![Wanindu Hasaranga is not playing RR vs GT match [Source: AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1744205972704_hasaranga_RR.jpg?type=mq)
Wanindu Hasaranga is not playing RR vs GT match [Source: AP]
In a significant development, Rajasthan Royals (RR) won the toss and opted to bowl first in their fifth IPL 2025 clash against Gujarat Titans (GT). RR skipper Sanju Samson stated that the visitors would bowl first in order to capitalise on Ahmedabad's playing conditions.
Why Have RR Dropped Wanindu Hasaranga From Playing XI?
Meanwhile, in a significant move, RR have excluded premier Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga from their playing XI for this match. Hasaranga was in sublime form, emerging as RR's go-to man in the middle overs. So, his exclusion shocked cricket fans from across the globe.
However, RR skipper Sanju Samson clarified that Hasaranga was unavailable for this game due to personal reasons. But he didn't provide any official word on his IPL 2025 comeback.
Fazalhaq Farooqi Replaces Wanindu Hasaranga
RR have brought left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi back into their playing XI as Wanindu Hasaranga's replacement.
He has played one match in the IPL 2025, failing to bag a single wicket while conceding 49 runs in three overs at a miserable economy of 16.33. Thus, this match gives him a golden opportunity to redeem himself in the tournament.
GT vs RR Playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande
Gujarat Titans Playing XI: Shubman Gill (c), B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, R Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
.jpg?type=mq "GT vs RR: Toss")
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