SRH vs RR Eliminator, IPL 2026: Match Prediction, Pitch Report, Playing XI, Fantasy Tips

Match Details

Live Streaming and Live Telecast

• Live Streaming: JioHotstar
• Live Telecast: Star Sports Network

Match Preview

The IPL 2026 playoffs continue with a high-pressure Eliminator between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals in Mullanpur. Having finished third and fourth respectively in the league stage, both teams now face a simple equation—win and stay alive, lose and go home.

SRH enter the contest with arguably the more explosive batting lineup. The likes of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen can destroy any bowling attack on their day. Their biggest concern remains bowling consistency, which has leaked runs throughout the season.

Rajasthan Royals rely heavily on their young batting core. Yashasvi Jaiswal, teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel and skipper Riyan Parag have carried much of the scoring responsibility. Jofra Archer has been their standout bowler and will be crucial against SRH's aggressive top order.

A major psychological advantage lies with Hyderabad, who have defeated Rajasthan twice this season and have won six consecutive IPL matches against them since 2022.

Pitch Report

The Eliminator will be played on Pitch No. 4 at Mullanpur. According to SRH assistant coach James Franklin, the same surface previously produced a massive total of 219, indicating another batting-friendly contest.

Pitch Characteristics

• Excellent batting conditions
• True bounce for stroke-makers
• Fast outfield
• Spinners expected to play a role in middle overs
• Chasing teams have enjoyed slightly better success at the venue
• Average first innings score this season: around 210+ runs

Toss Prediction

Teams may prefer to bowl first and chase under lights.

Expected First Innings Score

195-220 runs

Weather Report

Mullanpur is expected to experience extremely hot conditions.

• Temperature: 36°C–40°C before start
• Humidity: Moderate
• Rain Chances: Very low
• Conditions: Clear skies throughout the evening

Weather is unlikely to interrupt play and a full 40-over match is expected.

Head-to-Head Record

SRH have dominated this rivalry recently and have beaten RR in both league meetings during IPL 2026.

Probable Playing XI

Sunrisers Hyderabad

1. Travis Head
2. Abhishek Sharma
3. Ishan Kishan (WK)
4. Heinrich Klaasen
5. Nitish Kumar Reddy
6. Aniket Verma
7. Pat Cummins (C)
8. Harshal Patel
9. Eshan Malinga
10. Sakib Hussain
11. Harsh Dubey

Rajasthan Royals

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
3. Dhruv Jurel (WK)
4. Riyan Parag (C)
5. Dasun Shanaka
6. Donovan Ferreira
7. Shubham Dubey
8. Ravindra Jadeja
9. Jofra Archer
10. Nandre Burger
11. Yash Raj Punja

Key Players to Watch

Travis Head (SRH)

The Australian opener is one of the most dangerous powerplay batters in world cricket. If he survives Archer's opening spell, SRH could post a massive total.

Heinrich Klaasen (SRH)

Klaasen remains SRH's best spin-hitter and one of the most destructive finishers in T20 cricket.

Ishan Kishan (SRH)

Comes into the playoffs in good form and has been among SRH's most consistent run-scorers recently.

Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR)

RR's most reliable batter against quality pace attacks and a big-match performer.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (RR)

The teenage sensation has emerged as one of the discoveries of IPL 2026 and could change the game within a few overs.

Jofra Archer (RR)

Possibly RR's biggest match-winner. His battle against Travis Head may decide the direction of the contest.

Dream11 Fantasy Prediction

Fantasy XI

Wicketkeepers

• Heinrich Klaasen (VC)
• Ishan Kishan

Batters

• Travis Head (C)
• Abhishek Sharma
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

All-Rounders

• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Riyan Parag

Bowlers

• Jofra Archer
• Pat Cummins
• Shakib Hussain

Captain Choices

• Travis Head
• Heinrich Klaasen
• Yashasvi Jaiswal

Vice-Captain Choices

• Ishan Kishan
• Riyan Parag
• Jofra Archer

Final Prediction

Both teams possess explosive batting lineups, but Sunrisers Hyderabad appear slightly stronger due to superior experience, greater batting depth, and a dominant recent record against Rajasthan Royals. Their top order has been consistently aggressive throughout the tournament, while RR have occasionally struggled when early wickets fall.

Rajasthan certainly have enough talent to cause an upset, especially if Archer removes Head early and Jaiswal provides a strong start. However, based on current form, team balance, and head-to-head dominance, SRH enter the Eliminator as favorites.