Guwahati wore an unusually quiet look on Thursday on teh eve of the game between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), a stark contrast to the buzz typically associated with an IPL match week. Beyond the city’s familiar struggle, there was a deeper calm, largely influenced by the ongoing state elections. There were no traffic snarls, no blaring horns, and surprisingly, no visible excitement despite the arrival of top IPL teams in the city.
The subdued response was evident at the stadium as well. Even with marquee clashes featuring the Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians in the past week, the stands were only partially filled. As Guwahati’s IPL 2026 leg nears its conclusion, a handful of passionate fans — mostly teenagers — gathered outside the stadium gates, hoping to catch a glimpse of stars like Virat Kohli and Sanju Samson. However, much like the forecasted rain that never arrived, the big names skipped Thursday’s optional practice session, leaving fans slightly disappointed.
Inside the stadium, the atmosphere mirrored the city’s quiet mood. Fringe players such as Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Bethell, and Swapnil Singh made the most of the nets, showcasing their power-hitting and readiness. While their performances hinted at depth in the squads, it’s unlikely they will play a major role in the high-stakes clash on Friday.
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The spotlight now shifts to a crucial IPL 2026 encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). For RCB, the focus remains on carrying forward their strong momentum, while RR aim to rewrite their narrative this season. The contest promises an intriguing battle, especially between RCB’s pace attack and RR’s aggressive openers.
Both teams have been in top form, frequently exchanging the top spot on the points table alongside Punjab Kings. Friday’s clash will not only determine the table-topper but also end one team’s unbeaten streak. With no major rain threat during match hours, conditions look set for a gripping contest, even if overcast skies hover. Historically, RCB hold a slight edge, winning four of their last six encounters against the Royals since 2023.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Ravi Bishnoi could prove to be a key weapon in this crucial IPL 2026 clash, especially against Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s top order. The leg-spinner has historically kept Virat Kohli and Phil Salt in check, while also troubling Tim David with his variations. Expect Bishnoi to be introduced early if the openers settle, and later in the death overs to break momentum and control the scoring rate.
Probable XII: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB are likely to tread cautiously with Josh Hazlewood, who is still regaining full fitness and remains doubtful for selection. The team management is expected to back Abhinandan Singh again, though Rasikh Dar and Mangesh Yadav remain solid backup options if changes are considered.
For Rajasthan Royals, their struggle against spin remains a concern. Since 2022, apart from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi, no batter has maintained a strike rate above 135 against spin, giving Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma a clear opportunity to dominate the middle overs.
Probable XII: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy, Suyash Sharma
