By Chirag - May 05, 2025 11:03 AM
The Indian Premier League 2025 season begins with a critical fixture as SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) take on Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad today, May 5.
This match carries greater weight for Delhi, who are eager to keep their playoff hopes alive after suffering back-to-back defeats. A victory here would put them in the top half of the standings with 12 points from 10 games. On the other hand, Hyderabad’s journey has been rough this season, with just three victories out of ten games, leaving them near the bottom and with slim chances of qualification. However, they will be determined to put on a strong performance in front of their home crowd.
When these teams last faced off earlier in the season, Delhi comfortably beat Hyderabad by seven wickets, chasing down 164 inside 16 overs. As they square off again, much will depend on the bowlers to shift the momentum. Here’s a look at three players who could emerge as top wicket-takers in today’s encounter:
Image Source: IPL-X
Delhi’s left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been a crucial cog in their bowling attack this season. Although he went wicketless in his last two outings, including a spell of 0/27 in three overs against Kolkata Knight Riders, Kuldeep remains DC's second-best wicket-taker. With 12 wickets from 10 matches at an impressive economy rate of 6.74, he has been effective at containing runs while also breaking partnerships.
Against an aggressive Hyderabad batting unit, Kuldeep's variations could play a pivotal role. DC will be counting on him to rediscover his wicket-taking form, especially in this must-win game where every breakthrough could tilt the contest in their favor.
Image Source: IPL-X
Harshal Patel, the best bowler for Hyderabad this season, has claimed 13 wickets in nine games. Known for his clever change of pace and yorkers at the death, Harshal has an average of 21.92, though his economy rate of 9.50 reflects the challenges he has faced in containing the opposition.
He had an off day in SRH's last match against Gujarat Titans, conceding 41 runs without taking a wicket in three overs. Still, his overall wicket-taking ability remains vital for SRH, especially against Delhi's experienced batting line-up. If Harshal can strike early or in the crucial death overs, it could help Hyderabad pull off an upset win.
Image Source: IPL-X
Mitchell Starc, an Australian pacer, has been leading the Delhi Capitals with 14 wickets in 10 games thus far. With an economy of 10.16 and an average of 26.14, Starc has managed to strike regularly, even though he has been on the expensive side. In DC’s last match against KKR, he was among the wickets again, picking up 3/43.
Starc's contribution with the new ball will be particularly significant in the match today. Notably, he has a strong record against SRH opener Travis Head, having dismissed him twice in the IPL while conceding just 10 runs in seven balls. If Starc can remove Head early once again, it will give DC a significant edge in this key fixture.
With both teams eager to bounce back, today's SRH vs DC game promises to be a high-stakes contest. Kuldeep Yadav, Harshal Patel, and Mitchell Starc are three bowlers who could play decisive roles with their wicket-taking abilities. Their performances might just determine which side walks away with crucial points from this encounter.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Who Could Score the Most Runs in DC vs SRH Match?
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