For Rajasthan Royals, April 22 has developed an almost uncanny reputation—particularly when it comes to big hundreds. In IPL history, this date has repeatedly been the stage for RR batters to convert starts into century-shaping knocks, creating a pattern that fans have come to notice year after year. It kicked off with Shane Watson, who struck 101 against Chennai Super Kings on April 22, 2013. The same date delivered another milestone six years later, when Ajinkya Rahane remained unbeaten on 105 against Delhi Capitals in 2019. The storyline kept rolling in 2022 as Jos Buttler smashed 116, again versus Delhi, and the trend was carried forward most recently in 2024 when Yashasvi Jaiswal produced a sensational 104* against Mumbai Indians on April 22.
Four different batters, four separate seasons, and one familiar calendar date—those ingredients naturally add intrigue whenever Rajasthan step out on April 22. The question now returns for the 2026 edition. On April 22, 2026, RR are back in action, this time taking on Lucknow Super Giants at home. Lucknow won the toss and chose to field, shifting the early focus to the Rajasthan batting lineup once again.
With the spotlight set squarely on the top order, Jaiswal will be central to the storyline—especially given how often this date has belonged to RR’s premier run-getters. Alongside him, the franchise will also be watching young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose presence adds another layer of excitement as Rajasthan look to see whether the “April 22 century trend” can keep extending into a new chapter.
Still, beyond the coincidence, this is a meaningful match for both teams. Rajasthan started their campaign in commanding fashion, winning four matches in a row, but momentum has slipped since then, with defeats in their most recent two outings. Lucknow’s position is even more delicate, having lost three consecutive games, which puts additional pressure on their performance as they look to arrest the slide.
The opening overs could end up being decisive. Rajasthan’s batting unit, particularly at the top, has the ability to seize control early—one of the reasons they are often dangerous from the start. If they manage to get through the first phase with composure, the game could quickly tilt in their favour, and April 22 history would only make that prospect more compelling.
Playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (w), Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Brijesh Sharma, Nandre Burger
Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI): Mitchell Marsh, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (w/c), Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Mukul Choudhary, Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, Prince Yadav, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Mayank Yadav
With form, pressure, and a quirky historical thread all converging, the stage is set in Lucknow. The remaining question is straightforward—will April 22 once again deliver a century from the Rajasthan Royals?
