IPL 2025 is still in its early stages, but in just the second match, we have already seen records being shattered. On one hand, the SRH batting unit once again delivered a massive total as they made 286 runs in 20 overs, while on the other, Rajasthan Royals’ Jofra Archer registered an unwanted record, delivering the most expensive spell in an IPL match.
Looking at the game summary, SRH won the match by 44 runs. They first showcased their class with the bat and then delivered a collective effort with the ball. There was a brief hiccup when Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel were fighting for RR, but in the end, it was SRH who emerged victorious.
Now, if we see the match, many players delivered outstanding performances, while some big names disappointed. Let’s take a detailed look at who made an impact and who failed completely.
Hits 
Ishan Kishan (SRH)
No need to write off Ishan Kishan after an impressive domestic season in recent times. The southpaw, who is currently out of the India camp and not in the BCCI central contract, made a statement with his bat on his debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. He smashed a majestic ton, showcasing his brilliance by taking on Rajasthan Royals’ top bowlers. Kishan scored 106 runs off just 47 balls at a staggering strike rate of 225.53. On top of that, his partnership with Travis Head provided a solid foundation, which was a key reason why SRH crossed the 250-plus mark. It felt like he was ruling the Hyderabad park all over.
Travis Head (SRH)
When there is Head, there is a headache for bowlers. For the past few years, this has been the case whenever Travis Head comes to bat. You can expect explosive batting, whether it’s about stepping out to wide-length deliveries or pulling fast bowlers, this Australian maestro always dominates.
Today, for SRH, he did no different, smashing yet another IPL fifty with a staggering strike rate of 216.13. On top of that, his 85-run partnership with Ishan Kishan in just 39 balls significantly pushed the game in SRH’s favour and provided crucial momentum.
Simarjeet Singh (SRH)
Did his job quietly, that’s correct! Simarjeet Singh, who was with CSK last year, is now roaring in SRH colours and delivered a commendable performance. Yes, there’s still a lot to learn, but he picked up two quick wickets, proving his worth.
He removed Yashasvi Jaiswal, from whom RR had big expectations, but the batter failed completely, scoring just 1 before getting dismissed by Simarjeet Singh. Later, RR captain Riyan Parag was also deceived by the fast bowler.
Sanju Samson (RR)
Came in as an impact sub, RR’s regular captain, Sanju Samson, is not leading the team currently since he is not 100% fit for wicketkeeping due to a finger injury he sustained last month while playing against England. As a result, he is only fit for batting, which is why Riyan Parag is captaining the side. This arrangement will continue for the next two matches.
Speaking about Samson, while wickets kept tumbling at the other end—Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag among them, he stood tall, fighting alone. He played an impactful knock of 66 off just 37 balls before getting dismissed by Harshal Patel.
Dhruv Jurel (RR)
Many felt it was a class batting display by Dhruv Jurel, who not only scored a rapid 70 runs but also built a crucial 111-run stand with Sanju Samson, providing much-needed oxygen to the RR camp. At one point, the target seemed within reach, thanks to Jurel’s fighting knock.
However, in the end, he lost his concentration and, while attempting a sweep shot, got dismissed. Still, he is undoubtedly an emerging name. In the absence of Sanju Samson, he has been keeping wickets and performing well. There is no question about his talent. We remember how, multiple times last season, he stepped up, and even for India in Australia, he played some resilient knocks, showcasing his ability. In the upcoming games, the team will expect him to deliver even more.
Misses 
Riyan Parag (RR)
We all remember how Riyan Parag redeemed himself with impressive knocks last season, but unfortunately, in his first match of IPL 2025, he struggled completely on both fronts. His captaincy also came under scrutiny, as many felt he failed to execute plans effectively against SRH batters. He struggled to assign the right bowlers according to the situation and, when he came to bat, managed just 4 runs.
There were high expectations, which is why he was given the captaincy cap, but his IPL captaincy debut did not end well.
Jofra Archer (RR)
The big man, England’s lethal fast bowler Jofra Archer, is clearly not in his best form. After battling multiple injuries, it seems like many things have not been going in his favour.
It was a homecoming for Archer, as he is no stranger to the Rajasthan Royals camp. However, his first game of the season turned into a nightmare as he delivered one of the most expensive spells in IPL history. Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen smashed him all over the Hyderabad park. As a result, he conceded 76 runs in his four overs, nothing short of shocking. You wouldn’t expect a dangerous bowler like Archer to be completely taken apart, but the reality is that he struggled badly this time.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR)
Again, a big name, but the performance did not come out big. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been struggling in recent times, and many feel he is going through a rough patch.
There is no doubt about his talent, as countless fans believe this emerging star will dominate the cricket world. However, today was not his day. He was dismissed by Simarjeet Singh after scoring just one run off five balls. He looked shaky at the crease, and as a result, he got out early.
The game was clearly between SRH’s batting and Rajasthan Royals’ bowling, where SRH’s batting thrived. On the other hand, RR’s bowlers saw the ball being dispatched all over the park.
Take a look at SRH’s batting scorecard and how RR’s bowling performed, which was undoubtedly one of the key reasons for Rajasthan’s loss.
SRH batting vs RR 
Batter | Dismissal | R | B | M | 4s | 6s | SR |
Abhishek Sharma | c Jaiswal b Theekshana | 24 | 11 | 16 | 5 | 0 | 218.18 |
Travis Head | c Hetmyer b Deshpande | 67 | 31 | 48 | 9 | 3 | 216.12 |
Ishan Kishan | not out | 106 | 47 | 97 | 11 | 6 | 225.53 |
Nitish Kumar Reddy | c Jaiswal b Theekshana | 30 | 15 | 30 | 4 | 1 | 200 |
Heinrich Klaasen † | c Parag b Sandeep Sharma | 34 | 14 | 25 | 5 | 1 | 242.85 |
Aniket Verma | c Archer b Deshpande | 7 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 233.33 |
Abhinav Manohar | c Parag b Deshpande | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Pat Cummins (c) | not out | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Extras | (b 4, lb 1, nb 3, w 10) | 18 | |||||
Total | (20 overs, RR: 14.30) | 286/6 |
RR bowling card 
Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECON | 0s | 4s | 6s | WD | NB |
Fazalhaq Farooqi | 3 | 0 | 49 | 0 | 16.33 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Maheesh Theekshana | 4 | 0 | 52 | 2 | 13 | 8 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
Jofra Archer | 4 | 0 | 76 | 0 | 19 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
Sandeep Sharma | 4 | 0 | 51 | 1 | 12.75 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Nitish Rana | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Tushar Deshpande | 4 | 0 | 44 | 3 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
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