Upcoming Match: Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are set to face the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 36 of the 2026 Indian Premier League on April 25. The match will take place at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, starting at 7:30 PM IST. This evening clash is expected to be a thrilling encounter between two competitive teams.
Rajasthan Royals come into this game with high confidence after securing a convincing 40-run victory over the Lucknow Super Giants. Currently ranked third with 10 points from 7 matches (5 wins, 2 losses), the Royals have shown consistency throughout the tournament. This match marks their first home game of the season in Jaipur, and they aim to strengthen their position in the top two.
On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad arrive in Jaipur with momentum, currently sitting in fourth place with 8 points from 7 matches. After a challenging start to the season, they have managed to secure a three-match winning streak, showing signs of improvement.
Adding to the excitement, skipper Pat Cummins has confirmed his fitness and availability, providing a significant boost to the SRH camp. Having defeated RR earlier this season, SRH will look to repeat that performance and challenge the hosts on their home turf.
This encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium promises to be a battle between the Royals’ balanced, settled combination and the Sunrisers’ aggressive, high-intent approach.
Context of the RR vs SRH Match
For the Rajasthan Royals, the focus is on maintaining their momentum. Under the captaincy of Riyan Parag, the team has found a stable rhythm. The opening partnership of Yashasvi Jaiswal and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been instrumental, accumulating nearly 500 runs between them. With the bowling attack spearheaded by Jofra Archer and Ravi Bishnoi, RR appear to have the tactical balance to handle diverse challenges.
For Sunrisers Hyderabad, the story is about the return of their leader and their explosive batting unit. The likes of Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen have been in prolific form, with Abhishek tallying over 300 runs at a staggering strike rate of 200-plus. With Cummins back in the mix, SRH not only gain a world-class bowling leader but also add significant experience to their side as they aim to close the gap on the top three teams.
Head-to-Head Record
The two teams share a storied rivalry. Across their previous 22 IPL meetings, Sunrisers Hyderabad hold the edge with 13 victories, while Rajasthan Royals have secured 9 wins. In Jaipur, it’s 2-2 from 4 clashes.
Probable Playing XIs
RR – Probable Playing XI
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: The explosive opener continues to provide high-impact starts. He has scored 245 runs from 7 matches this season.
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The teenage prodigy has been a revelation and a key force at the top. He is RR’s top scorer with 254 runs.
- Dhruv Jurel (wk): He comes into this contest on the back of a duck against LSG.
- Riyan Parag (c): The captain has shown great maturity, balancing aggressive intent with calm gameplay. However, his batting form needs improvement.
- Ravindra Jadeja: A vital cog for his all-round capabilities and experience. He played a match-winning hand against LSG.
- Shimron Hetmyer: Adds destructive power in the finishing overs. However, he has struggled with 61 runs from 5 innings at 15.25.
- Donovan Ferreira: In 4 innings, he has 97 runs this season. 73 of them came in one game itself.
- Jofra Archer: Leading the pace attack effectively, especially during crunch moments. He is closing in on 250 T20 wickets (249).
- Ravi Bishnoi: The primary spin threat has been highly effective this season. He has 11 scalps from 7 games.
- Tushar Deshpande: He adds depth and accuracy to the pace unit. From three games, he has three scalps.
- Nandre Burger: Offers pace and variety to the Royals’ bowling lineup. He has picked up 8 wickets from 7 games.
- Impact Player: Sandeep Sharma is the likely pick to provide death-overs expertise.
SRH – Probable Playing XI
- Abhishek Sharma: In red-hot form, leading the SRH charge with his aggressive approach. He hit a century in the last game.
- Travis Head: Brings fearless hitting to the Powerplay, a major threat to any bowling attack. He has scored 180 runs this season.
- Ishan Kishan (wk): Has captained well in Cummins’ absence and remains a fierce top-order batter. He has scored 238 runs with the help of two fifties.
- Heinrich Klaasen: The middle-order anchor who can switch to explosive mode instantly. He is SRH’s 2nd-highest scorer after Abhishek with 320 runs.
- Nitish Reddy: From six innings, he has chipped in with 136 runs at 27.20.
- Aniket Verma: He has scored 72 runs this season at 14.40. His strike rate is 160.
- Salil Arora: He also adds depth to this SRH side. He owns 55 runs from 5 innings at 13.75.
- Pat Cummins (c): Returns to lead the side, bolstering both the bowling and leadership depth.
- Eshan Malinga: Has been clinical with the ball, picking up crucial wickets this season. He has 12 wickets this season at 18.08.
- Sakib Hussain: A potent pace option who has been among the wickets. In three games, he owns six scalps.
- Praful Hinge: Provides versatility and change-of-pace options. He has 5 scalps from 2 matches.
- Impact Player: Shivang Kumar will add depth to the bowling unit with his spin.
Dream11 Strategy & Top Picks
Top Batters for Dream11
From RR, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are essential picks. From SRH, Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen are in exceptional form. One can add Ishan Kishan.
Best All-Rounders to Boost Points
Ravindra Jadeja (RR) and the returning Pat Cummins (SRH) offer high point-scoring potential.
Bowlers to Watch in Dream11
Jofra Archer (RR) and Ravi Bishnoi (RR) are strong contenders, while Eshan Malinga (SRH) has been consistently taking wickets. Sakib Hussain can be another player in the mix.
Pitch Report & Venue Conditions
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium is known for its fast outfield and generally batting-friendly surface. With the match scheduled under lights, the conditions are expected to ease for the batters as the game progresses. Chasing is traditionally considered the easier task at this venue, so the captain winning the toss will likely elect to bowl first to capitalise on the dew factor and the favourable evening conditions.
RR vs SRH: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
The surface in Jaipur historically suits batters, which could play into the hands of SRH’s explosive top-order hitters. However, the Rajasthan Royals have a well-rounded attack that has performed consistently at home, and the familiarity with the conditions gives them a slight tactical edge.
FAQs About RR vs SRH Playing 11
Who is the captain of the Rajasthan Royals?
Riyan Parag leads the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026.What is the H2H record?
From 22 matches, SRH have won 13, and RR have won 9.What is the start time?
The match begins at 7:30 PM IST on April 25, 2026 (Saturday).
