This is arguably the most evenly matched contest of the week. Rajasthan Royals (RR) host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 36 of IPL 2026 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur on Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 PM IST.
Vs
Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
25 April 2026 07:30 PM
Both teams are in strong form. RR sit 2nd with 5 wins from 7 matches after a dominant 40-run win over LSG. Meanwhile, SRH are 4th with 4 wins from 7 and have won 3 consecutive matches, including a 47-run demolition of DC.
However, SRH hold a significant 13-9 head-to-head advantage and beat RR earlier this season. Consequently, this article covers the odds, predicted XIs, Jaipur pitch report, weather, and RR vs SRH Match 36 prediction.
How RR and SRH Enter This Clash
Here is Brief Breakdown of Clash:
RR: Back on Track After the LSG Win
Rajasthan Royals bounced back from consecutive losses (to SRH and KKR) with a clinical 40-run victory over LSG at Lucknow. In fact, it was a bowling masterclass that made the difference.
Although RR struggled to 32/3 in 4 overs after Shami and Mohsin struck early, Ravindra Jadeja‘s unbeaten 43 off 29 balls rescued the innings and pushed RR to a competitive 159/6. Consequently, the total proved 40 runs too many for LSG on the slow Ekana pitch.
Moreover, Jofra Archer delivered a devastating spell of 3/20, including the wicket of Aiden Markram, to dismantle LSG’s top order. Additionally, Nandre Burger (2/27) removed Rishabh Pant for a duck in the third over, leaving LSG reeling at 11/3.
What remains concerning, however, is captain Riyan Parag‘s batting form. He has scored just 61 runs in 7 innings with a highest of 20. Fortunately, Vaibhav Suryavanshi continues to defy logic with 200+ runs at SR 263 and became the fastest to 500 IPL career runs (227 balls).
Importantly, this is RR’s first match at Jaipur this season. The Pink Army will be playing in front of their home crowd for the first time in IPL 2026. That emotional lift, combined with Jaipur’s spin-friendly surface, could be a significant advantage.
SRH: Three Straight Wins and Peak Momentum
In contrast, Sunrisers Hyderabad have turned their season around dramatically. After starting with 1 win in 4 matches, SRH have won 3 consecutive games to climb to 4th with 8 points and an impressive NRR of +0.820.
Their most recent win was particularly devastating. Abhishek Sharma smashed 135* off 55 balls (his 9th T20 hundred) as SRH posted 242/2 against DC. Furthermore, Heinrich Klaasen contributed 83* to ensure a 47-run demolition.
The numbers are staggering. Abhishek has 323 runs at SR 215.33 this season. Klaasen has 320 runs at SR 153.11. Additionally, captain Ishan Kishan has contributed 238 runs at SR 188.89, including 91 off 44 against RR in their first encounter.
Most importantly, Pat Cummins could return for this match. The Australian captain was injured for the first several games but has been training with the squad. If Cummins plays, SRH’s bowling, already improved with Eshan Malinga‘s 4/23 against DC, becomes a completely different proposition.
SRH also carry a psychological edge. They beat RR earlier this season and have won the last 4 consecutive meetings in this rivalry. Consequently, RR know they are facing a side that has their number in recent years.
RR vs SRH Match Details
Here are the key details for Match 36 of IPL 2026, which is also RR’s first home match at Jaipur this season.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | RR vs SRH, 36th Match |
| Tournament | Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 |
| Date | Saturday, April 25, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST (evening game) |
| Venue | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur |
| Live Streaming | Star Sports Network / JioHotstar |
| Weather Alert | Clear skies. No rain expected. Hot conditions (~41°C). |
RR vs SRH Betting Odds Comparison
This is a genuinely close contest on paper. SRH‘s 3-match winning streak and H2H dominance give them a slight edge. However, RR’s home advantage at Jaipur and their stronger overall record (5W vs 4W) keep this competitive.
| Platform | RR Win Odds | SRH Win Odds | Implied SRH Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | 1.95 | 1.88 | ~53% |
| Bet365 | 1.92 | 1.90 | ~53% |
| 1xBet | 2.00 | 1.85 | ~54% |
| Betfair | 1.90 | 1.92 | ~52% |
The odds are essentially a coin flip at 48-54%. Although SRH’s batting firepower (Abhishek 323 runs, Klaasen 320 runs) and H2H record (13-9) tilt things slightly their way, RR’s home advantage and balanced squad make this one of the hardest matches to call in IPL 2026.
Disclaimer: Odds are indicative and sourced from publicly available platforms at the time of writing. Consequently, they may change closer to match time.
RR vs SRH Predicted Playing XIs
While RR are likely to go unchanged after the successful LSG template, SRH may welcome Pat Cummins back if he passes a fitness test, which would significantly strengthen their bowling.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) Predicted XI
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi, Brijesh Sharma. Impact: Shubham Dubey.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Predicted XI
Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (c/wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Liam Livingstone, Harshal Patel, Pat Cummins (if fit), Eshan Malinga, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari.
Sawai Mansingh Stadium Pitch Report
This is the first IPL 2026 match at Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Jaipur’s pitch generally offers a balanced contest with something for both batters and bowlers, especially spinners in the middle overs.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Behaviour | Balanced. Good pace and bounce early. Ball grips and turns for spinners in the middle overs. Slows down as the match progresses. |
| Batting Conditions | Good. True surface allows shot-making. Quick outfield. Anything above 175-180 is competitive. |
| Bowling Conditions | Spinners get grip and turn. Pacers get swing early. Longer square boundaries put pressure on batters. |
| Avg 1st Innings Score (T20) | ~170-180. Balanced scoring ground. |
| Bat First vs Chase | Even split historically. Dew factor in evening games slightly favours chasers. |
| Key Stat | SRH scored 286 at this venue in IPL 2025. But spinners dominate the middle overs here. |
Why the Jaipur Spin Factor Could Be Decisive
Importantly, the Sawai Mansingh surface has historically offered significant assistance to spinners, especially between overs 7-15. Consequently, Bishnoi and Jadeja bowling in tandem on their home surface is a mouth-watering prospect for RR.
However, SRH have prepared for this. Klaasen is one of the best players of spin in world cricket, and Abhishek‘s 135* showed he can hit through the line against any bowler. Furthermore, Zeeshan Ansari‘s left-arm spin gives SRH their own spin option on this surface.
Weather Forecast for RR vs SRH
According to live weather data for Jaipur on April 25, the forecast shows clear skies with 0% rain probability. Therefore, a full match is guaranteed.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 38-41°C during the day, easing to ~30-33°C by match time. |
| Weather | Clear and sunny. No rain threat. |
| Rain Probability | 0% (Full match guaranteed) |
| Humidity | Low to Moderate (dry Rajasthan heat) |
| Wind | Light. Hot, dry winds during the day. |
| Dew Factor | Moderate dew expected in the second innings. Slight advantage for chasing. |
| Impact | Heat will tire fast bowlers. Dew may help batters in the chase. Spinners could consequently lose grip on a wet ball. |
Although the temperature will be scorching during the day, it should ease to around 30-33°C by the time the match starts at 7:30 PM. Nevertheless, the dry Rajasthan heat will still test the fitness of fast bowlers in the first innings.
RR vs SRH Head-to-Head Record in IPL
This is where SRH hold a decisive advantage. In 22 IPL meetings, SRH lead 13-9. Moreover, they have won the last 4 consecutive encounters, including the reverse fixture earlier this season.
| Statistic | Result |
|---|---|
| Total IPL Matches | 22 |
| SRH Wins | 13 |
| RR Wins | 9 |
| SRH Win % | 59.1% |
| Last 4 Meetings | SRH won all 4 |
| SRH’s Highest vs RR | 286 (IPL 2025, Jaipur) |
| Earlier This Season | SRH won (Ishan Kishan scored 91 off 44) |
| RR 2026 Form | 5W 2L (2nd, back to winning after LSG) |
| SRH 2026 Form | 4W 3L (4th, 3 consecutive wins, NRR +0.820) |
SRH’s Recent Dominance Over RR
Remarkably, SRH have won 4 straight against RR, a run that includes some devastating performances. In IPL 2025, SRH scored a mammoth 286 at Jaipur, which remains the highest total at this venue in IPL history.
Earlier this season, Ishan Kishan‘s 91 off 44 balls anchored SRH’s successful chase against RR. That match also saw SRH’s bowlers restrict RR’s explosive top order. Consequently, the Royals know they must break this pattern to regain psychological control in this rivalry.
However, it is worth noting that RR’s 9 wins have often come at home. Jaipur’s spin-friendly surface has historically favoured RR’s bowling attack, and this is their first home match of IPL 2026. The crowd factor and familiarity with conditions could therefore help RR break SRH’s winning streak.
Toss Prediction
At Jaipur, the toss decision is particularly nuanced. The surface offers good pace and bounce early, which helps pacers with the new ball. However, it also slows down as the match progresses, especially in the second innings when spinners find more grip.
On the other hand, dew in evening matches helps the chasing team because spinners lose grip on a wet ball. This creates a tactical dilemma. Batting first means exploiting the best conditions, while bowling first means benefiting from the dew later. Consequently, both captains will weigh these factors carefully.
Interestingly, SRH prefer to bat first and set big totals. Their 286 at this venue in 2025 and 242/2 against DC show they back themselves to post intimidating scores. In contrast, RR have been comfortable chasing this season, winning while pursuing totals multiple times. Therefore, the toss winner will likely choose to bat first, backing their batting depth.
Match Prediction
Two of the form teams in IPL 2026, a Jaipur surface that offers something for everyone, and a rivalry where SRH have been dominant. Consequently, this match has all the ingredients for a classic.
Where RR Holds the Edge
First of all, home advantage at Jaipur is significant. This is RR’s first match here in IPL 2026, and the Pink Army’s crowd will create an atmosphere that lifts the team. Furthermore, RR’s spinners (Bishnoi, Jadeja) know Jaipur’s surface intimately. On a pitch that grips, their combined spin attack could consequently trouble SRH’s aggressive middle order.
Moreover, bowling depth is RR’s trump card. Archer (3/20 vs LSG), Bishnoi (10 wickets), Jadeja, Burger, and Brijesh Sharma cover all phases. Against LSG, RR bowled out the opposition for 119 defending 159. That kind of bowling performance can also neutralise SRH’s explosive batting.
Additionally, Suryavanshi and Jaiswal give RR the firepower to match SRH’s batting. If RR’s openers fire, they can post 190+ on this surface, putting pressure on SRH’s chasers.
Where SRH Holds the Edge
Nevertheless, batting firepower is SRH’s biggest advantage. Abhishek (323 runs, SR 215), Klaasen (320 runs, SR 153), and Kishan (238 runs, SR 189) form the most productive top 3 in IPL 2026. Collectively, they have scored over 880 runs this season.
Furthermore, momentum is firmly with SRH. Three consecutive wins, each more dominant than the last, have given them the confidence that they can chase or set any total. Specifically, Abhishek’s 135* showed SRH are capable of demolishing any bowling attack when conditions suit.
Besides, head-to-head dominance (13-9, last 4 wins) cannot be ignored. SRH have particularly owned this rivalry at Jaipur, including the 286-run assault in 2025. That psychological edge, combined with Kishan’s 91 in the earlier meeting, gives SRH genuine belief they can win anywhere against RR.
If Cummins returns, SRH’s bowling transforms from their weakness into a strength. His new-ball and death-overs skills, alongside Malinga’s pace, would give SRH a complete bowling attack for the first time this season.
Key Concerns for Both Teams
RR’s concern is their middle-order fragility. Captain Parag (61 runs in 7 innings), Hetmyer (limited contributions), and Ferreira have barely been tested because Suryavanshi and Jaiswal usually dominate. However, if SRH’s pace attack dismisses the top 2 early, RR’s untested middle order faces a crisis.
Moreover, RR’s reliance on their openers is a double-edged sword. Against LSG, when Suryavanshi (8) and Jaiswal (22) both fell cheaply, RR collapsed to 32/3. If that happens again against SRH’s bowling, even Jadeja’s heroics may not be enough.
Conversely, SRH’s concern is their bowling consistency. Although Malinga (4/23 vs DC) has been excellent recently, SRH’s bowlers have taken just 50% of available wickets in several matches. If the bowling can’t support the batting, SRH will continue losing matches they should win.
Additionally, Travis Head‘s form is concerning. Just 180 runs in 7 innings is well below his standard. SRH need their big-match Australian to fire alongside Abhishek. If Head fails at Jaipur, the pressure shifts entirely to Klaasen and Kishan.
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Final Verdict
All in all, this is one of the closest matches to call in IPL 2026. SRH hold a slight edge at 52-54% because of their 3-match winning streak, dominant H2H record (13-9), and the sheer weight of runs from Abhishek (323) and Klaasen (320).
However, Jaipur is RR’s fortress. Their first home match of the season, the spin-friendly surface, and a world-class spin duo in Bishnoi and Jadeja could neutralise SRH’s batting power. Furthermore, Archer‘s 3/20 against LSG showed he can dismantle any top order.
Therefore, expect a par score of 175-185 at Jaipur in an evening game. The Bishnoi vs Klaasen middle-overs duel and the Archer vs Abhishek powerplay battle will most likely decide this contest. Specifically, the team that wins the spin battle between overs 7-15 will hold the advantage.
