The IPL 2026 season heats up in Guwahati as Rajasthan Royals (RR) face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Barsapara Stadium in match 16. RR captain Riyan Parag won the toss and chose to bowl, banking on early swing from the rain-affected pitch.
A single switch for RR: Brijesh Sharma in for Tushar Deshpande. ‘Dry track with moisture – perfect for bowling first,’ Parag noted. ‘Tushar’s resting; Brijesh gets his chance.’
RCB countered with Josh Hazlewood’s return, ousting Jacob Duffy. Patidar, embracing the away atmosphere, said, ‘Feels like home here thanks to you fans. Duffy bowled brilliantly last game, but Hazlewood’s class is unmatched.’
Parag’s RR boasts a perfect 3-0 record. Jaiswal’s 170 at 170 SR and Suryavanshi’s explosive 122 at 248 SR headline the batting, backed by Jurel’s promise. Archer, Burger, and Sharma dominate with the ball, Bishnoi adding spin menace.
RCB mirrors the form with 2/2 wins. Padikkal’s twin fifties, Kohli’s consistency, Salt and Patidar’s firepower, plus David’s 70 off 25 vs CSK, light up the top order. Kumar-Duffy struck early, Pandya-Sharma squeezed the middle.
Full RCB XI: Kohli, Salt, Padikkal, Patidar (c), Jitesh (wk), David, Shepherd, Pandya, Kumar, Singh, Hazlewood.
RR XI: Jaiswal, Jurel (wk), Parag (c), Hetmyer, Ferreira, Jadeja, Archer, Burger, Sharma, Bishnoi, Brijesh.
Unbeaten heavyweights collide – who will blink first in this IPL thriller?
