IPL 2025: Why is Sanju Samson not in Starting XI in SRH vs RR Match 2?

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are hosting Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad in the second match of IPL 2025 on Sunday, March 23.

After a one-sided contest between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru started the 18th edition of the 10-team tournament, last year's runners-up - Hyderabad - are set to collide with inaugural winners - Rajasthan Royals - on their home turf. Riyan Parag will be in charge of the Royals for the first time in his career. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins, who was inspirational with his captaincy last season for the Orange Army, will lead them once again.

Toss Update

Parag won the toss for the Royals and opted to bowl first. He reckoned that the wicket was a bit dry. He explained how special it is for him to lead the side from where he started his IPL career at the age of 17. Meanwhile, Cummins felt that the toss would not play a huge role, and he does not mind batting first in the hot and humid conditions in Hyderabad.

Sanju Samson as Impact Player

Sanju Samson will be playing as an Impact Player in this encounter. Parag confirmed the same at the toss. The wicketkeeper-batter will come in to bat in the second innings of the clash, adding more firepower to Royals' batting lineup. He is expected to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.

What did both the captains say at the toss?

Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals)

Bowling first. Looks like a dry wicket so we'll have a crack at it later. (On captaincy) Means a lot, started here as a 17 year old. Getting to fill in big shoes, very excited. The impact rule helps with Sanju. We've retained a lot of our core so that helps with the batting order. The other three overseas will be Theekshana, Jofra and Farooqi. Always good to start well, we have practiced a lot.

Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

It is great to be back. The core of the group is the same, the coaching staff is the same. Don't think batting or bowling first matters. It is pretty hot, so don't mind bowling second. Would be nice to keep last season's form going. We always encourage our games to play with freedom. Abhi and Heady will hopefully continue from last year, and Nitish and Klassen are there as well. Ishan Kishan and Abhinav Manohar will be making their debuts.

SRH vs RR Playing XIs

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Rajasthan Royals