Vijayawada Sunshiners vs Royals of Rayalaseema Prediction, Players, Standings, Odds: 9/8/2025

The second fixture of the 2025 Andhra Premier League will feature a promising face-off between Vijayawada Sunshiners and Royals of Rayalaseema at the iconic Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. With both teams eager to start their campaigns with a victory, fans can expect a closely fought afternoon contest that could swing either way.

Vijayawada Sunshiners: A New Beginning with High Hopes

Entering their debut season, the Vijayawada Sunshiners have a lot riding on their first performance. The team will be led by Ashwin Hebbar, who was the standout performer in last year’s tournament while representing Vizag Warriors. His 456-run tally at an impressive strike rate of 146.15 made him a key acquisition, and Vijayawada will look to build their batting efforts around his consistency and attacking intent.

Supporting Hebbar is a core of emerging talent. Garimella Teja, a young batter drawing attention for his potential, will likely play a top-order role. Dheeraj Kumar and Munnangi Abhinav round out a capable batting group, giving the Sunshiners a balanced look from top to middle order.

On the bowling front, Lalith Mohan and Prithvi Raj will be tasked with taking early wickets to disrupt Rayalaseema’s rhythm. Left-arm spinner Yadla Vasu might prove crucial in the middle overs, especially on surfaces that tend to assist turn. The team’s effectiveness will hinge on their ability to maintain control during the powerplay and capitalize during the death overs.

Predicted XI: Ashwin Hebbar (c), Garimella Teja, Dheeraj Kumar, Lalith Mohan, Vamsi Krishna (wk), Munnangi Abhinav, Prithvi Raj, Yadla Vasu, Thanneeru Bharath, Gadde Samanvith, Shaik Zaheer Abbas/Sai Venkata Sumith

Royals of Rayalaseema: Seeking a Strong Statement

The Royals of Rayalaseema arrive with experience and a sense of direction. With a roster that blends seasoned players and rising talents, the Royals are among the teams tipped to challenge for top honors this season.

Captain Shaik Rasheed leads from the front, having amassed 297 runs at a strike rate of over 140 in the previous edition. His presence adds stability and flair to the top order, and he’ll be the key figure in their batting approach.

The lineup also includes solid contributors like Girinath Reddy, Dhruva Kumar Reddy, and Pyla Avinash, all capable of building partnerships or accelerating when needed. The bowling unit features new-ball threat Jagarlapudi Ram and the lively Madhav Rayudu, whose pace could be instrumental in early breakthroughs. Siraparapu Ashish and Vinukonda Venu are also expected to thrive in Visakhapatnam’s spin-friendly conditions.

Predicted XI: Shaik Rasheed (c), Girinath Reddy, Dhruva Kumar Reddy, M Vasu Deva Raju (wk), Pyla Avinash, Jagarlapudi Ram, Madhav Rayudu, Siraparapu Ashish, Vinukonda Venu, Suryadevara Chakravarthy, Kolla Kiran

Match Conditions: A Batting-Friendly Venue with a Weather Caveat

The ACA-VDCA Stadium is renowned for high-scoring T20 games, particularly in the second innings when the pitch eases out. While pacers may enjoy some initial assistance with the new ball, spinners often become influential during the middle overs, especially on sunny afternoons.

However, forecasts suggest cloudy conditions and a chance of afternoon thunderstorms, which could result in brief delays or even adjustments to match duration. The pitch history still favors teams batting second, with recent matches indicating successful chases.

• Average First-Innings Score: ~170
• Record Score: 272/7 (KKR vs DC, IPL)
• Likely Toss Decision: Bowl First

Prediction: Royals Have the Edge — But Margins Are Slim

While both sides bring talent and determination, Royals of Rayalaseema seem slightly better positioned heading into this clash. Their deeper roster and multiple match-winners across departments give them a tactical advantage. That said, the Vijayawada Sunshiners will be a real threat if Ashwin Hebbar continues his fine form with the bat.

If Hebbar can anchor the innings and receive meaningful support, the Sunshiners could cause an upset. But based on squad depth and experience, the Royals of Rayalaseema are the safer bet to start the season with a win.

Prediction: Royals of Rayalaseema to win