As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season heats up, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) are gearing up for a crucial clash against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). With a few key changes in the squad and team composition, RR’s management has made it clear that they are making every effort to field their strongest side. The upcoming match will see significant changes in the lineup, with star player Sanju Samson being promoted, while a key foreign player, Jofra Archer, is notably absent. In addition, there’s no room for promising player Vaibhav Suryanashi, leaving fans curious about the squad choices for this important fixture.
Sanju Samson Gets Promoted to Captaincy
Rajasthan Royals’ fans have long been excited about the leadership qualities of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, and the IPL 2025 season is seeing him take a more prominent role within the squad. The franchise has announced that Samson will be promoted to lead the team, filling the big shoes left behind by previous leadership decisions. While the team has struggled at times, the confidence placed in Samson’s captaincy is a clear sign that RR believes in his potential to guide the team toward success.
Samson’s leadership style, which mixes calm decision-making with aggressive gameplay, has been one of the standout features of his IPL career. His experience of leading the Kerala team in domestic cricket and guiding RR in previous seasons makes him the ideal candidate to rally the troops. As the team’s skipper for the IPL 2025 season, Samson will look to bring a balanced approach to both batting and fielding, aiming for consistency throughout the campaign.
Absence of Jofra Archer: A Major Setback
One of the most glaring absences for Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming IPL 2025 match against SRH is the unavailability of England pacer Jofra Archer. Archer, who has been one of RR’s most potent bowlers in recent seasons, is set to miss the match due to injury concerns. His absence is a significant blow to RR, as Archer’s fiery pace and ability to bowl at the death have been key assets for the team in previous seasons.
Archer’s ability to swing the ball both ways and provide breakthroughs at crucial junctures has made him one of the most sought-after bowlers in the IPL. His injury means that RR will have to turn to their other bowling options, potentially relying more heavily on domestic players and other foreign bowlers to fill the void.
While his absence will be keenly felt, Rajasthan Royals still have a wealth of talent in their squad that they can rely on to deliver the goods against SRH. The team’s bowling unit, although without Archer, will likely be led by seasoned bowlers, including Trent Boult and the promising young talent that the franchise has nurtured over the years.
Vaibhav Suryanashi Left Out of the XI
Another intriguing decision for Rajasthan Royals in this match is the exclusion of emerging all-rounder Vaibhav Suryanashi from the playing XI. Despite showing flashes of brilliance in the previous season, Suryanashi has not made the cut for the IPL 2025 clash against SRH, leaving fans questioning the decision.
Suryanashi’s exclusion may be a tactical one, as RR is looking to play with a balanced squad that includes more experienced players in key positions. The presence of players like Ravichandran Ashwin, who can contribute both with the bat and the ball, could be one of the reasons why Suryanashi may have missed out. The final decision will likely depend on the team’s match strategy and how the conditions at the venue favor certain playing styles.
The Likely Playing XI for RR
With the absence of Archer and the exclusion of Suryanashi, Rajasthan Royals will likely field the following playing XI for the IPL 2025 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (Opener) – A promising young talent, Jaiswal will be expected to provide the solid start at the top of the order. His aggressive batting and ability to take on the bowlers make him a key asset for RR.
- Jos Buttler (Opener) – The explosive England wicketkeeper-batter will be pivotal in providing fireworks at the top of the order. Buttler’s power-hitting and ability to build partnerships will be vital for the team’s success.
- Sanju Samson (Captain & Wicketkeeper) – Promoted to captaincy, Samson will lead from the front both as a batter and a tactician behind the stumps. He will look to anchor the innings and guide RR through difficult situations.
- Riyan Parag (Middle-order) – Known for his ability to finish games, Parag will play a crucial role in the middle-order. His composure and experience in handling pressure situations make him an indispensable part of RR’s batting lineup.
- Shimron Hetmyer (Middle-order) – The dynamic West Indian batter will bring explosive hitting to the middle order. Hetmyer has the ability to change games with his power-hitting, and RR will rely on him to take the game deep in the final overs.
- Ravichandran Ashwin (All-rounder) – Ashwin’s experience with both bat and ball will be invaluable in this match. As a spinner, his role will be to provide breakthroughs, while with the bat, he can support the team in stabilizing the innings or accelerating when required.
- Trent Boult (Bowler) – New Zealand’s premier fast bowler will lead the RR attack in the absence of Archer. Boult’s pace and knack for picking wickets at key moments will be crucial for the team’s success.
- Prasidh Krishna (Bowler) – Krishna’s pace and ability to bowl at the death make him a key figure in RR’s bowling lineup. He will need to step up in Archer’s absence and provide key breakthroughs.
- Kuldip Yadav (Bowler) – The young left-arm spinner will look to exploit the conditions and provide crucial middle-over breakthroughs.
- Navdeep Saini (Bowler) – Saini’s pace and bounce will be essential to break partnerships and keep the pressure on SRH’s batters.
- Daryl Mitchell (All-rounder) – Mitchell brings balance to the squad with his all-round capabilities. His contributions both with the bat and the ball will make him a key player for RR in the absence of Archer.
The IPL 2025 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad promises to be an exciting encounter. Despite missing Jofra Archer and leaving Vaibhav Suryanashi out of the playing XI, Rajasthan Royals still boast a strong lineup capable of competing fiercely. With Sanju Samson taking charge as captain and the team filled with explosive talent, RR will be looking to bounce back and continue their push for IPL glory. The clash against SRH will be another test of their resilience, and fans can expect some thrilling cricket as they take the field.