In match 2 of the IPL 2025 season, Rajasthan Royals won the toss and elected to bowl first against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Riyan Parag, who has taken on captaincy duties in the absence of Sanju Samson, confirmed that Samson would be playing as an Impact Player for this fixture.
Speaking at the toss, Parag said, “Bowling first. Looks like a dry wicket so we’ll have a crack at it later. It means a lot to lead — I started here as a 17-year-old. Getting to fill in big shoes, very excited. The impact rule helps with Sanju.”
Rajasthan Royals named their overseas players for the match as Maheesh Theekshana, Jofra Archer, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, with the fourth overseas slot likely to be rotated based on the match situation.
SRH captain Pat Cummins, returning to IPL leadership, said, “It is great to be back. The core of the group is the same, and so is the coaching staff. It’s pretty hot, so I don’t mind bowling second. Would be nice to carry forward last season’s form.”
With high temperatures expected and a dry surface, both teams appear prepared for a challenging encounter under the sun. Rajasthan’s decision to field first is likely driven by the conditions and the tactical advantage provided by the Impact Player rule.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI): Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins(c), Simarjeet Singh, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Shami
Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubham Dubey, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Shimron Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi
