Why Is Rahul Chahar Not Playing Today’s IPL 2025 Clash Against RR?

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) left Rahul Chahar out of their playing XI for today’s match against Rajasthan Royals (RR). The team opted for a pace-heavy combination at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The flat pitch, offering bounce and carry, prompted SRH to load up on seamers.

Why Rahul Chahar Is Not Playing Today

SRH management prioritized seam options. They fielded a strong pace attack featuring Shami, Harshal Patel, Simarjeet Singh, and captain Pat Cummins. The flat, bouncy surface offered early season help for fast bowlers. SRH preferred part-time bowlers like Abhishek Sharma and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who also add depth in batting.
The overseas picks—Cummins, Klaasen, Head, and Shami—fixed their combination. It limited flexibility for another spinner.

Young Indian players like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Aniket Verma balanced both departments. This left little space for Rahul Chahar. He may get chances later when spin-friendly pitches come into play.
Captains Explain Team Strategy

In his first ever game as a captain, Riyan Parag won the toss and elected to field first. Parag became the fourth youngest captain in the history of the IPL.

Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals Captain):

Parag explained the reason why he chose to bowl first.
“We are going to bowl first. The wicket looks dry, and dew might settle in later.”
“It’s a big responsibility for me to lead this franchise.

We wanted to retain our strong bowling core, with Jofra, Fazalhaq, and Theekshana playing today. Starting the season well is important, and we are confident,” he added.
Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad Captain):

Cummins said that he would not mind batting first. He also explained the team’s philosophy.
“Feels great to be back leading this group.

The pitch looks good and we don’t mind batting first. We have stuck with our core from last season, encouraging freedom and fearless cricket. A few youngsters like Aniket and Abhinav get a chance today. It’s about backing our combinations.

Playing XIs

Sunrisers Hyderabad XI:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma.

Impact Player: Akash Madhwal/Kumar Kartikeya.

Rajasthan Royals XI:

Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Abhinav Manohar, Wiaan Mulder/Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins (C), Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Mohammed Shami.

Impact Player: Jaydev Unadkat/Simarjeet Singh.

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