Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL, 2026, Full Score Card

Dhruv Jurel fittingly hits the winning run! RAJASTHAN ROYALS WIN BY 6 WICKETS! Romario Shepherd lands this on a good length around off, Jurel stays back and punches it down to long on for one. He stays unbeaten on 81 off 43, his career-best T20 score, mentions Harsha Bhogle on air.

SIX! SCORES LEVEL! Romario Shepherd serves a juicy full toss, on the pads. Dhruv Jurel is not going to miss out on that and he smacks it over the deep backward square leg fence for a biggie.

Bangs this into the pitch, outside off, takes pace off. Ravindra Jadeja hops up and upper cuts it on the bounce to deep third for one.

RR are doing it in singles! Short of a length and on middle, Dhruv Jurel pulls it through mid-wicket for another run.

Hard length and on off, Ravindra Jadeja guides it away to deep third for a run.

Back of a length and around off, Dhruv Jurel heaves it away to deep mid-wicket for a single. 10 needed in 17 now.

Pulls his length back, on middle, Dhruv Jurel knocks it down to long on for one.

Pitched up and outside off, close to the tramline. Dhruv Jurel leaves it alone. The umpire calls it a fair ball, but Jurel takes the review. The replay with the Ball Tracking shows that some part of the ball is inside the wide guideline and the on-field call remains. RR lose a review.

Goes fuller and on middle, Dhruv Jurel drills it down the ground to the left of long on and calls for the second. Jacob Bethell runs to his left, but fails to pick it up on the first attempt, and the batters get the second comfortably.

Halt! The physio is out to check on Dhruv Jurel. The pickle juice has done its job, and Jurel is back on his feet.

Good length and on middle, Ravindra Jadeja clips it away to deep mid-wicket for a run. He turns around for the second, but as Jurel is about to take off, he goes down with cramps.

Into the deck, outside off. Jurel gets on his toes and plays it on the up to long on for a single.

In and around the off stump, on a good length. Dhruv hangs on the back foot before clipping it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Rajasthan Royals are in the driver's seat at the moment, and they can now even think about maybe trying to finish it as quickly as possible. The only way back for RCB is if they can manage back-to-back wickets to put some pressure back on the hosts. However, the way Dhruv Jurel is playing, it does not look like he is in any mood to take risks and wants to stay there till the end, getting his side over the line. Also, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is to bowl after the break.

On a length and on middle, Dhruv Jurel works it through mid-wicket for one. That also brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters.

Touch fuller and on middle, Dhruv Jurel drives it with a straight bat back past the bowler. The fielder from long on runs to his left, picks it up and releases the throw quickly but fails to stop the second.

Bangs this into the pitch and around off. Ravindra Jadeja arches back and upper cuts it towards deep third for one.

Slower one, full and on off, Dhruv Jurel drills it to sweeper cover for another run. 22 needed in 27 balls now.

Short of a length and on middle, angling into the batter. Ravindra Jadeja stays back and runs it down to deep third for a run.

Back of a length and around off, Dhruv Jurel heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Romario Shepherd has been tossed the ball now.

In the corridor, on a short of a length. Jurel stands tall and hits through the line of the ball down to long on for another single.

Delivers it on a back of a length, on middle. Jadeja pats it wide of cover and picks up a single.

Wide! Too full, down leg. Jadeja stays inside the line and tries to help it away but fails to lay any bat on it.

Abhinandan Singh hurls it on a shortish length, on middle. Jurel rides the bounce and pulls it behind square leg for a single.

EDGED AND FOUR! A clever slower delivery, full and just outside off. Dhruv Jurel throws his hands hard at it. Gets an outside edge behind, where Jitesh Sharma flies to his right but the ball goes well past him and to the fence for another boundary.

WIDE! Fuller one but a bit too outside off, Dhruv Jurel lets it go. Called a wide.

FOUR! Good shot! Abhinandan Singh goes for the wide yorker but just misses by an inch. Dhruv Jurel backs away a bit, gets his bat down, opening the face and squeezes it out through point for a boundary.

Right in the blockhole, outside off. Ravindra Jadeja looks to dig it out but gets an inside edge towards short fine for a single.

This is on a hard length, on off. Jadeja runs it down to deep third for one.

On middle, on a back of a length. Jurel turns it through square leg for one more.

Jadeja was gone had the throw hit! Tucking the batter up for room, on a back of a length. Jadeja nudges it towards the catching mid-wicket fielder and scampers across for the single. Rajat Patidar moves to his right and gets to the ball. He releases an underarm throw while diving in the direction of the stumps but he fails to hit. Jadeja had given up.

FIFTY FOR JUREL! RR needed a calm head amidst the wobble, and Dhruv has come good for them. Dhruv's second half-century of the season and he will look to finish the job himself. Attacking the front pad with a good-length delivery. Dhruv clips it towards deep mid-wicket for a single to reach his milestone.

FOUR! Nicely done! On middle, fractionally short, Jurel sets up on the back foot and unleashes the short-arm jab through mid-wicket to pick up a boundary.

Did that pitch in line? Landing in and around the line of the leg stump, on a back of a length, Jadeja hangs back to clip it away but plays all around it. Gets rapped on the front pad but manages to pick up a leg bye as the ball rolls on the leg side. RCB look interested and send it upstairs. The Ball Tracking confirms that the ball has pitched well outside the line of the leg stump. RCB burn a review.

Josh Hazlewood will bowl out as well in the 14th over.

Nearly carried! Krunal digs it in short again, on off. Jadeja takes it on but cannot keep it down. Romario Shepherd cannot charge in quick enough and collects it on the bounce. Just a single.

A contest within a contest between these two left-arm spinners. Smiles exchanged between the two. This is bowled into the wicket, across off. Jadeja shapes up to play the scoop but after seeing the line, he tries to angle the bat face and play the ramp over the keeper but misses.

Flat and short, outside off. Dhruv looks to cut it away. Ends up chopping it down in front of point and Jadeja calls him through for a quick run.

Darted in from around the wicket, full and outside off. Jurel leans on it and firms the drive between cover and long off. Virat Kohli is quick across the turf at long off but cannot prevent the second run.

Fired in, on a good length, on the pads. Jadeja works it towards deep mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

FOUR! Edgy! First boundary after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's dismissal. This is on the shorter side and it spins back a touch, on middle. Ravindra Jadeja hangs back to deal with it. Gets an inside edge that goes over the leg stump and races past short fine leg.

Will Krunal Pandya bowl out now? Yes, he will. If he can pick up another wicket, things will get even more interesting here.

RCB sneak in another quiet over. Just 4 runs off it. Jadeja shows his cards early as he backs away. Bhuvi follows him with a back-of-a-length delivery. RJ can only flick it to deep square leg for one. RR require 57 runs off 48 balls.

Better line this time, on middle, on a short of a length. Ravindra whips it from the crease but can't beat the man at mid-wicket.

Slightly too straight, on the pads, on a good length. Ravindra Jadeja clips it off the back foot to the right of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Nice and tight, just outside the off stump. Jadeja punches it firmly down the track. Bhuvneshwar Kumar gets low quickly on the follow-through to make a sharp stop.

Skidding through, on a back of a length. Jadeja looks to punch it away. He is late on the shot and the bat turns in his hands. Miscues it back to Bhuvi.

Angled in, on a length, on middle. Jurel knocks it to long on for a single.

Marginally short, on middle. Jurel rocks back on the pull and hits it through mid-wicket for a single. 61 runs needed off 54 balls for RR.

Flat and short, this keeps coming in with the arm, on middle. Jurel hurriedly chops it down to backward point.

Full and on middle, Jadeja pushes it down the strip. Krunal dives to his left and parries it towards short mid-wicket. The batters sneak in a quick run.

And again! Banged in short, over middle. Ravindra Jadeja ducks again. Good take by Jitesh Sharma. That's two bouncers for the over, signals the umpire. 'When was the last time you saw this called for a spinner?' quips Harsha Bhogle on air.

There comes the surprise bouncer. Across off, Jadeja ducks under it.

Tossed up, sliding across the off stump. Jadeja walks across and gets low to play the paddle down to deep fine leg for a couple of runs.

Hard length and on middle, Ravindra Jadeja punches it down to long on for one. Just 5 runs and a wicket from the over!

Good running! On a length and on middle, Ravindra Jadeja clips it away with soft hands towards deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second run. The throw comes in at the bowler's end where there is no backup. Jadeja wants the third, but Jurel says no.

Well, well, well. RCB have their tails up. Ravindra Jadeja walks out to bat.

OUT! TAKEN! Josh Hazlewood strikes and RCB are fighting their way back into this game now. Josh lands this on a good length and on middle. Riyan Parag, without moving his foot, tries to whip it away just using his wrists. He fails to get the timing right on this one and mistimes the shot wide of long on, where Krunal Pandya moves to his right and takes a good catch tumbling on the ground. RR are 134/4, chasing 202 runs.

Short of a length and on middle, Dhruv Jurel pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Ouch! Back of a length and on middle, keeps a bit low. Dhruv Jurel looks to go for the pull shot but misses and takes a blow around his box. That will hurt for a while.

Good length and on middle, angling in, Riyan Parag pats it in front of short mid-wicket for a single.

Flighted, full and on middle, Riyan Parag tucks it towards mid-wicket and runs the first run hard. He wants the second but Jitesh Sharma, the keeper, is quick to go after the ball and keeps it to just one.

Loopy ball, full and on middle. Riyan Parag does not fall for the bait and is happy to block it off.

This is slower through the air, full and at the sticks. Jurel pushes it to long off and gets to the other end.

No hat-trick! Speared in on a length, on the off stump. Riyan punches it to the right of cover and gets off the mark with a single.

RCB have a sniff. RR's captain, Riyan Parag makes his way out to the centre. A slip in place for the hat-trick ball.

OUT! CAUGHT! Two in two for Krunal Pandya, and he is on a hat-trick now. He brings out the bouncer, just outside off, angling away. Shimron Hetmyer stays back and just tries to upper cut it, but gets no power on the shot. Ends up giving catching practice to Josh Hazlewood at short third, who makes no mistake. 129/1 becomes 129/3 for RR.

Guwahati rises as one to applaud a knock for the ages. Shimron Hetmyer walks in ahead of Riyan Parag.

OUT! TAKEN! Krunal Pandya puts an end to the Vaibhav Sooryavanshi power-hitting show. He bowls this quicker and fuller, just outside off, keeping it away from the batter. Vaibhav goes after it but has to drag it, and in the process gets it off the inside half off the bat. The ball flies flat towards long on, where Virat Kohli moves forward a bit and takes a fine catch, keeping his fingers under the ball just above the ground. Vaibhav throws his head back in disappointment. The young boy is disappointed with himself. He wanted to bat more, he wanted to entertain more, he wanted to be there till the end. Somehow, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi drags himself out of the ground and raises his bat to acknowledge the crowd. A knock for the ages, he has just played. Take a bow. If this is the beginning, the cricketing world might just be witnessing the rise of its next superstar.

Pushed through with a flatter trajectory. Short and on off. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi punches it to long on for a single. Believe it or not, the asking rate is now only 6.08.

SIX! There is no stopping this kid! Flatter delivery, full and just around leg, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gets his front leg out of the way and smacks it flat and between long on and deep mid-wicket for half a dozen more. We are running out of adjectives to describe his batting.

SIX! Just over! Shorter in length and around middle. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi moves back and pulls it away but gets it from the toe-end of the bat. However, he still manages to generate enough power to send it over the deep mid-wicket fence for another biggie. Also, the 100-RUN STAND comes up.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi pushes it back to the bowler.

Flatter, full and on leg, Dhruv Jurel clips it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Cut away! Tim David begins with a short delivery, outside off. Dhruv Jurel gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through backward point for another boundary.

SIX! There she goes again! Krunal Pandya fires this with a low-arm action, full and on the pads. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi picks it up and whips it away using his wrists over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. It has gone into the second tier.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Dhruv Jurel tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

Slows it up, dragged back and around leg, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi nudges it through mid-wicket for another run.

Short again and on middle, Dhruv Jurel punches it to long on for a run.

FOUR! 100 UP FOR RR! Short of a length and around middle. Dhruv Jurel rocks back quickly and pulls it away in the gap towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary. RR are 102/1 in just 6.2 overs.

Floated, full and on middle, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi clips it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Phew, we all need a breather, don't we? And RCB need it more than anyone in this chase. Bengaluru had all the momentum going into the break after the way they finished with the bat, but this start from Rajasthan has turned it all around. A couple of wickets in quick time are needed for RCB to find a way back into this contest. With them now allowed to spread the field, Rajat Patidar brings on spin in the form of Krunal Pandya. Virat Kohli is off the field for the moment. Jacob Bethell is on the field as the substitute.

FOUR! The runs keep flowing! Banged into the pitch and around middle. Dhruv Jurel picks up the length early, rolls his wrists and pulls it away in front of square on the leg side for four more runs. 24 runs off the over. RR are 97/1 at the end of the Powerplay. The Royals have done the heavy lifting in the first 6 overs and brought the asking rate down to 7.50 in this big run chase.

SIX! That's just a gift! Abhinandan Singh loses his grip and serves a high full toss, almost above the waist of the batter and on leg too. Dhruv Jurel accepts it with both hands and smacks it over the deep backward square leg fence for half a dozen more.

Fuller delivery and around off, Dhruv Jurel drives it firmly on the up but straight to extra cover.

FOUR! This is just excellent batting! Abhinandan Singh lands this back of a length and around off. Dhruv Jurel takes a small step to the leg side to create room for himself. He opens the face of his bat and guides it smoothly between backward point and short third for another boundary.

SIX! Even better and bigger! Touch fuller this time and around off. Dhruv Jurel fetches it and drags it right from the middle of the bat over the long on fence for a biggie.

FOUR! Dhruv Jurel gets going now! Short of a length and on middle, angling in a bit. Jurel heaves across the line hard and gets an inside edge that takes the ball racing past short fine for a boundary.

FOUR! Smart batting! On a hard length, outside off. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi makes use of the angle and the pace on the ball. He arches back and glides it behind point for yet another boundary. The 50-run stand comes up. 17 runs off the over!

Off-pace delivery, on a length, on middle. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi shapes up to go big but he reads the change of pace and adjusts by playing it back to the bowler.

Very full, on middle. Vaibhav gets the front pad out of the way and pushes it to mid off.

SIX! Taken by Phil Salt, but he cannot keep himself in. That brings up a 15-ball FIFTY for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the second time this season. He has taken the IPL by storm. Sooryavanshi thumps his chest and salutes his teammates in the dugout. Bhuvneshwar Kumar sticks to the short ball, over middle, and Sooryavanshi takes it on. Skies it towards deep backward square leg, where Salt stays side on and takes the catch to his right, but he cannot slam the brakes in time, and the momentum results in him sliding into the ropes with the ball in his hand.

SIX! Hit with absolute authority! Bhuvi goes into the surface, across the left-hander. Sooryavanshi gets it at a good height, just above the waist. He clobbers it with a flat bat over mid on for six more.

On a good length, on off, Dhruv taps it in front of mid off and hurries to the other end.

SIX! All the way! Hazlewood taken down by the 15-year-old prodigy. Hazelwood drags his length back but this sits up to be hit, on middle. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi swivels quickly and nails the pull over square leg for a biggie. 19 runs off the over.

FOUR! Make that a hat-trick of fours! The 50 is up for the Royals. Josh Hazlewood misses his mark, which is rare. Too full, on off. Sooryavanshi unleashes the drive and hits it all along the ground between cover and mid off for another boundary.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Sooryavanshi! Hazlewood pushes the length up, on middle, Sooryavanshi hangs deep, clears the front leg and launches it over the man inside the circle at mid on for four more.

FOUR! Clever shot! Josh Hazlewood keeps it on top of off, on a back of a length. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stays on the back foot and stays leg side of the ball. He chops it down behind point and the deep backward point fielder cannot cut it off.

In the channel, on a short of a length. Dhruv steers it wide of short third. A slight fumble by the fielder allows the batters to cross over.

A bit of yes and no! Honing in on the off stump, on a good length. Jurel drops it with soft hands beside the strip on the off side. They think about a single but Virat Kohli charges towards the ball and prevents the single from being taken.

SIX! Picked up and sent back a long way. Abhinandan Singh switches to around the wicket but errs in both line and length. Too full, too straight, on the pads. Sooryavanshi picks it up neatly off the pads and parks it beyond deep mid-wicket for a six. 16 runs off the over!

Short and wide on off, Dhruv angles it away behind point and opens his account with a single.

Fuller and outside off. Sooryavanshi drags it in front of square on the leg side and crosses over.

FOUR! Oh, that could have so easily gone back onto the stumps. Abhinandan Singh shortens his length, on off. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi throws the kitchen sink at it from the crease. Gets an inside edge that sneaks past the off stump and beats Jitesh Sharma to his right before he can put in the dive.

FOUR! Powered away! Abhinandan Singh misses his mark as he dishes out a half-volley, outside off. Vaibhav gets his hands through the line of the ball and crunches it to the right of the mid on fielder.

Rapped on the pads! An optimistic shout by Singh but that has pitched well outside leg. This is on a good length, pitched outside the line of the leg stump, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi plays all around it and wears it on the front pad.

Rajasthan Royals lose a wicket in the Powerplay for the first time this season. Dhruv Jurel walks out to bat at number 3. Also, Abhinandan Singh replaces Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Josh Hazlewood has the last laugh. He has his arms aloft and gives a bit of a send-off to Jaiswal with a smile. Cross-seam ball by Josh, on a back of a length and just outside the off stump. Not wide enough for the cut but Jaiswal goes for it. He pays the price as the ball catches the outside edge and the keeper, Jitesh Sharma, gobbles it up.

SIX! Put away with disdain! Fractionally short by Hazlewood, on middle. Yashasvi Jaiswal is quick to pick up the length and he plays the pull off the front foot over mid-wicket for half a dozen.

Over off, on a back of a good length. Jaiswal watchfully defends it right under his eyes.

A flash and a miss! At 141.5 kph, going away with the angle. This is on a good length and too close to the body for the cut. Yashasvi throws his hands at the ball and is beaten on the outside edge.

Tigher line, on top of off, on a nagging length. Yashasvi taps it down off the back foot.

SIX! Welcome, Josh, says Jaiswal! Seam-up ball, on a good length, angled away. Jaiswal uses the width on offer and carves it behind point. Phil Salt gets around from deep backward point but the ball evades him and lands beyond the ropes.

First sight of Josh Hazlewood in this year's IPL.

FOUR! Carved away with ease! Kumar changes his angle as he comes from around the wicket now. Takes pace off and serves it on a length, near the tramline. Sooryavanshi reaches out and slices it over backward point for the second boundary of the over. 9 runs off the first over of the chase.

Bhuvi switches to over the wicket and bangs it in short. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hops and looks to play the upper-cut but is late in his attempt and he fails to connect.

The length is pulled back now, on middle. Vaibhav is late on the pull and he mistimes it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is up and running! Tailing back in sharply from around the wicket, very full, on middle. Fast hands from Sooryavanshi as he drops his bat down quickly and hits it back past the bowler. Rajat Patidar turns around and goes after it from mid on. He puts in a dive but the ball wins the race.

Shorter than the previous ball, a bit wide. Yashasvi cuts it to deep backward point for a single to open his account. The Royals are away!

A bit of hesitation but no harm done! Moving away in the air, on a good length, on the off stump. Jaiswal taps it to short third and is keen for a single but is sent back by his partner.

SIX! Clean as a whistle! Talk about having an impact as an Impact Sub, and Venkatesh Iyer has done exactly what was asked of him. RCB breach the 200-run mark on the final ball. Sandeep's wide line becomes a bit too predictable, and it is another slower ball on a length around the guideline. Iyer walks across to get closer to the line of the ball and launches it on the up over wide long off for a six. 21 runs off the final over as RCB finish with 201/8.

Sandeep Sharma is back to the slower, short ball, outside off. Iyer is made to reach out and he is slightly early into the pull. He ends up dragging it in front of deep mid-wicket and collects another couple of runs.

Wide! This is well beyond the tramline and Venkatesh Iyer does not shuffle across this time. He lets it go.

Pace off and into the surface, keeping it away from the arc. Venkatesh gets his hands high and slaps it away to the left of the deep cover fielder for a couple of runs.

Well bowled! From around the wicket, a yorker, around the tramline. Venkatesh Iyer walks across the stumps and swings across for the sweep but the ball drops under his bat and goes through to the keeper.

SIX! BOOM! Sandeep Sharma goes a bit fuller and just on middle and off. Venkatesh Iyer gets under it and gives it an almighty whack, sending the ball over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. Crucial runs. 200 is still on here.

FOUR! Good start to the last over for RCB! Good length and just around off. Venkatesh Iyer switches his stance early and executes the reverse scoop past short third for a boundary.

Direct hit! Brijesh Sharma goes searching for the yorker but ends up bowling a full toss, on middle and leg. Kumar's weight is on the back foot as he swings at it. The ball catches him high on the bat and it dribbles in front of long on. Venkatesh Iyer comes charging back for the second and runs to the danger end as the throw comes in. Shimron Hetmyer swoops in off the ropes, picks the ball up and has a shy at the bowling end. He hits but the replays find Iyer to be safe.

This keeps low! Pushed across the left-hander, lands it on a short of a length. Iyer tries to force it away on the off side. Gets it right off the toe end to point for one.

Angled into the pads, on a length. Kumar wrists it to wide long on and crosses over.

FOUR! Hammered! Around off, on a back of a length. Bhuvneshwar Kumar stands up tall on his toes and slaps it wide of extra cover for a boundary.

On off, on a shortish length. The batter ducks under that one.

Full and at the sticks, Venkatesh Iyer hits it down to long on for a single.

Brijesh Sharma (3-0-28-2) to bowl the penultimate over.

Lands it on a back of a length, on off, punched to long off for another single.

Hurls it on a good length, on the pads. Bhuvi clips it to deep mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

On a good length, on middle. Kumar turns it to mid-wicket.

Across off, on a good length. Iyer pushes at it with hard hands. Gets an inside edge to short fine leg for a single.

On off, on a back of a length. Bhuvi taps it in front of backward point and sets off for a single before being sent back. Ravindra Jadeja has a shy at the batting end but misses. The fielder backing up can only make a half-stop and concedes a single.

Wide! Full and down leg. Bhuvneshwar Kumar misses out on the tickle.

The Rajat Patidar show is over. He becomes the 150th victim of Sandeep Sharma in IPL. Bhuvneshwar Kumar walks out to bat now.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Rajat Patidar holes out. A timely strike for the Royals. Sandeep Sharma looks at the heavens and thanks the one above. Leg-cutter, full and sliding in at the pads. Patidar clears the front leg and looks to whip it away. He fails to get under the ball properly. Gets the height but not the distance and Donovan Ferreira settles under it to take the catch at deep mid-wicket.

Good effort! Floated up by Bishnoi, trying to keep it away from the left-hander's arc. Venkatesh Iyer stretches his hands out in front and slams it wide of cover. Ravindra Jadeja is quick across the turf in the deep and dives to prevent the boundary, saving a couple of runs for his side. Before this over, Bishnoi had gone for 16 runs in his 3 overs and ends up conceding 16 runs in his final over.

Googly, skidding through, on a good length. Venkatesh Iyer pats it back to the bowler.

This spins away and it is fuller too. Patidar swings at it to go big on the off side. Miscues it off the inner half to long on for one more.

SIX! A hit-me delivery and the RCB captain obliges. This is way too short, on middle, Patidar needs no second invitation as he dispatches the pull over mid-wicket for six more runs.

SIX! Straight as an arrow! Bishnoi pushes it through, on a length, on off. Patidar clears the front leg and extends his hands into the lofted hit. Tonks it back over the sight screen for half a dozen.

Googly, on the shorter side, near the tramline on off. Iyer cuts it in front of deep cover for a single.

Strategic Break! Royal Challengers Bengaluru may have lost 7 wickets, but they are scoring over 9 runs per over, much credit to their skipper, Rajat Patidar, who has also notched up a fine fifty. He is leading from the front, and if he stays till the end, they can even think about getting 190-200. Rajasthan Royals need to get rid of him as quickly as possible, and then they can knock the last two to keep RCB to a lesser total. Here is Ravi Bishnoi to bowl out after the break.

On a length, outside off. Patidar drives it on the up and the ball pings off his bat but he can't get it past extra cover. Sandeep goes for 11 runs on his return to the attack.

FOUR! Hit hard and wide enough! Rajat Patidar brings up his FIFTY in style. The RCB skipper has led from the front for his side on the night. He will have to bat through if RCB are to finish strongly here. Floated up by Sandeep, a juicy half-volley, outside off. Rajat presses forward and drills it past extra cover for a boundary.

Bangs it on a hard length, over middle. Patidar hops and stabs it down the strip.

Takes pace off again but this is fuller, on off. Rajat gets under it and goes inside out over cover. Ravi Bishnoi does the mop-up in the deep by getting around to his right. Two runs taken.

FOUR! Ravi Bishnoi has made a meal of it. Pace taken off, full and outside off. Patidar reaches out and hammers it to deep point. Bishnoi bends and does get his body behind the ball. But it bounces in front of him and spins away to go past his left thigh. On the lighter side, the leggie gets foxed by turn.

This is on a back of a length, on off. Iyer punches it off the back foot to long off for a single.

Touch slower, on a good length and on middle, Rajat Patidar can only pat it back to the bowler.

SIX! This has got wings on it! Nandre Burger bangs this into the pitch and on middle, angling in. Rajat Patidar quickly gets inside the line of it and nails the pull shot as the ball sails over the deep fine leg fence, into the second tier for a massive six.

Swing and a miss! Burger pulls his length back a bit and delivers it on off, holding its line. Rajat Patidar has a big hoick across the line but only connects with thin air.

SIX! Stand and deliver! Fuller in length and just outside off, right in the slot. Rajat Patidar extends his arms to get underneath it and dispatches it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Short of a length and around off, Venkatesh Iyer pulls it away to deep square leg for a run.

On a back of a length, on middle, played towards mid-wicket for a single.

RCB lose another wicket. With 7 wickets down and still 6 overs left, their hand has been forced. Venkatesh Iyer has been brought on as the Impact Sub. Devdutt Padikkal has been subbed out.

Devdutt Padikkal is substituted by Venkatesh Iyer

OUT! CAUGHT! Ravindra Jadeja strikes now. He floats it up, full and just around leg, it is there to be hit. Romario Shepherd tries to pick it up and slog it away but the ball just turns away a bit to take the top edge. It goes high in the air towards short fine, where Brijesh Sharma settles under it. He tries to take it near his chest, but the ball pops out. However, he keeps his eyes on it and manages to take it on the second attempt. RCB are 125/7 now.

Flatter, full and on middle. Rajat Patidar goes for the big slog but the ball comes in with the angle to take the inside edge. It rolls through backward square leg for one.

Short again and on middle, Romario Shepherd stays back and punches it to long off for another run.

Drops it short and on middle, Rajat Patidar moves back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Romario Shepherd pats it away, just past Jadeja for a single.

Floated, full and on middle, Romario Shepherd goes down and swipes it off the inner half of the bat to deep square leg for a brace.

Hard length and around off, Romario Shepherd punches it through covers for one. 15 runs off the over!

FOUR! Easy pickings! Tries the slower one, but spills it full and down the leg side. Romario Shepherd just has to get some bat on it and he tickles it away past short fine for four more runs.

FOUR! Fine shot! Bangs this into the pitch but just outside off. Romario Shepherd gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point for another boundary.

Fuller and on middle, pace on, Rajat Patidar drives it to long off for a run.

FOUR! Powered away! Brijesh is getting predictable now. Another slower one, back of a length and around off. Rajat Patidar backs away, waits for it and flat-bats it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Short of a length and on middle and leg, slower one. Romario Shepherd swivels and hooks it aerially but well in front of deep fine leg for a single.

Flatter, shortish and on off, Romario Shepherd pushes it through covers for one more.

Quicker, full and on leg, Rajat Patidar clips it through mid-wicket for one.

Shorter and on middle, this is flicked off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a run.

SIX! That's how you get off the mark! Flighted delivery, full and on off. Romario Shepherd takes a step forward and launches it over the long off fence for the first biggie of the night. The 100 is up for RCB!

Tossed up, full and on middle. This is pushed to long on for a single.

Full and on leg. Patidar sweeps but misses and gets hit on the front pad.

The new batter is...Romario Shepherd. This will be Romario's first outing with the bat this season. Ravi Bishnoi has been brought back into the attack. 2-0-6-2 so far for Bishnoi.

OUT! CAUGHT! Brijesh Sharma gets rid of the dangerous Tim David here. He keeps it outside off, and takes pace off too. This is on the shorter side. Tim David tries to fetch it and heave it over mid-wicket, but ends up dragging it much straighter towards long on off the bottom part of his bat. Once again, it's Shimron Hetmyer who gets into position and takes his third catch. The ball is following him in this game.

The drizzle is back. However, it is not heavy enough for the umpires to stop play.

Pitched up and on middle, angling in. Rajat Patidar misses his flick and the ball goes off his pads towards point. A leg bye taken.

Much fuller and on middle and leg, Tim David drills it with a straight bat down to long on again for one.

Takes pace off again, good length and on middle, Rajat Patidar works it away to long on for another run.

Slower one, hard length and around off, Tim David forces it down to long on for a run.

Fuller and around off, Rajat Patidar drives it square through point for a single.

Time to bring spin back? No, Brijesh Sharma to continue.

Archer bashes the hard length at 140.9 kph, on middle. David hops back and keeps it out on the off side.

FOUR! Up and over! Jofra bends his back and digs it in short, on off. David swivels and swings across for the pull. He gets it high on the bat and does not quite get hold of it but manages to clear mid-wicket. The ball has enough legs to reach the fence.

Sharp and quick bumper by Archer, around off. He gets it high enough to trouble the batter. David rises with the bounce and awkwardly fends it down.

Edgy! In and around the off stump, on a good length. Angled in but then it nips away. Patidar is squared up and the ball goes off an outside edge down to deep third. Single taken.

Full and straight, attacking the front pad. David brings his bat in line with the ball and angles it wide of point for one more.

Archer serves it full, on off. Rajat leans into the drive and plays it to deep point. A slight fumble in the deep by Sandeep Sharma but that does not cost the Royals any extra run. Just a single.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Brijesh gets the yorker right but the line is too straight. At the toes, David glances it down to deep fine leg and picks up his first four of the night.

David is away! Brijesh Sharma looks to pitch it up but ends up serving a full toss, on off. Tim just taps it away to the left of the diving cover fielder. The sweeper cover sprints and slides to his right to cut it off. Tim gets off the mark with a couple.

Strategic Break! We are 8.4 overs in the game, and RCB have already lost half their side now. However, they still have a lot of firepower left in their ranks, and if needed, they can also bring in an extra batter as an Impact Player. This game has been full of events, but Rajasthan Royals will feel they are ahead at the moment, but they also know they cannot take their foot off the gas. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are looking for a partnership and fresh from his blazing knock in the last game, Tim David joins his skipper in the middle now.

OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! That kept low, and the finger is raised. Jitesh Sharma has a chat with the skipper at the other end but decides against the review. Angled into the right-hander, on a back of a length. Sharma hangs on the back foot and gets on his toes to work it away on the leg side. The ball skids through and keeps low to beat the bat. It brushes the front pad before hitting the back leg. The change in bowling has worked for the Royals. RCB are now 5 down for 76.

On top of off, on a back of a length. Patidar whips it to deep mid-wicket and picks up another single.

Bashes the hard length, outside off. Jitesh flashes hard at it. Gets an outside edge down to deep third. They cross.

Full and on off. Patidar crunches it to deep cover, where Donovan Ferreira gets around to his right and mops it up. Just a single.

Full and quick, on middle. Rajat checks his drive as he plays it down to long on for one more.

On the pads, on a nagging length. Jitesh nudges it to deep mid-wicket for another single.

Well bowled! Shorter and slower, a bit of turn and the ball keeps low too. Sharma taps it back to Jadeja.

This is fired in at the sticks. Patidar pushes it to long on and turns the strike over.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Flighted delivery, full and on off. Patidar stays leg side and opens up the front hip to go inside out over cover. The ball almost goes the distance and lands just in front of the boundary cushions.

Full and on the pads. Sharma wrists it through mid-wicket for a single.

Spin in tandem as Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack.

Looped up, full and on leg. Jitesh eases it to wide long on and crosses over.

Flat and short, this is played down to long off for a single.

Sliding into the pads, on a good length. Sharma works it through mid-wicket for one.

Tossed up, on off. Jitesh blocks it off.

Number four goes down for RCB. Jitesh Sharma is the next man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! A fine catch by Shimron Hetmyer. Googly from over the wicket by the leggie. Pandya dances down the track and gets to the pitch of the ball. He swings at it to go down the ground and wanted to go a lot straighter than he eventually managed to. The bat turns in his hands and he does not get any sort of elevation on the lofted hit. Hits it flat down to long off, where Hetmyer runs in off the ropes at full tilt and gets low to take the catch before tumbling forward. Wickets off successive overs for Bishnoi and RCB are now 62/4.

Pushed through, full and on off. Patidar pushes it to long on for a run.

Into the surface, over middle. Rajat turns it wide of mid-wicket and retains the strike with a single. RCB are 61/3 at the end of the Powerplay!

On a back of a length, on off, punched to deep cover for one.

A ripper from Burger! Seam-up ball, on a good length, honing in on the off stump at 142.7 kph. Krunal brings his bat out in front and gets squared up as the ball nips away to whistle past the outside edge.

Dug in short, over middle. Krunal Pandya arches back and makes a late decision to play the upper cut. He fails to connect.

In the channel, on a short of a length. Pandya rides the bounce and punches it sweetly but straight to cover.

On off, on a good length. Patidar dabs it in front of backward point and crosses over.

Nandre Burger (1-0-15-0) is back to close out the Powerplay.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Krunal Pandya blocks it out. What a terrific over from the leggie, 3 runs and a prized scalp from it.

The Purple Cap holder adds another wicket to his tally, and it is the big one of Kohli. Krunal Pandya makes his way out to the centre.

OUT! BOWLED 'EM! Ravi Bishnoi gets the big fish here. Virat Kohli was in an attacking mood but he too perishes now. Bishnoi bowls a wrong 'un, flights it up on off to lure the batter. Kohli has a hack across the line but loses his shape. The ball turns in sharply to sneak between bat and pad to rattle the stumps behind. Bishnoi raises his arms in triumph. It's a big success for the Royals.

Dragged back and around off, Rajat Patidar swats it on the bounce to long on for a run.

A googly, full and on leg, Virat Kohli clips it away wide of short fine where the fielder dives to his left to make a good stop. They cross.

Floated, short and on off, Virat Kohli looks to push it away but gets an inside edge to the leg side.

A big shout for LBW, but turned down! Flatter, full and on middle, angling in. Rajat Patidar goes down for the slog sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball deflects towards point, and the batters set off for the run. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses, with Patidar putting in a dive. Bishnoi is literally pleading with the umpire, but gets no support from anyone else. Riyan Parag has a chat with his keeper and almost takes the review but decides against it. The Ball Tracking after the over shows that it was missing the leg stump, but Patidar would have been run out if there was a direct hit.

Time for spin as Ravi Bishnoi comes on. The leggie holds the Purple Cap with 7 wickets so far.

FOUR! Finds the gap again! Pitched up again and around off. Virat Kohli stays in his crease as the keeper is up to the stumps. He leans onto the drive and creams it between mid off and extra cover for another boundary.

FOUR! 50 UP FOR RCB! Sandeep Sharma goes a bit fuller and on middle. Virat Kohli uses his feet but stays leg side of the ball. He holds his shape nicely and lofts it cleanly over mid off for a boundary.

Hard length and on off, Rajat Patidar eases it down to long on for a run.

Good length and on middle and leg, Rajat Patidar pats it down towards mid on.

Pitched up and on middle, shaping in, Rajat Patidar pushes it back to the bowler.

Fuller and on middle, angling in, Virat Kohli backs away and knocks it to mid on for a single.

It has been quite an eventful start to the game. Runs, bowlers testing both edges and a couple of wickets. We have had everything. RCB's skipper, Rajat Patidar, is in next. A change in bowling as Sandeep Sharma comes into the attack. Sandeep has dismissed Kohli 7 times in the IPL.

OUT! TAKEN! Shimron Hetmyer almost makes a mess of it but ends up taking a blinder. Jofra Archer comes around the wicket and lands this back of a length, around leg. Devdutt Padikkal tries to pick it up and whip it away but the ball hits him high on the bat. It goes miles up in the air towards deep backward square leg. Hetmyer runs a long way forward, but misjudges a bit. He has to put in a dive forward at the end, and he takes a fantastic catch. RCB are 45/2.

Short of a length and on off, Virat Kohli dabs it towards covers for a single.

FOUR! That's just the class of this man! Archer bowls it on a hard length and on the sixth stump line. Virat Kohli stays put in his crease this time. He uses the little width given to him and guides it between backward point and short third again for the third boundary of the over.

FOUR! Poor delivery and gets the treatment! Jofra Archer bangs this into the pitch but angles it down the leg side. Virat Kohli swivels and helps it on its way to the vacant fine leg fence for four more runs.

Lands this on a good length and on off, angling in a bit, Virat Kohli stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

FOUR! Gets it through! Back of a length and around off. Virat Kohli stays back, opens the face of his bat and uses the pace to steer it away. He threads the gap between backward point and short third with perfection for another boundary.

Tap and run! Across off, on a short of a length, Virat knocks it to the left of cover and takes a quick single. 19 runs off the over!

FOUR BYES! Oh...that beats everyone! This is on a hard length and just on middle, hits the deck and jags back in sharply. Virat Kohli gets cut in half and the ball goes past the inside edge. Once again, it shapes in late after going behind the stumps, and beats Jurel's dive to his left for another four runs. Virat sees the funny side of that exaggerated movement. Plenty of spice on this surface, so far. Well, the UltraEdge shows that the ball brushed the inside edge on its way to the keeper, but the umpire has given it as byes.

FIVE WIDES! Bonus runs for RCB! Nandre Burger goes full again and spills it down the leg side, it keeps moving down leg after leaving the batter. Virat Kohli lets it go, and Dhruv Jurel dives to his left, gets a glove on it, but it is not enough as the ball goes to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Much fuller and on middle, shaping into the pads. Virat Kohli brings his wrists into play and flicks it away superbly to the deep backward square leg fence for a boundary.

Play and a miss! Good-length delivery, on middle and leg, shaping away sharply. Virat Kohli plays well inside the line of it as the ball just sneaks past the outside edge.

Short of a length and on middle, Devdutt Padikkal looks to pull but gets an inside edge towards mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Put away! Nandre Burger begins with a back-of-a-length delivery, outside off. Devdutt Padikkal accepts the width on offer and cuts it away through point for another boundary.

Wow! No shortage of action in the first over. Nandre Burger will operate from the other end.

EDGED AND FOUR AGAIN! Jofra Archer almost gets Virat Kohli on the first ball too. He lands this on a good length and around off, moving it away with extra bounce again. Kohli has a feel for it but gets an outside edge wide of the keeper. Dhruv Jurel flings himself to his right but the ball evades him and races to the fence for four runs. There was no one at the conventional slip. Had there been one, it would have gone straight to him.

Hard length and around leg, Devdutt Padikkal nudges it off his hips through square leg for a single.

FOUR! Much more in control! Short of a length and outside off this time. Devdutt Padikkal gets the chance to free his arms. He gets on his toes and slaps it over backward point. The third man fielder is quite fine and it goes for another boundary.

EDGED AND FOUR! Jofra Archer hits the length hard and just around off, shaping away again. Devdutt Padikkal pushes at it with hard hands. Gets a thick outside edge but just wide of the diving second slip fielder and to the third man fence for a boundary.

Beauty! Back of a length and around off, getting it to shape away. Devdutt Padikkal has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge but the ball does not carry to the keeper.

A perfect start for the Royals. Devdutt Padikkal is in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! That is an absolute rib-snorter from Jofra Archer. He wins the all-English battle and sends Phil Salt packing for a golden duck. Archer steams in and bangs this into the pitch hard, on middle, this one jags back in sharply, shooting off the deck as well. Salt is not expecting that and gets stuck in his crease while trying to keep it out. However, he fails to handle the extra bounce and takes his eyes off the ball. He also fails to drop his wrists in time. It takes the top edge and balloons behind, where the keeper, Dhruv Jurel moves back a bit and takes a dolly.

It is finally time to get the show on the road. It is a packed house on a Friday night, with plenty of RCB jerseys in the stands. The chants of 'RCB, RCB' ring around the stadium as the two openers, Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, walk out to the middle. Jofra Archer will steam in first up against his England teammate. Here we go!

UPDATE - 8.26 pm IST (2.56 pm GMT) - The rain has subsided, and the ground staff have started to remove the covers. The RR quicks have made their way out and are going through their paces. If there is no further rain, the match will commence at 8.40 pm IST (3.10 pm GMT). No overs have been lost just yet, but any further delay could result in a revision.

UPDATE - 8.20 pm IST (2.50 pm GMT) - Has the rain eased? It certainly looks that way. The ground staff are in position at the edge of the covers, awaiting the go-ahead from the match officials to begin removing them. They will need the rain to stop completely before any action is taken.

UPDATE - 8.10 pm IST (2.40 pm GMT) - Just when everything seemed set for a timely start, the rain has made another appearance, and it now looks like we are in for another delay before the action can get underway. The entire ground has not been covered just yet, with only the square currently under covers. Stick around for further updates.

Impact sub options for RCB - Suyash Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Rasikh Salam, Kanishk Chouhan and Venkatesh Iyer.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh and Josh Hazlewood (In for Jacob Duffy).

Impact sub options for RR - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, Shubham Dubey and Tushar Deshpande.

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI) - Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi and Brijesh Sharma (In for Tushar Deshpande).

UPDATE - 8.07 pm IST (2.37 pm GMT) - Oh..no! The drizzle has returned here right after the toss, and the covers have been rushed back on almost immediately.

The skipper of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Rajat Patidar starts by acknowledging the crowd who are cheering very loudly and thanks them for making the team feel like this is their home ground, despite being an away game. He informs that Jacob Duffy misses out and Josh Hazlewood comes into the team. He says that Duffy has bowled well, but Hazlewood's experience will surely come in handy for them. Before Rajat Patidar could say anything else, the drizzle returned, forcing him and Ian Bishop to quickly run for cover, with the interview being cut short midway.

The captain of the Rajasthan Royals - Riyan Parag mentions that it was supposed to be a dry wicket but believes that there will be a bit of moisture due to the rain, which is why they want to bowl first. Feels that they have been very clinical but the previous three wins are in the past, and this is a fresh start. Parag shares that the talk has been about playing smart cricket, which they have done so far and hopes that they can continue doing so. Informs that they have made one change with Brijesh Sharma coming in for Tushar Deshpande, who has been rested.

TOSS - It's finally time for the coin flip here in Guwahati. Both the captains, Riyan Parag and Rajat Patidar, are out in the middle, having a chat themselves. Parag receives the coin and gives it a flick, but Patidar calls incorrectly. Rajasthan Royals elect to BOWL first.

We can also see Josh Hazlewood marking his run-up and going through his warm-ups, and it certainly looks like he's set to feature in his first game of the season. Jacob Duffy has done a solid job for RCB so far, but is likely to make way for the experienced Aussie quick.

UPDATE - 7.40 pm IST (2.10 pm GMT) - Official word is in - the toss is scheduled for 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT), with the match set to begin at 8.15 pm IST (2.45 pm GMT), and importantly, no overs have been lost. A swift turnaround after the brief interruption, and we're all set for a full contest.

UPDATE - 7.26 pm IST (1.56 pm GMT) - Positive news! The visuals now show the groundstaff getting to work, starting to peel off the covers as conditions improve, with Super Soppers also being deployed. The drizzle seems to have eased enough for them to begin the process, and if things stay clear, we could be edging closer to the toss.

UPDATE - 7.17 pm IST (1.47 pm GMT) - Former Aussie skipper Michael Clarke, who is part of the expert panel at the ground, reports that it is still sprinkling, not as heavy as before, but enough for all the covers to be brought on. The groundstaff, however, remain out in position, which is an encouraging sign. It suggests they're expecting this passing shower to clear soon and will be ready to remove the covers quickly once the rain stops completely.

UPDATE - 7 pm IST (1.30 pm GMT) - Uh...oh! If you are wondering why the toss hasn't happened yet, it is because it has started to drizzle here in Guwahati. So, the TOSS HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY DELAYED DUE TO RAIN.

PITCH REPORT - Former Indian spinner Murali Kartik is near the deck. He mentions that this is the same surface used for the previous game between RR and MI. The square boundaries are 65m and 66m, with the straight boundary at 75m. He adds that over the last couple of years, teams have been able to defend totals here, with 7 games marginally in favour of sides batting first. Former Australian captain, Michael Clarke, observes that the pitch looks exactly the same as the other night, and he describes it as a beauty for batting. Clarke believes that the surface is dry underneath and advises the batters to go hard in the Powerplay with change of pace being the only hope for the bowlers here.

Next up is RCB's Jacob Bethell - Bethell says the way RCB are setup with Krunal at 9 and Shepherd at 8, he expects more and more teams to emulate that going ahead. He adds that Romario Shepherd did not even get an opportunity to bat, but they still posted 250. Jacob says that he is happy to be here and feels he has already gained valuable experience and knowledge from last year, while also learning a lot in the first 3 weeks of this season. He admits he has one eye on the English county season, but for now, his focus is on improving and making the most of this opportunity. Bethell shares that he has been hitting the ball well, and it is about staying ready and waiting for his chance. He also mentions that in training, he tries to replicate match scenarios, emulating field settings and batting with the same intensity in the nets, so that the transition is not a big shift.

Let's hear what RR's Donovan Ferreira has to say - Ferreira says that their opening pair has been on fire. Adds that they have been consistent in relaying the messages, assessing the conditions and are taking one game at a time. Mentions that it is extraordinary to see both Jaiswal and Vaibhav play. Vaibhav takes the pressure off Jaiswal going from ball one but they are keeping the team first which is great. Ferreira shares that they are treating Vaibhav as any other player and are not baby-sitting him, the bonding between the team is really good. Says that it is good that the middle order haven't had to bat, but having Hettie at 5, him at 6 and then Jaddu also being there, they are very flexible and whenever they get the chance, hopefully they can come good. Donovan further adds that he is happy that he doesn't have to face Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger. Tells that you plan differently against each team. This is not a wicket like Chinnaswamy and the ground is bigger as well so RCB will have to adjust. Ends by saying that they focus more on themselves and their execution on the field rather than the opponents.

Run-fest loading? Guwahati has already shown signs of being a high-scoring venue, with an average winning score of around 197, and with two aggressive batting units on display, another run-fest could be on the cards. RCB do edge the head-to-head 17-14, but RR have enjoyed their time here this season, winning both games in Guwahati and will be eager to sign off this home leg with another win in what has quickly become their second home. There is a bit of rain around again, though the forecast looks better than the previous game, and hopefully we get a full contest. Stay tuned for toss and other updates.

RCB's batting firepower in focus - Royal Challengers Bengaluru have matched that dominance with sheer firepower. They smashed 250 in their last game, with Tim David's explosive 70* off just 25 balls stealing the show. The opening pair of Phil Salt and Virat Kohli has been crucial, averaging 44.1, with Kohli also boasting 896 runs against RR and an incredible average of 70.7 in away games since IPL 2025. The middle order, led by Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal, has added further punch, making this a well-rounded batting unit. With the ball, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 20 wickets against RR make him a key threat, while Suyash Sharma’s 15 middle-over wickets and Krunal Pandya’s smart variations provide control, along with Duffy's new-ball exploits.

Royals riding the wave - Rajasthan have been dominant right from the start, especially in the Powerplay. Yashasvi Jaiswal leads the run charts with 170 runs, while young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has taken the tournament by storm, striking at a staggering 219 since last season. Together, they form one of the most destructive opening pairs. RR also boast the best Powerplay numbers since IPL 2022, both with the bat and the ball. Ravi Bishnoi has been outstanding in the middle overs with 7 wickets already, while Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger have delivered with the ball, with Tushar Deshpande's death-over heroics fresh in memory. If their middle order clicks consistently, RR look a complete and dangerous unit.

Unbeaten streak on the line - Welcome to the Barsapara Stadium, where Rajasthan Royals take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 16 of IPL 2026. Two in-form sides, both unbeaten so far, lock horns in what promises to be a blockbuster, with one streak set to end tonight. RR come in riding high after a clinical win over MI in a shortened game, while RCB are brimming with confidence after a record-breaking batting display.

... MATCH DAY ...

A Royal battle - Among the teams that have made early statements in the 2026 Indian Premier League, the Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru will lock horns in Guwahati. There couldn't be a more fitting contest as the IPL bids adieu to the city this season, with two unbeaten sides taking centre stage. Strong start under new leadership - In his first stint as full-time captain of the Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag couldn't have asked for a better start. Despite not having the best record in Guwahati previously, they have turned things around this season, winning both their games there. Before they hit the road for three games, they will be keen to build on the momentum they have gathered. Dominance at the top - A staggering 387 of Rajasthan's 462 runs this season have come from their top three, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Dhruv Jurel. In the three games so far, Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi have put on opening stands of 75, 70 and 80, scoring at an impressive run rate of 12.73 as a pair. That consistency at the top has set the tone and given the batters that follow the clarity to approach the innings with freedom. RCB have struck three times in the Powerplay in both their games so far, which brings into focus how RR's middle order would respond if the openers were to fall early. A bowling unit in sync - When it comes to their bowling attack, Rajasthan have clicked well as a group, bowling the opposition out twice in three games. With their pace and hostility, Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger have formed an effective new-ball partnership. Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande have also made their presence felt, while in the spin department, Ravi Bishnoi has stood out for his new franchise with 7 wickets. First away test for RCB - Royal Challengers Bengaluru have begun their title defence in perfect fashion, winning both their opening games at home. They now head into their first away fixture of the season, which also marks their first-ever IPL appearance in Guwahati. Padikkal in prime form - Like the Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have relied heavily on their top three of Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal, who have contributed more than half of their runs so far. Padikkal, in particular, has been in exceptional touch, registering back-to-back fifties and striking at an impressive rate of 201.81. It marks a significant improvement from his previous seasons, and he will be eager to sustain that form. The lower order, featuring Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd, has not had much to do so far, but their role could become crucial if the top order is tested. Filling big shoes seamlessly - Coming into the tournament without Josh Hazlewood for the initial games, there were questions around how Bengaluru would cope in his absence. Those concerns have eased, with Jacob Duffy stepping up admirably. Their pace attack has accounted for 15 of the 19 wickets so far, although they have gone at 10.59 runs per over. To be fair, both games were played at the Chinnaswamy, where bowlers tend to go the distance, and they will welcome the change in conditions in Guwahati. A battle within the battle - One key contest to watch will be Sandeep Sharma against Virat Kohli. Sandeep has dismissed RCB's mainstay 7 times in the IPL, the most he has dismissed any batter in the tournament, and also the most times Kohli has been dismissed by a single bowler. Team form (Last 5 completed games, recent first) - RR - WWWWL | RCB - WWWWW. What to expect? The first game at this venue between RR and CSK saw the pacers dominate proceedings. The next fixture between MI and RR, which was an 11-over-per-side contest due to rain, told a slightly different story. The pitch for that game appeared slower than the opening game, largely due to it being under covers, which had an impact on its nature. There is rain forecast on the eve of the game, but the forecast for match day looks promising enough.