SRH's Batting Blitz Sets the Tone
If you blinked, you probably missed a boundary. The IPL 2025 season is off and running at full throttle, and Sunrisers Hyderabad made a statement no one can ignore. Facing the Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, SRH piled up a massive 286/6, just a single run shy of their own IPL record set last year. The pitch barely got a breather as batsmen feasted on anything loose from the RR attack.
Ishan Kishan, opening for SRH, looked like he was in a hurry to wrap up the match himself. His fearless stroke-play — laced with crisp drives and cheeky scoops — saw him anchor the innings and earn the Player of the Match award. Throughout the powerplay, the Royals’ bowlers were punished for any lapses in line or length. By the ten-over mark, Hyderabad already looked set for a 250+ total, and their relentless aggression pushed Rajasthan onto the back foot early.
The middle order chipped in, too. Quick-fire cameos kept the scoreboard ticking, and SRH's intent was clear: every run mattered. Their overall total of 286 was the second highest in IPL history, missing out on their own record by just a whisker. It's the kind of confidence that makes opponents nervous — when a side can almost break its own record without seemingly breaking a sweat.
Royals' Response Falls Short Despite Spark
When Rajasthan Royals won the toss and put Hyderabad in, it looked risky, especially as the tournament has already trended towards high-scoring games this season. But RR backed their chasers, and Sanju Samson, stepping in as an impact substitute, tried to carry the hopes. Shimron Hetmyer injected some late momentum, smashing 42 off just 23 balls, and at one stage, Rajasthan's chase had a whisper of belief buzzing in the stands.
However, SRH’s bowlers weren’t letting this one go. Simarjeet Singh brought the momentum back with a tight spell, snaring two key wickets for just 20 runs. Harshal Patel, always known for his clever variations, also chipped in with two scalps, including the crucial wicket of Sanju Samson, caught expertly behind by Heinrich Klaasen. Every time Rajasthan threatened to put up a partnership, SRH bowlers pulled things back with tight overs or sharp fielding — Pat Cummins and Shami both taking vital wickets through smart tactical adjustments.
The Royals eventually limped to 242/6, a total that would have been a winning score on most other days. This time, though, it wasn't nearly enough. As the last overs played out, the only question was how wide the margin would be.
This contest didn’t just give SRH two points and a dream start — it also reminded everyone why T20 cricket is as unpredictable as it is electrifying. Batters ruled, bowlers fought back, and the crowd had plenty to cheer, setting the tone for more fireworks as IPL 2025 gathers steam.
