Date: May 2, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Broadcast: Star Sports Network | Live Streaming on JioHotstar
Introduction: A Battle of Contrasting Journeys
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is entering its business end, and as the playoff race intensifies, Match 51 presents a crucial, high-stakes face-off between two teams on opposite ends of the spectrum — the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Set against the backdrop of the roaring Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, this encounter could make or break SRH’s playoff hopes, while helping GT edge closer to a top-two finish.
With GT sitting comfortably at fourth in the table with 6 wins in 9 games, they’ve got momentum on their side. But for SRH, languishing at ninth place, this is more than a game — it’s their last lifeline. Anything less than a win would virtually eliminate them from the tournament.
Team Form and Momentum
✅ Gujarat Titans – Surging Toward the Playoffs
From IPL champions in 2022 to title contenders in 2025, the Gujarat Titans have managed to rebuild smartly under the calm leadership of Shubman Gill. Their balanced squad, formidable batting core, and tactical bowling unit have kept them in playoff contention through most of the season.
🔹 Strengths:
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Sai Sudharsan’s consistency at No. 3 has been a revelation — anchoring innings and allowing others to play freely.
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Jos Buttler’s flair at the top adds firepower, often setting the tone early in the innings.
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The bowling attack, led by Mohammed Siraj and Rashid Khan, offers both pace and control. Siraj’s aggression with the new ball and Rashid’s ability to strike in the middle overs have been pivotal.
🔹 Areas of Concern:
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The Titans still lack a dependable second pacer, putting pressure on Siraj to deliver every time.
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Their middle-order has occasionally looked brittle when early wickets fall — a chink SRH’s bowlers would hope to exploit.
If GT win tonight, they’ll strengthen their case for a top-two finish, granting them the all-important second chance in Qualifier 1.
❌ Sunrisers Hyderabad – Desperation Mode Activated
The 2024 runners-up have had a season to forget. Despite a thunderous start — including a mammoth 286-run effort early in the campaign — SRH’s performances have plummeted. With just three wins in nine games, a loss tonight will officially put them out of playoff contention.
🔹 Batting Woes:
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The top-order stars like Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Ishan Kishan have struggled for consistency. Once touted as the most explosive batting unit of IPL 2025, they’ve fizzled out under pressure.
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Their lower middle order has failed to rescue collapses, leading to multiple below-par totals.
🔹 Bowling Concerns:
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Captain Pat Cummins’ bowling attack has leaked runs, conceding over 10 runs per over on average in recent games.
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Their spinners, including Rahul Chahar and Adam Zampa, have been underutilized or ineffective.
To survive, SRH must produce a flawless performance — a big score, disciplined bowling, and fearless intent.
GT vs SRH Head-to-Head Record
Matches | GT Wins | SRH Wins | No Result |
---|---|---|---|
5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
Gujarat Titans hold the edge historically, and with the match on their home turf, they will look to extend their dominance.
Narendra Modi Stadium – Pitch and Conditions
The iconic Narendra Modi Stadium offers a batting paradise. The pitch at Ahmedabad features true bounce, allowing batters to play through the line with confidence. Here’s what to expect:
Pitch Characteristics:
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Powerplay Phase: New ball movement helps pacers like Siraj and Cummins.
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Middle Overs: Spinners like Rashid Khan and Washington Sundar come into play if the pitch slows.
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Death Overs: Flat surface helps finishers like Buttler, Klaasen, and Tewatia.
Toss Strategy:
Teams prefer batting first to capitalize on a fresh wicket and then use spin to tighten the chase. However, recent matches have shown that dew can neutralize spin, making chasing teams more comfortable.
Expected Score: 200+ is par, anything below 190 could be below par.
GT vs SRH – Probable Playing XIs
🟦 Gujarat Titans:
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Shubman Gill (c)
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Jos Buttler
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Sai Sudharsan
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Shahrukh Khan
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Rahul Tewatia
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Washington Sundar
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Rashid Khan
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Mohammed Siraj
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Prasidh Krishna
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B. Sai Kishore
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Kagiso Rabada
Impact Player Options: Kumar Kushagra (wk), Vijay Shankar, Dasun Shanaka, Anuj Rawat
🟧 Sunrisers Hyderabad:
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Travis Head
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Abhishek Sharma
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Heinrich Klaasen (wk)
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Ishan Kishan
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Nitish Reddy
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Pat Cummins (c)
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Harshal Patel
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Washington Sundar
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Adam Zampa
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Jaydev Unadkat
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Mohammad Shami
Impact Player Options: Rahul Chahar, Simarjeet Singh, Kamindu Mendis
Dream11 Prediction & Fantasy Tips
Top Picks:
🧤 Wicketkeepers:
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Jos Buttler – Aggressive and in form.
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Heinrich Klaasen – Power-hitter, thrives under pressure.
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Ishan Kishan – Can swing momentum in powerplay.
🏏 Batters:
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Sai Sudharsan – Mr. Consistency for GT.
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Shubman Gill – Anchors GT’s innings and sets up platform.
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Travis Head – Dangerous on his day; needs to fire.
🛡️ All-rounders:
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Abhishek Sharma – Offers runs and part-time spin.
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Washington Sundar – Useful with ball and lower-order hitting.
🔥 Bowlers:
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Prasidh Krishna – Bounce and pace at Ahmedabad suits him.
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Rashid Khan – Always a threat in the middle overs.
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Mohammed Siraj – New ball destroyer.
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:
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Option 1: Sai Sudharsan (C), Jos Buttler (VC)
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Option 2: Shubman Gill (C), Travis Head (VC)
Backups / Wildcard Picks:
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Pat Cummins – Leadership role and potential with bat & ball.
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Nitish Reddy – Breakthrough player.
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Harshal Patel – Known for death-over skills.
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Rahul Tewatia – Game-changer if GT chases.
Key Battles to Watch
⚔️ Rashid Khan vs Heinrich Klaasen:
Klaasen loves spin, but Rashid’s accuracy and variations could test his technique.
⚔️ Siraj vs Travis Head:
Siraj will aim to nip out Head early with late movement — a match-defining contest in the powerplay.
⚔️ Buttler vs Pat Cummins:
England vs Australia continues — both men aggressive and proud, and both know the other’s tricks.
What’s at Stake?
For Gujarat Titans:
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A win will take them closer to the top two, ensuring a second shot at reaching the final.
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Could allow them to experiment with combinations if they confirm qualification early.
For Sunrisers Hyderabad:
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It’s win or go home. Another loss will mathematically eliminate them from the playoffs.
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They must win all remaining matches and depend on other results to sneak into the top four.
Prediction: Who Will Win?
On paper and form, Gujarat Titans are clear favourites. Their structure, form, and home conditions give them the edge. However, SRH, desperate and cornered, might just find that extra gear — as IPL often delivers redemption arcs.
Final Prediction: Gujarat Titans to win, but expect SRH to push hard in a high-scoring thriller.
Closing Thoughts
As the sun sets over Ahmedabad and the stadium lights up, expect fireworks — both literal and metaphorical. With one team battling for the summit and the other clawing for survival, this clash is more than just two points — it’s about pride, form, and legacy in IPL 2025.
Whatever the outcome, fans can brace for a spectacle worthy of this grand venue.
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