Toss Update: Sunrisers Opt to Bat First
Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Playing 11: In a crucial pre-match decision, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) won the toss and elected to bat first against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 10 of IPL 2025 at Visakhapatnam. SRH captain Pat Cummins cited the team’s preference to set a target after faltering in their previous chase against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Delhi skipper Axar Patel acknowledged he would have also chosen to bat, emphasizing the pitch’s batting-friendly nature in afternoon conditions.
Key Toss Takeaways:
- SRH made one tactical change: Leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari replaced pacer Simarjeet Singh to add variety to their attack on a dry surface.
- DC confirmed the return of KL Rahul, who replaced Sameer Rizvi in the lineup. Rahul will also take over wicketkeeping duties from Abishek Porel.
Confirmed Playing 11
Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Jake Fraser-McGurk – Explosive opener
- Faf du Plessis – Vice-captain and anchor
- Abishek Porel – Middle-order batter
- KL Rahul – Returning star, middle-order stabilizer
- Axar Patel (c) – Captain and spin all-rounder
- Tristan Stubbs – Power-hitter
- Ashutosh Sharma – Match-winning finisher
- Vipraj Nigam – Spin-bowling all-rounder
- Mitchell Starc – Pace spearhead
- Kuldeep Yadav – Left-arm wrist-spinner
- Mohit Sharma – Death-over specialist
Impact Sub: Mukesh Kumar (Pace)
Key Changes:
- KL Rahul’s inclusion bolsters DC’s middle order after his absence due to paternity leave. His role at No. 4 aims to prevent collapses like DC’s 7/3 start against LSG .
- Youngster Vipraj Nigam retains his place following a match-winning 39* off 15 balls in the opener, showcasing his dual role as a bowler and finisher.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Travis Head – Aggressive opener
- Abhishek Sharma – Dynamic all-rounder
- Ishan Kishan – Wicketkeeper-batter
- Nitish Kumar Reddy – Local hero and spin counter
- Heinrich Klaasen (wk) – Spin destroyer
- Aniket Verma – Middle-order power-hitter
- Abhinav Manohar – Finisher
- Pat Cummins (c) – Captain and pace leader
- Harshal Patel – Variations specialist
- Mohammed Shami – Swing bowler
- Zeeshan Ansari – Leg-spin inclusion
Impact Sub: Adam Zampa (Leg-spin)
Key Changes:
- Zeeshan Ansari replaces Simarjeet Singh, reflecting SRH’s strategy to exploit Vizag’s turn-friendly conditions later in the innings.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy, a Visakhapatnam native, remains critical against DC’s spinners, having scored 30+ in both matches this season.
Tactical Battles to Watch
1. Mitchell Starc vs Travis Head
The powerplay showdown between Starc and Head could define the match. Starc has dismissed Head five times in seven T20 encounters, including a two-ball duck in IPL 2024’s qualifier. However, Head’s 193.22 strike rate this season makes him a constant threat.
2. KL Rahul’s Middle-Order Role
Rahul’s return adds experience to DC’s lineup, but his placement at No. 4 raises questions. Critics argue he should open to maximize powerplay runs, but DC seems intent on using him as a stabilizer after early collapses.
3. SRH’s Spin Gambit
With Zeeshan Ansari and Adam Zampa, SRH aims to counter DC’s strong spin duo of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. Aniket Verma’s ability to smash spin (36 off 13 balls vs LSG) will be pivotal.
Pitch and Conditions
The ACA-VDCA Stadium promises a run-fest, with first-innings averages exceeding 200 this season. The surface offers consistent bounce for batters, while spinners may find gradual turn. High humidity (58%) could challenge bowlers’ grip, but the afternoon start negates dew concerns.
Recent Match Trends:
- LSG posted 209/8 here, which DC chased down despite a shaky start.
- SRH’s 286/6 against Rajasthan Royals highlights their batting firepower.
Head-to-Head Context
SRH hold a historical edge (13 wins to DC’s 11), including a dominant 67-run victory in IPL 2024. However, DC’s familiarity with Vizag—their temporary home in 2024—adds intrigue.
Conclusion: What to Expect
With SRH batting first, expect Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma to attack Starc early. DC’s response will hinge on Rahul’s stability and Ashutosh Sharma’s finishing prowess. The team adapting better to the pitch’s nuances—whether setting or chasing a total—will likely emerge victorious.
Key Stats to Track:
- SRH’s powerplay strike rate: 12.4 runs/over in IPL 2025.
- DC’s spinners’ economy: 7.8 runs/over this season.
Stay tuned for live updates on Star Sports and JioHotstar as these two titans clash in Visakhapatnam!
Also Read:
- RCB vs CSK Preview: A Clash of Contrasting Fortunes Under Bengaluru’s Rain-Threatened Skies
- KKR vs PBKS Playing XI, Toss Update and Match Preview
- KKR vs PBKS Preview: Redemption and Rivalry Collide at Eden Gardens
- CSK vs SRH First Innings: Chennai Collapse to 154 All Out Against Clinical Hyderabad
- CSK vs SRH Playing 11, Toss and Tactical Insights: Clash at Chepauk
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