Hyderabad, April 23 – The stage is set for what could be the most explosive clash of IPL 2025 so far as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 41 of the tournament at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Scheduled to begin at 07:30 PM local time (14:00 GMT), this rematch is more than just a battle for points—it’s about unfinished business, unfulfilled hype, and perhaps, the elusive 300-run innings that has teased fans all season.
The 300 Dream: From Hype to Hope
Before the season even kicked off, SRH’s new skipper Pat Cummins ignited the spark of the 300-run dream. Holding up three fingers at a fan event, Cummins confidently dropped the number “three hundred,” sending social media into a frenzy. And when SRH smashed 286 for 6 in their opening game—just 14 runs short of the milestone—it looked like the prophecy was about to be fulfilled.
But as the tournament has unfolded, those hopes have been constantly challenged by erratic pitches, sharp reverse swing, and death-over mastery by bowlers. The much-anticipated April 17 clash at Wankhede, billed as a possible 300-run slugfest, fizzled out on a sluggish pitch that betrayed all expectations.
Now, with conditions in Hyderabad looking far more batting-friendly and the pitch curator rumored to be rolling out the infamous “Pitch No. 2,” optimism is back. Could tonight be the night 300 finally happens?
Venue and Conditions
Where: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
When: April 23, 2025 | 07:30 PM IST | 14:00 GMT
Pitch Report: Expect true bounce and a flat surface tailor-made for run-making. Three of the last four matches here have been won by the chasing team.
Weather: Hot and dry with no chance of rain—perfect for a full match and potentially a record-breaking one.
Head-to-Head Record
Mumbai Indians have historically had the upper hand against SRH, leading the head-to-head battle 14-10. However, with home advantage and form on their side, the Sunrisers will look to close that gap tonight.
Team Watch: Sunrisers Hyderabad
Injury Update: All players are available.
Tactics & Matchups:
- Rohit Sharma might have bounced back with a brilliant 76* recently, but he has historically struggled against SRH pacers. Pat Cummins has dismissed him five times, and Mohammed Shami three.
- SRH’s strength lies in their blazing starts. The opening pair of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma averages 81 in wins but only 18 in losses. Their impact at the top will be crucial.
Probable XII: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Abhinav Manohar, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Zeeshan Ansari, Mohammed Shami, Eshan Malinga
Team Watch: Mumbai Indians
Injury Update: Spinner Karn Sharma missed the last game due to stitches on his thumb but is likely to return.
Tactics & Matchups:
- MI’s bowlers will focus on breaking SRH’s top-order momentum early. However, Trent Boult—with only two wickets so far—needs to step up.
- MI’s batting order, led by Rohit Sharma and supported by Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, remains potent despite occasional collapses.
Probable XII: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashwani Kumar
Key Stats You Should Know
- Abhishek Sharma has hit 7 T20 centuries, 6 of which have come since January 2023. He’s in sublime form.
- Ishan Kishan started the season with a bang—scoring a 47-ball hundred—but has managed just 32 runs in six innings since.
- SRH’s spinners have been ineffective, claiming only 7 wickets in 7 games—the fewest by any team this season.
