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Confident Gujarat Titans (GT) will cross swords with depleted Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their IPL 2025 clash, scheduled to be played on May 2 at the Narendra Modi stadium on May 2.
Shubman Gill's GT have consistently been a formidable team in the IPL 2025, establishing themselves as a side that prioritizes effectiveness over flamboyant displays in both their players and their approach to the game. Since their introduction to the league in 2022, they have been recognised for their straightforward yet potent T20 cricket, often relying on smart, fundamental play rather than excessive fireworks. This approach has served them well this season, as evidenced by their six victories in the nine matches they have contested.
However, their recent loss to Rajasthan Royals, largely due to the explosive innings of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, has slightly dented the GT's momentum, marking their second defeat in their last four outings. With the playoff race intensifying and teams like the Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Delhi Capitals also vying for a spot, even securing 16 points might not guarantee a place in the knockout stage this season, emphasising the need for GT to quickly regain their winning form.
Meanwhile, SRH have seemingly refreshed themselves with a brief break following their memorable win against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk. For Hyderabad, their path to the playoffs is clear, win their remaining matches to keep their hopes alive, or face the prospect of relying on the outcomes of other teams' games if they lose.
A significant aspect of SRH's success in the previous season was the dynamic opening partnership of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. In the 13 instances they opened together in 2024, they amassed 599 runs at an impressive run rate exceeding 13 and an average of 49.91. However, their performance as a pair this season has been less impactful, totaling 316 runs, with a substantial 171 of those coming in their remarkable run-chase against the Punjab Kings.
In contrast, GT's opening pair of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan have continued their consistent run in the IPL 2025. Together, they have accumulated 541 runs at an impressive average of over 60. Nevertheless, their scoring rate as a duo has been relatively subdued, falling below 9 runs per over, which is the second-slowest among all opening pairs in this IPL season.
Meanwhile, encouraging news for GT supporters is the likely return of their captain, Shubman Gill, for the crucial encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Gill had been sidelined due to a back spasm sustained during their recent loss to the Rajasthan Royals. However, the availability of Kagiso Rabada remains uncertain. Should he not be fit to play, there is a possibility of Sherfane Rutherford returning to the playing XI, potentially taking the place of Karim Janat, provided Rutherford himself is deemed fit for the match.
On the other hand, SRH are expected to maintain the winning combination that secured their memorable victory at Chepauk. Their management is unlikely to make any changes to a lineup that delivered such a significant result.
Gujarat Titans Predicted XI:
B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (capt), Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Karim Janat/Sherfane Rutherford, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj. Impact Player: Ishant Sharma/Arshad Khan.
Sunrisers Hyderabad Predicted XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Kamindu Mendis, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins (capt), Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammed Shami. Impact player: Zeeshan Ansari
GT vs SRH's head-to-head in IPL
Over their IPL history, GT and SRH have clashed in 5 matches. GT have held a slight upper hand, securing victories in 3 of these encounters, while SRH have won on 1 occasion. One match between the two teams concluded without a result.
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