IPL 2025, SRH vs LSG: Sunrisers Hyderabad target another record score as Lucknow SuperGiants grapple with injuries

Hyderabad: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will look to continue their explosive start to IPL 2025 as they take on an injury-riddled Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here on Thursday. While SRH have showcased their dominant batting firepower, LSG will be desperate to bounce back after a heartbreaking defeat to Delhi Capitals in their opening match.

SRH began their campaign in sensational fashion, dismantling Rajasthan Royals by 44 runs after posting a colossal 286/6 – the second-highest team total in IPL history. The batting unit, led by Ishan Kishan (106* off 47) and Travis Head (67 off 31), has been ruthless, setting the tone for a high-scoring season. With Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the mix, SRH’s aggressive approach is expected to continue.

On the bowling front, the addition of Mohammed Shami has strengthened the attack, complemented by Simarjeet Singh, captain Pat Cummins, and Harshal Patel. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa will be crucial in restricting runs in the middle overs.

LSG, on the other hand, let victory slip from their grasp against Delhi Capitals. After posting 209/8 with superb fifties from Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran, they had Delhi struggling at 65/5 but failed to close out the match. Their main issue lies in their bowling attack, which has been severely weakened due to injuries.

The return of Avesh Khan provides some relief, but inexperienced bowlers like Manimaran Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, and Prince Yadav could be vulnerable against SRH’s formidable batting lineup. Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi will be expected to play a pivotal role in breaking crucial partnerships.

The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has proven to be a batting paradise. The first IPL 2025 match here saw SRH amass 286/6, while Rajasthan Royals responded with 242/6, underscoring the potential for another high-scoring game.

If SRH bat first, another 250+ total could be on the cards, possibly even pushing towards 300. If LSG bat first, they will need at least 220-230 to stay competitive. The weather forecast indicates warm and humid conditions with no rain expected, ensuring a full match.

With their relentless batting firepower and a stronger bowling attack compared to last season, SRH enter this clash as clear favourites. LSG will rely on their top order to fire and their bowlers to find a way to contain Hyderabad’s in-form batters. The toss will be crucial, as teams batting first have the advantage of setting a massive target. Given current form and conditions, Sunrisers Hyderabad are well-positioned to claim another commanding victory.

Teams:

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Atharva Taide, Travis Head, Abhinav Manohar, Sachin Baby, Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, Kamindu Mendis, Wiaan Mulder, Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan, Zeeshan Ansari, Pat Cummins (Captain), Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Simarjeet Singh, Eshan Malinga, Adam Zampa, Jaydev Unadkat

Rajasthan Royals: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubham Dubey, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, Kunal Singh Rathore, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Kwena Maphaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ashok Sharma, Jofra Archer.