Date: May 2, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Broadcast: Star Sports Network & Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar
As the race for the IPL 2025 playoffs heats up, Gujarat Titans (GT) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are set to lock horns in Match 51 of the tournament. While GT are riding high and looking to consolidate their top-four position, SRH are hanging by a thread, with another loss likely ending their campaign.
This isn’t just another league stage fixture — it’s a high-stakes, high-intensity showdown where reputations, hopes, and momentum are all on the line.
Gujarat Titans: A Contender Reborn
After clinching the title in their debut season in 2022, Gujarat Titans faced a roller-coaster couple of years. But in 2025, the team seems to have rediscovered its winning formula. With six wins from nine matches and a settled top order, GT currently sits comfortably in the top four, but they cannot afford to slip with the points table still wide open.
Sai Sudharsan: The Rock at the Top
Sudharsan has been GT’s most consistent batter this season. His blend of composure and stroke-play has anchored several chases and given the Titans stability. The young southpaw has evolved into a match-winner and remains key against SRH’s seam attack.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Wake-up Call
Despite a solid run, GT were jolted in their last game when they were outplayed by Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s thunderous knock. The middle order crumbled under pressure, exposing some vulnerabilities. It was a wake-up call for the Titans, who have otherwise thrived with their top-heavy lineup.
Bowling Woes – Siraj’s Lone Battle
While Mohammed Siraj continues to deliver fiery spells with the new ball, the absence of a reliable fast-bowling partner has left the Titans exposed in the death overs. The management’s decision to rely on youngsters and part-time options hasn’t always paid off, and it’s a gap that SRH’s power-hitters could target.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: A Season in Crisis
From IPL 2024 runners-up to IPL 2025 strugglers, it has been a dramatic fall for Pat Cummins’ SRH. With just three wins from nine games, SRH are staring down the barrel. A loss here would all but end their playoff hopes.
Batting Collapse After Collapse
Despite a stacked batting unit featuring names like Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, and Abhishek Sharma, SRH have failed to post or chase down match-winning totals. Frequent top-order failures and a brittle lower middle-order have been the Achilles’ heel. Even in matches where SRH started strong, the collapse phase has haunted them consistently.
Cummins’ Leadership Under Fire
The Australian skipper came into this season riding high on his World Cup and WTC credentials, but IPL is a different beast. Cummins’ tactical decisions, especially his bowling changes and field placements under pressure, have drawn criticism. However, his personal performances with the ball have remained consistent.
Time for Big Names to Deliver
For SRH to stand a chance against the formidable GT, the likes of Travis Head, Rahul Tripathi, and Klaasen need to step up. Their failure to convert starts into big innings has left SRH gasping for momentum throughout the season.
Head-to-Head Record
Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad have faced each other four times in IPL history, with both teams winning two games each. Their encounters have produced thrilling finishes, including last-over drama and late-game heroics.
The Narendra Modi Stadium, GT’s fortress, will play a big part in deciding the fate of this encounter. The large outfield and flat deck often favor batting second, making the toss a crucial factor.
Pitch Report & Conditions
The pitch in Ahmedabad has been largely chasing-friendly this season. With a flat surface, short boundaries, and a lightning-fast outfield, high scores have been the norm. However, the new ball bowlers will enjoy a bit of movement under lights in the first few overs.
Expect a first-innings par score of 200+, and dew could play a significant role in the second innings.
Probable XIs
Gujarat Titans (GT)
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Sai Sudharsan
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Shubman Gill (c)
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Wriddhiman Saha (wk)
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David Miller
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Rahul Tewatia
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Abhinav Manohar
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Rashid Khan
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Mohammed Siraj
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Kartik Tyagi
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Noor Ahmad
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Umesh Yadav
Impact Sub: Vijay Shankar / B. Sai Kishore
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
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Travis Head
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Abhishek Sharma
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Rahul Tripathi
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Aiden Markram
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Heinrich Klaasen (wk)
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Abdul Samad
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Washington Sundar
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Pat Cummins (c)
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T Natarajan
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar
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Mayank Markande
Impact Sub: Marco Jansen / Nitish Kumar Reddy
Tactical Match-ups to Watch
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Klaasen vs Rashid Khan: A battle of fire and finesse. Klaasen has dominated spin this season but has a poor record against Rashid.
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Sudharsan vs Bhuvneshwar: The left-hander’s early confidence will be tested by Bhuvi’s swing under lights.
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Cummins vs Gill: The SRH skipper will be eager to make a statement by taking out the GT captain early.
GT vs SRH – Score Prediction
Based on the ground conditions and team forms, here’s how the match could unfold:
Scenario 1: GT win the toss and bowl first
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SRH Powerplay Score: 50–55
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SRH Total Score: 200–210
Scenario 2: SRH win the toss and bowl first
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GT Powerplay Score: 55–60
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GT Total Score: 210–220
Match Prediction: Advantage Chasing Side
Given the trend at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the team chasing has a significant edge. Dew makes it tough for spinners, and setting a target can be tricky under pressure.
With their current form, Gujarat Titans are the favourites, especially if they chase. But if SRH can put a competitive total on the board and execute their bowling plans perfectly, an upset could be on the cards.
Prediction: Gujarat Titans to win, but expect a fight from SRH
Players to Watch
Gujarat Titans
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Sai Sudharsan – Consistent run-scorer and a key anchor
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Mohammed Siraj – Can dent SRH early with the new ball
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Rashid Khan – Game-changer in the middle overs
Sunrisers Hyderabad
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Travis Head – Needs to fire at the top
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Heinrich Klaasen – SRH’s best bet in the middle order
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Pat Cummins – Must lead from the front with ball and strategy
Final Word
This match isn’t just about two teams — it’s about two journeys. One team aiming to return to the IPL summit, and another fighting to keep their hopes alive. With the playoffs looming, expect nothing short of a thrilling battle under the Ahmedabad lights.
Can GT tighten their grip on the top four? Or will SRH script a comeback for the ages?
We’ll find out on May 2nd.
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