SRH vs RR, IPL 2025: Likely Playing XIs And Impact Substitutes

This year, their campaign starts with a visit to Sunrisers Hyderabad, not an easy task for any team. For the Royals, this is a team that on paper looks to be equally capable with the bat in hand despite losing Jos Buttler. However, it is more of a concern when it comes to the bowling. They have had to start from scratch, and it means they will need their players to be at their best.

For their starting XI in their first match, captain Sanju Samson has already announced that he will be a batting-only player as he recovers from an injury. Nevertheless, he will likely be prepared to open the batting alongside the uber-talented Yashasvi Jaiswal. This forms a formidable opening partnership, and it will need to be to go toe-to-toe with Abhishek and Head.

In the 3-4 slot, Riyan Parag and Nitish Rana will likely be used as matchup options depending on left-hand right-hand. After Parag’s breakout season last year, he will be a player to keep an eye on. Rana was a budget buy for a solid top order option, and also provides a bowling option similar to Parag, which does beef up that department as well.