Explosive starts from Yashasvi Jaiswal and the teenage spark of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will set the tone as Rajasthan Royals aim to keep their momentum going against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in an IPL match in Guwahati on Friday. RCB will lean on a revived Devdutt Padikkal, hoping his form drives a top-order that has looked more settled under Virat Kohli’s steady presence, even after Kohli stepped away from T20 internationals in 2024. Phil Salt also struck with impact in the previous game, adding to Bengaluru’s attacking options.
Batting spotlight: Padikkal’s return to form and RCB’s structure
Batting at number three, Padikkal has carried his domestic rhythm straight into the IPL, suggesting a return to the same fluent brand of strokeplay—aggressive when the moment demands it, yet controlled enough to build innings rather than chase them. His debut IPL campaign gave an early statement of intent, where he produced 473 runs for RCB and established himself as a stylish top-order batter.
After that breakthrough, Padikkal’s later spells with Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants did not bring the consistent returns he would have hoped for. However, his return to Bengaluru last season proved pivotal, and he has pointed to it as a turning point—one that saw him play a meaningful role as the franchise finally lifted their maiden title.
This season, he has resumed in a similar vein, posting back-to-back scores of 50 in 29 balls against Chennai Super Kings and 61 off 26 deliveries versus Sunrisers Hyderabad. With those innings setting the tone, Padikkal will look to extend his current purple patch.
Bowling and batting shifts: Bengaluru’s improved attack vs Rajasthan’s power game
Alongside the top-order, Bengaluru’s middle offers stability through skipper Rajat Patidar and big-hitting Australian Tim David, giving the batting unit the ability to accelerate once set. Yet it is RCB’s bowling evolution that has stood out most this season. What once looked like a weak link now appears more complete and better balanced.
- Jacob Duffy has raised his impact in the absence of Josh Hazlewood, delivering sharp, match-changing spells.
- Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma have been effective in the middle overs, limiting scoring opportunities and tightening the run flow.
Rajasthan, meanwhile, have become one of the most dangerous batting sides in the tournament. Their fireworks often begin with the opening duo—Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi—who have repeatedly delivered strong starts through clean contact and fearless strokeplay that forces opponents to defend from the outset.
Sooryavanshi has particularly caught attention for his bold timing and audacious shot-making, including a six off the first ball he faced from Jasprit Bumrah in the previous game. Even as the 15-year-old’s fearless approach dominates headlines, Jaiswal has shown his class with steadier control, including an unbeaten 77 against Mumbai Indians—an innings that blended composure with attacking intent.
Rajasthan’s bowling unit has also been operating with clear execution, whether that means attacking hard lengths or nailing yorkers at the death, factors that collectively make them a well-rounded side.
Possible XI and match setup
Rajasthan Royals (from): 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, Sandeep Sharma.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (from): Rajat Patidar (captain), Abhinandan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, Kanishk Chouhan, Vihaan Malhotra, Vicky Ostwal, Satvik Deswal.
Match starts 7:30pm IST.
