SRH vs GT: Here’s why Harshal Patel is not playing today’s IPL 2025 match

Apr 6, 2025

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Why Harshal Patel is not playing today

The 19th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 features Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) taking on Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. However, Sunrisers suffered a significant setback just before the match, with Harshal Patel being ruled out of the contest.

Reason behind Harshal Patel’s absence

During the toss, Sunrisers captain Pat Cummins addressed Harshal’s absence, stating that the pacer was unwell and therefore not included in the playing XI. Cummins further announced that experienced fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat would be replacing Harshal in the lineup.

Cummins’ comments at the toss also shed light on SRH’s game plan. By getting the chance to bat first, the team will bank on its explosive batting lineup to set a daunting total. The captain referenced their previous outing at this venue, where SRH posted a mammoth 280, signaling their intent to replicate that firepower.

“Happy to bat first. We want to be aggressive. It’s a ground we like batting at, we scored 280 at this venue not so long ago. We need to play our best. Need to focus on our strengths. Harshal Patel misses as he is ill, Jaydev Unadkat comes in,” said Cummins at the toss.

Also READ: Preity Zinta’s ‘Jadoo Ki Jhappi’ to Shreyas Iyer wins hearts after Punjab Kings’ first defeat in IPL 2025

Jaydev Unadkat: A chance to shine

With Patel sidelined, Unadkat gets a golden opportunity to prove his worth. The experienced left-armer brings a different dynamic to the SRH attack, with his ability to swing the ball early and mix up his pace. While Unadkat may not replicate Harshal’s death-over heroics, his inclusion could provide SRH with an edge in the powerplay, especially if the conditions favor swing bowling. Fans will be eager to see how Unadkat adapts to the pressure of stepping into Harshal’s shoes against a formidable GT side.

SRH vs GT: Playing XI of both teams

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kamindu Mendis, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins (c), Zeeshan Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammed Shami

Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma