The IPL 2025 caravan rolls into Hyderabad as Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Gujarat Titans in the 19th match of the tournament at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. With 74 matches scheduled across 13 cities over the next two months, the IPL fever is in full swing. Notably, Hyderabad will also host Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator on May 20 and 21, while Qualifier 2 and the final will be played in Kolkata on May 23 and 25, respectively.
Gujarat Titans have had a solid start to their campaign and currently sit fourth on the points table with two wins from three matches. They are coming off a confident six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru and will be eager to carry that momentum forward. However, they’ve been dealt a blow as Kagiso Rabada has flown back to South Africa due to personal reasons and will be unavailable for this clash.
Meanwhile, it’s been a rocky road for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who find themselves at the bottom of the table with just one win from four games. After starting their season with a win, they’ve stumbled in their last three matches. Now back at their home ground, SRH will be desperate to turn things around and get their campaign back on track.
Pitch & Weather Conditions
It’s set to be a warm and clear evening in Hyderabad, with no rain interruptions expected. Temperatures will hover around 29°C, making for ideal cricketing conditions under the lights.
The surface at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has proven to be a paradise for batters. In the two games played here so far this season, the pitch has offered consistent bounce and pace, allowing stroke-makers to play their shots freely. Expect another high-scoring encounter if this trend continues.
Players You Should Include In Your Eleven
Travis Head
He has scored 140 runs in 4 matches in IPL 2025.
He has looked in fine touch this season, getting off to quick starts in most games.
He has yet to convert those into big scores but remains a strong contender for a match-winning knock.
Heinrich Klaasen
He has scored 125 runs in 4 matches in IPL 2025.
He has shown glimpses of brilliance despite a few inconsistent outings.
He has the ability to change the complexion of a game in no time, making him a top fantasy pick.
Ishan Kishan
He has scored 110 runs in 4 matches in IPL 2025.
He has kicked off the season with a century in the first game.
He has struggled to maintain consistency since then but could bounce back strongly.
B Sai Sudharsan
He has scored 186 runs in 3 matches in IPL 2025.
He has been Gujarat’s most reliable batter and is currently in red-hot form.
He has the ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed.
Shubman Gill
He has scored 85 runs in 3 matches in IPL 2025.
He has looked composed at the crease but hasn’t converted starts into big innings.
He has the class to capitalize on a good batting surface like Hyderabad.
R Sai Kishore
He has taken 6 wickets in 3 matches in IPL 2025.
He has been consistently picking wickets and building pressure in the middle overs.
He has the knack for breakthroughs, making him a valuable fantasy asset.
Captain & Vice Captain Picks
Sai Sudharsan (GT)
Sai Sudharsan has been in exceptional form, amassing 186 runs in three matches at an impressive average of 62. He already has two fifties to his name and narrowly missed another with a score of 49 in the last game. Given his consistency and current rhythm, he’s a solid captaincy option for this match.
Jos Buttler (GT)
Jos Buttler returned to form in style with an unbeaten 73 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With 166 runs in three matches, including two fifty-plus scores, he is clearly getting back to his best and can be a match-winner on his day—making him a top vice-captaincy pick.
Travis Head (SRH)
Despite a failure in the last game, Travis Head remains a strong contender for captaincy. The Australian opener has scored 140 runs in four matches, including 67 and 47 in the first two games played at Hyderabad. With the match returning to a familiar venue, he could be back among the runs.
Differential Picks to Watch Out For
Abhishek Sharma (SRH)
Abhishek Sharma may be out of form, but he’s a dangerous batter on his day. With his ability to take on bowlers in the powerplay, he could turn the game around and rack up serious fantasy points if he gets going.
Sherfane Rutherford (GT)
Rutherford brings explosive power to the middle order and can also chip in with the ball if needed. He’s a high-risk, high-reward option worth considering in your fantasy team.
Zeeshan, Aniket, and Nitish Kumar Reddy (SRH)
All three are promising talents who offer depth and balance to the squad. Nitish Kumar Reddy, in particular, is an exciting all-rounder who can deliver with both bat and ball. Zeeshan and Aniket are also tempting picks, especially if you’re looking to differentiate your team with low-ownership players.