regular 250+ scores again like in IPL 2024?
SRH batters leave no room for mercy
For a bowler, maintaining an economical spell against SRH is a tough challenge. In today’s match, even elite bowlers like Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, and Fazalhaq Farooqi met the same fate. They were put under relentless pressure, conceding runs at expensive economy rates of 19.00, 12.75, and 16.33, respectively.
SRH’s strike rates are remarkable, with every batter in their lineup stepping in with an intent to hit big rather than play cautiously. Instead of chipping the ball, they actively create opportunities to clear the ropes. For instance, when Jofra Archer was executing yorkers, Ishan Kishan cleverly shuffled across the crease to create room, ultimately helping him launch the ball over deep cover for a six.
Use of powerplay
The new ball is never a concern for SRH, as they know how to turn every challenge into an opportunity. They capitalized on the powerplay, taking on the best bowlers from the start. When Rajasthan Royals opted to introduce Maheesh Theekshana instead of a second seamer, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma smartly adapted and launched a counterattack.
Read More: IPL 2025: SunRisers Hyderabad Squad complete analysis, Probable playing XI
Clear intentions and assigned roles
One of the key reasons behind Hyderabad’s success is the clarity in their roles. Every player understands their responsibilities and how they contribute to the team’s overall goal. This sense of direction and precision has worked wonders for the unit. For instance, Ishan Kishan’s role as an accelerator helped SRH maintain momentum in their innings. His crucial century, the first of his T20 career, was highly commendable. This knock could prove significant for Kishan as he looks to make a comeback to the national squad.
Conclusion
With two points secured, SRH will look to build on their momentum, and given their formidable bench strength, they might even surpass the 300-run mark this season. Meanwhile, the Royals will need to reflect on their performance and aim for a strong comeback in their next game.
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