IPL 2025 51st Match Pre-Match Analysis: Gujarat Titans vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad at Narendra Modi Stadium
The IPL 2025 51st Match is set to ignite the Indian Premier League as Gujarat Titans face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Scheduled for May 2, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST, this night game is a critical encounter for both teams aiming to solidify their playoff chances. This IPL 2025 Pre-Match Analysis explores the venue, squads, player performances, pitch conditions, and predictions to deliver a comprehensive preview of the Gujarat Titans vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad clash.
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket venue, is known for its batting-friendly surfaces and high-scoring IPL games. The average first-innings score here is around 180-190, with totals above 200 frequently chased due to the ground’s dimensions and conditions.
Ground Information:
- Pitch: The red-soil pitch offers pace and bounce, ideal for stroke-makers early on. Spinners find some grip in the middle overs, while pacers benefit from swing under lights.
- Weather: Ahmedabad in May is hot, with evening temperatures of 32-36°C. Dew is a significant factor, often aiding the team batting second.
- Dimensions: Square boundaries are 65-70 meters, with straight boundaries at 75-80 meters, encouraging aggressive batting but challenging bowlers.
- Toss Impact: Teams prefer to chase due to dew, with a 60% win rate for chasing sides in night games since IPL 2020.
First Batting vs. Second Batting: The second batting team benefits from the dew impression, as the ball skids, making it harder for bowlers to grip. The first batting team can set a daunting total (190+) if they capitalize on the powerplay and manage spin in the middle overs.
Date & Time
- Date: May 2, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Broadcast: Live on Star Sports Network and streaming on JioCinema.
This prime-time slot ensures a massive audience for the Gujarat Titans vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad showdown, with Ahmedabad’s electric crowd amplifying the stakes.
Squad Information
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Led by Shubman Gill, GT are in top form, sitting second on the points table after a 7-wicket win over SRH in Hyderabad (19th match). Their balanced squad excels in all departments.
Probable XI:
- Shubman Gill (c)
- B Sai Sudharsan
- Jos Buttler (wk)
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rahul Tewatia
- Rashid Khan
- R Sai Kishore
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Ishant Sharma
Impact Players: Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror
Key Players and Performance:
- Shubman Gill’s Performance: Gill’s 61* vs. SRH (19th match) anchored a clinical chase, with a season tally of 411 runs (average 45.67, strike rate 157.47). His leadership shines at home.
- B Sai Sudharsan’s Performance: Sai Sudharsan’s 526 runs (average 52.6, strike rate 155.16) include a 59* vs. RR. His consistency at the top is GT’s backbone.
- Mohammed Siraj’s Performance: Siraj’s 4/17 vs. SRH (career-best) dismantled their top order. His 9 wickets (economy 5.8) make him a powerplay threat.
- Rashid Khan’s Performance: Rashid’s lean season (1 wicket in 4 games) saw a wicketless 0/37 vs. SRH, but his economy of 8.5 at Ahmedabad could target SRH’s middle order.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Under Pat Cummins, SRH have been inconsistent, losing four straight games before a 246-run chase vs. PBKS (27th match). Their explosive batting is their strength.
Probable XI:
- Travis Head
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan (wk)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Aniket Verma
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Harshal Patel
- Mohammed Shami
- Zeeshan Ansari
- Jaydev Unadkat
Impact Players: Abhinav Manohar, Sachin Baby, Simarjeet Singh, Eshan Malinga
Key Players and Performance:
- Abhishek Sharma’s Performance: Abhishek’s 40-ball 100 vs. PBKS (171-run opening stand) revived SRH. His strike rate of 180+ suits Ahmedabad’s bounce.
- Travis Head’s Performance: Head’s 67 off 31 vs. RR faded to 28 off 29 vs. MI, but his 276 runs (strike rate 157.71) make him a powerplay danger.
- Heinrich Klaasen’s Performance: Klaasen’s 308 runs (average 34.22, strike rate 150.98) include a six vs. GT. His finishing against spin is key.
- Harshal Patel’s Performance: Harshal’s 4/42 vs. PBKS curtailed a bigger total. His 2/34 vs. RR shows death-over nous, critical against GT’s finishers.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
Head-to-Head: GT dominated SRH, winning their last encounter by 7 wickets on April 6, 2025, in Hyderabad (SRH 152/8, GT 153/3). GT also won by 34 runs in Ahmedabad in 2023.
Recent Form:
- GT: W-W-W-W-L (four wins in five, including SRH and DC)
- SRH: W-L-L-L-L (buoyed by PBKS chase but inconsistent)
GT’s bowling depth gives them an edge, but SRH’s batting firepower could challenge on a batting-friendly pitch.
Player Form Analysis
Gujarat Titans
- Strengths: GT’s top order (Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Buttler) contributes 65% of runs, with Siraj and Prasidh dominating powerplays. Rashid’s potential revival adds depth.
- Weaknesses: Rashid’s form (1/143 in 14 overs) and an untested middle order (Shahrukh, Tewatia) could falter if early wickets fall.
- X-Factor: R Sai Kishore’s Performance (2/24 vs. SRH) could exploit SRH’s spin vulnerabilities, especially against Klaasen and Reddy.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Strengths: SRH’s openers (Travishek) can set blistering starts, with Klaasen’s finishing and Harshal’s death bowling adding balance. Ahmedabad suits their aggression.
- Weaknesses: SRH’s top order struggled vs. GT (20/2 in powerplay), and Shami’s 0/75 vs. PBKS raises bowling concerns.
- X-Factor: Aniket Verma’s Performance (5 sixes vs. GT in a practice match) could provide a late surge, complementing Klaasen’s power.
Pitch and Conditions Impact
The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch favors batters, with bounce aiding openers like Head and Gill. Spinners like Rashid and Ansari will find some grip, while dew could challenge bowlers late, favoring chasers. Pacers like Siraj and Shami can exploit early swing.
First Batting Team: Setting 190-200 is defendable if spinners control the middle. GT’s bowling depth suits this strategy.
Second Batting Team: Chasing is preferred due to dew, with SRH’s aggressive batting ideal for targets below 195.
Key Battles to Watch
- Travis Head vs. Mohammed Siraj: Head’s 67 vs. RR faces Siraj’s powerplay dominance (4/17 vs. SRH). Siraj dismissed Head in the 19th match.
- Shubman Gill vs. Harshal Patel: Gill’s 61* vs. SRH meets Harshal’s death-over cutters. Harshal’s 4/42 vs. PBKS shows his threat.
- Heinrich Klaasen vs. Rashid Khan: Klaasen’s six vs. GT faces Rashid’s leg-spin. Rashid’s economy at Ahmedabad could restrict Klaasen’s finishing.
Prediction: Who Will Win?
GT hold a slight edge, leveraging home advantage and a superior head-to-head record. Their bowling, led by Siraj and Sai Kishore, can exploit SRH’s inconsistent top order, while Gill’s form ensures stability. SRH’s batting firepower, revitalized by Abhishek’s ton, poses a threat, but their bowling may struggle with dew. The match hinges on the powerplay and SRH’s ability to counter spin.
Winner: Gujarat Titans (60% chance), especially if they chase with dew aiding.
Key Factor: GT’s spin bowling restricting SRH’s middle overs will be crucial.
Player of the Match Prediction
Shubman Gill is the top pick for Player of the Match. His 61* vs. SRH and 411 runs this season, combined with his captaincy and Ahmedabad comfort (strike rate 160+), make him a standout. A 70-100 run knock could seal it.
Alternate Pick: If SRH win, Abhishek Sharma could claim it with a rapid 80+, building on his 100 vs. PBKS.
Most Dismissible Bowler
Mohammed Siraj is likely to be the most dismissible bowler regarding wickets. His 4/17 vs. SRH and 9 wickets (economy 5.8) highlight his powerplay prowess. He could claim 2-3 wickets at Ahmedabad, targeting Head and Kishan.
SRH Counterpart: Harshal Patel (12 wickets) could shine for SRH, using cutters to disrupt GT’s middle order on a bouncy pitch.
Tactical Insights
- GT Strategy: Use Siraj and Prasidh to attack SRH’s powerplay, with Rashid and Sai Kishore choking the middle. Gill and Buttler must maximize early bounce.
- SRH Strategy: Travishek should set a blistering start to counter spin later. Harshal and Shami must vary pace to restrict GT’s finishers.
- Impact Player Rule: GT could bring in Washington Sundar for spin depth, while SRH might opt for Abhinav Manohar for batting firepower.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 51st Match between Gujarat Titans vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, promises a high-scoring thriller. GT’s balanced attack and home comfort give them an edge, but SRH’s batting resurgence keeps it close. With Shubman Gill likely to lead from the front, expect a tactical battle decided by spin and dew.
Final Verdict: GT to win narrowly, driven by Gill’s elegance and Siraj’s fire.
