The IPL 2025 season kicked off with the opening match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 22. The match no 2 of the tournament will witness Sunrisers Hyderabad hosting Rajasthan Royals at Rjiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Ahead of the heavyweight clash, the Sunrisers Hyderabd conducted a meet and greet session for fans which was attended by players like skipper Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Henrich Klassen, Harshal Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Mohammad Shami. However all the applause and cheer by fans was kept for Abhishek Sharma as he made grand entry on the stage. The video went viral on social media.
Abhishek Sharma’s perform in IPL 2024
SRH had an incredible run in IPL 2024 but fell just short in the final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The opening partnership between Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma was particularly destructive. The two left-handers put on a stunning 691 runs together at a phenomenal strike rate of 224.3, averaging nearly 50.
Sharma had a standout season, finishing with a career-high 484 runs, which earned him his first call-up to the Indian team in July. He continued his excellent form in 2025, playing a crucial role in India’s 4-1 T20 series victory over England, scoring 279 runs, including a brilliant 135 in the series finale. Sharma also ended the 2024 regular season with an explosive 66 off just 28 balls at this very venue.
SRH vs RR Preview
After finishing as runners-up in IPL 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad will be eager to start strong at home on what is expected to be a flat, high-scoring pitch at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Last year, both Wanindu Hasaranga and Fazalhaq Farooqi were part of SRH. However, Hasaranga had to pull out due to injury, while Farooqi didn’t get a chance to play. This season, both players will be wearing the Pink jersey for SRH.
Pat Cummins, who missed the Tests in Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy due to the birth of his second child and an ongoing ankle injury, is set to return and will captain SRH for the second consecutive season.
Jofra Archer, who had an injury-free 2024 with England after battling chronic elbow and back issues, will also be a key player for SRH. However, considering his history with injuries and England’s demanding Test series against India and Australia later this year, Archer may need to manage his workload carefully during the IPL.
Expect the match to a run-fest as both batters from both teams will look to send bowlers on leather hunt
