Rajasthan Royals return to their home ground at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur for Match 36 of IPL 2026, where they face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, April 25. RR will be eager to settle scores after their 57-run loss to SRH earlier this month in Hyderabad, a game remembered for the sensational debut spells of Sakib Hussain and Pragul Hinge, who took four wickets each to dismantle the former champions.
Both teams enter this contest on the back of wins. Rajasthan Royals defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 40 runs, while Sunrisers Hyderabad overcame Delhi Capitals at home. That sets up a competitive battle between the two sides, carrying momentum into a crucial phase of the tournament.
RR boast one of the most explosive opening pairs in IPL 2026, while SRH have found a fresh rhythm in their bowling attack. Pat Cummins is also close to returning, which would further strengthen the Sunrisers’ balance. The visitors will also have to deal with an in-form Jofra Archer, who impressed with a three-wicket haul against LSG.
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Historically, SRH hold the edge in this rivalry. In 22 IPL meetings, Sunrisers have won 13 matches, while Rajasthan Royals have claimed nine. SRH’s highest total against RR is 286, while RR’s best is 242. At the same time, both teams have shown they can also be restricted on the right day, which adds more intrigue to this showdown.
Here are three key player battles to watch in RR vs SRH, Match 36 of IPL 2026.
#3 Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Sakib Hussain
This Powerplay contest carries extra intrigue after their previous meeting, where Sakib Hussain made an instant impact by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal in his very first over. The young pacer announced himself on the big stage that day and has since added two more wickets to his tally. Jaiswal, however, has been in impressive form this season, scoring 245 runs in seven matches at an average of 49 and a strike rate above 155. His ability to dominate early overs makes this an evenly poised battle, with RR hoping their opener can reverse the narrative.
#2 Heinrich Klaasen vs Ravi Bishnoi
On paper, Heinrich Klaasen has enjoyed this matchup. The South African wicketkeeper-batter has scored 42 runs off just 20 balls against Ravi Bishnoi in the IPL without being dismissed. However, current form adds a new dimension to this duel. Bishnoi has been one of the standout bowlers this season, picking up 11 wickets in seven games. Klaasen, meanwhile, is among the leading run-scorers with 320 runs at an average of over 50. This middle-overs battle could prove decisive.
#1 Abhishek Sharma vs Jofra Archer
This is a clash of aggression versus pace. Jofra Archer dismissed Abhishek Sharma off the very first ball they faced earlier this season, but the SRH opener has since been unstoppable. Holding the Orange Cap, Abhishek is striking at an incredible 215.33. Archer, with 11 wickets, remains RR’s go-to bowler. If Abhishek gets going, RR could be under serious pressure early on.
