Rajasthan Royals registered an impressive six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in Match 16 of the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Coming to bat first, RCB made a strong score of 201/8 on the strength of the captain. Rajat Patidar, Who played a brilliant inning of 63 runs in 40 balls after reducing RCB to 94 runs for 6 wickets. Virat Kohli played a quickfire 32 off 16 balls, while contributions from Romario Shepherd (22 off 11 balls) and Venkatesh Iyer (29* off 15 balls) provided a late push that saw RCB cross the 200-run mark despite being in a difficult position at one point.
In reply, RR got off to a great start despite losing Yashasvi Jaiswal early. The star of the show was once again young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who played a breathtaking inning of 78 runs off just 26 balls, dismantling the RCB bowling attack with ease. His fearless strokeplay ensured that RR remained miles ahead in the chase.
However, RR faced a brief wobble in the middle order after Suryavanshi's wicket, but Dhruv Jurel kept his composure by scoring 81 not out in 43 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja ably supported him by scoring 24 not out and both helped RR win in just 18 overs.
talking points
1. Rajat Patidar is at the forefront
Despite some early setbacks, RCB's batting unit found stability through Rajat Patidar, who played a captaincy innings under pressure. He carried on his innings brilliantly, mixing caution with aggression, while contributions from Virat Kohli and the lower order ensured that RCB crossed the 200-run mark, which at one point was looking competitive.
2. Vaibhav Suryavanshi's storm in RCB
RR's chase was defined by a fearless approach Vaibhav SuryavanshiWho attacked the bowlers from the very beginning. His explosive strokeplay, especially against the new ball, quickly put RCB on the backfoot as he demolished the bowling attack with a breathtaking innings that completely shifted the momentum in RR's favour.
3. Jurel and Jadeja take RR home
After a brief wobble from the middle order, Dhruv Jurel displayed maturity by playing a composed unbeaten innings and chased the target smartly. He received solid support from Ravindra Jadeja, whose experience ensured there was no hindrance late on as the duo steered RR to victory with a calm and calculated finish.
RR vs RCB: Who said what?
Rajat Patidar, RCB captain
“The way we started in the powerplay, we lost wickets, reaching 200+ was a positive sign for us. Similarly, their batsmen, especially Vaibhav, made the difference. Yes, I think the way we have been batting in the last matches was fantastic. There is a lot to learn from this game. Yes, but not that much because Venky, Shepherd were there. We had to manage those overs with three bowlers. It doesn't make much difference. Definitely. If you are playing this kind of competitive cricket, there will be a lot of mistakes. You have to look at them and learn from your mistakes.“
Riyan Parag, RR captain
“We were not in good form in the last 3 years, but this year we managed to win all 3 games. It was about getting better. The way we came back in the middle overs was fantastic. We could have restricted them to 170-ish, but things to learn in every game. A few balls here and there. There are not many sixes on the field on this pitch. As we progress we learn from the mistakes and try not to repeat them. It is not difficult. We have prepared well for any home game. We want to be a good team on sticky wickets. He is a 15-year old kid.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Player of the Match
“No, I won't be cutting the cake tonight. I have to sleep early. We have an early flight tomorrow. I just try to support my strength and execute what I have done in practice. Of course, in the back of the mind, you know who the bowler is. But then again, I try to play the ball, not the bowler. They keep telling me that the journey is long. So, I have to focus on my game, not on anything else. If I stay in the middle, I know we will reach the target. Can reach one or two overs early, so, if I get out after playing a loose shot, it frustrates me.”
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