Rampaging Royals look to extend winning run against confident RCB

Riding high on confidence after a strong start to their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign, inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals will aim to tighten their grip on the competition when they take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the ACA Stadium here on Friday.

Placed on top of the points table after recording three wins out of three, the Royals have looked like one of the most complete sides this season, combining fearless batting with disciplined bowling, and will be keen to extend their dominance against an equally in-form RCB, who are placed third with two wins from as many outings.

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At the top, Rajasthan’s biggest strength has been their explosive opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The duo has consistently provided electrifying starts, putting opposition bowlers under immediate pressure with their aggressive intent and clean ball-striking.

Sooryavanshi, in particular, has grabbed attention with his fearless approach. The 15-year-old has shown no hesitation in taking on the best in the business, highlighted by a stunning six off the very first ball he faced from Jasprit Bumrah in the previous game. His ability to dictate terms early in the innings has added a new dimension to the Royals’ batting.

Alongside him, Jaiswal has brought a blend of composure and class, anchoring the innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate. His unbeaten 77 against Mumbai Indians showcased his maturity and ability to pace an innings, ensuring Rajasthan build on the strong starts provided in the powerplay.

With the top order firing, the Royals’ middle order has had the luxury of playing with freedom. The team has shown the ability to accelerate when needed while also maintaining control in tricky phases, making them a dangerous batting unit.

Equally impressive has been Rajasthan’s bowling attack, which has executed plans with remarkable clarity. The bowlers have consistently hit the right lengths, used variations smartly, and delivered under pressure at the death. Whether it has been squeezing runs in the middle overs or closing out games with accurate yorkers, the Royals’ bowling unit has complemented their batting perfectly, making them a well-rounded outfit.

However, the challenge against Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be far from straightforward. RCB boast an equally formidable top order led by the ever-reliable Virat Kohli, who continues to deliver consistently despite stepping away from T20 internationals in 2024. Phil Salt’s explosive batting adds further firepower at the top, capable of changing the game within a few overs.

Adding to RCB’s strength is the resurgence of Devdutt Padikkal, who has rediscovered his rhythm this season. Batting at number three, Padikkal has carried his domestic form into the IPL, producing back-to-back fifties — a 29-ball 50 against Chennai Super Kings and a 26-ball 61 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His aggressive yet controlled approach has bolstered RCB’s batting depth, while players like skipper Rajat Patidar and Tim David provide solidity in the middle.

RCB’s bowling, once considered a weak link, has also shown marked improvement. Jacob Duffy has stepped up in the absence of Josh Hazlewood, while Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma have been effective in controlling the middle overs.

Despite the strength of the opposition, Rajasthan will back their current form and momentum. Their ability to seize the initiative early, combined with a balanced bowling attack, gives them a strong platform heading into the contest.

Historically, Royal Challengers Bengaluru hold a slight edge in head-to-head encounters, having won 17 of the 34 matches played between the two sides, compared to Rajasthan’s 14 victories, with three matches ending without a result. However, current form suggests the Royals have the edge going into this clash.

As for conditions, the weather in Guwahati is expected to be clear, with temperatures around 26 degrees Celsius. While there is a slight chance of scattered rain earlier in the day, it is unlikely to impact the match. Unlike the previous rain-affected game at this venue, both teams can expect a full contest, setting the stage for a high-quality encounter.

Squads:

Rajasthan Royals: Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel, Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, Aman Perala, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Adam Milne, Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer, Kuldeep Sen, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi and Sandeep Sharma.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Mayank Agarwal, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Liam Livingstone, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh.