In a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 encounter, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bat first against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday, April 12. The stage is set for an exciting clash between two power-packed sides, with Punjab looking to carry forward their momentum and Hyderabad introducing a fresh face into their bowling attack.
Toss and Team Decisions
The much-anticipated toss was conducted under clear skies at the iconic Hyderabad venue. Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer called correctly and decided to take first strike on what is expected to be a good batting surface.
“We would like to put runs on the board and apply scoreboard pressure,” said Iyer at the toss. “The pitch looks dry and might slow down later, so batting first gives us the best chance.”
In contrast, SRH captain Pat Cummins expressed his confidence in chasing a target. “We were looking to bowl first anyway, so we’re happy. It looks like a good surface and dew might play a part later in the game.”
Team News: Punjab Kings Unchanged, SRH Make a Debut
Punjab Kings showed faith in their previous playing XI by making no changes to their side. The team has found a nice rhythm with a balanced combination of explosive batters and experienced bowlers, and they have decided to stick with the same line-up that delivered results in their last game.
On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad made a strategic tweak by including debutant Eshan Malinga, a promising right-arm pacer from Sri Lanka. He replaces Kamindu Mendis in the playing XI. Malinga, known for his pace and death-over skills, will be expected to bolster Hyderabad’s bowling department.
“Eshan has been impressive in the nets and brings variety to our pace attack. We’re excited to see what he can do under match pressure,” said Cummins.
Spotlight on the Captains
Shreyas Iyer, leading the Punjab Kings this season, has been instrumental in building a confident squad. His leadership and consistent performances have brought much-needed stability to the PBKS camp. With seasoned campaigners like Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, and Sam Curran in the line-up, Iyer will aim to put up a big total and set the tone early.
Pat Cummins, in his second season as captain for SRH, has been marshaling his troops well. With Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, and now Eshan Malinga forming a solid core, SRH looks like a team capable of handling any challenge thrown at them.
Key Players to Watch
For Punjab Kings, the focus will be on opener Shikhar Dhawan, who has a wealth of experience and an excellent record against SRH. His partnership with Jonny Bairstow at the top will be crucial to setting the foundation. All-rounders like Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone will provide firepower in the middle and death overs.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will bank on Heinrich Klaasen, who has been in fine form with the bat, along with Rahul Tripathi and Aiden Markram. In the bowling department, all eyes will be on Pat Cummins and the debutant Eshan Malinga. If Malinga can emulate even a fraction of his legendary namesake Lasith Malinga’s success, he could become a vital asset for the team.
Pitch and Conditions
The Hyderabad pitch has traditionally favored batters early on, with spinners coming into play as the game progresses. The team batting first will look to post a score in excess of 180, which could prove to be a challenging target with the pitch likely to slow down. Weather conditions are perfect for cricket, with no rain threat and pleasant evening temperatures expected throughout the match.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Sunrisers Hyderabad have had the upper hand against Punjab Kings in the IPL, having won the majority of their encounters. However, recent seasons have seen Punjab narrowing the gap, especially with their revamped squad and aggressive brand of cricket.
With both teams eager to climb the points table, today’s match promises a fierce contest filled with big hits, smart bowling, and tactical brilliance.