Jaiswal And Sooryavanshi In The Spotlight As Rajasthan Royals Lock Horns With RCB

RR vs RCB Match 16. [Source - AP]

It's all been about Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi this season for Rajasthan Royals, with the opening pair wreaking havoc in the IPL. Their partnership, which began last year, has been nothing short of destructive, making them one of the most formidable duos in IPL.

Now, as Rajasthan Royals face the defending champions RCB in Guwahati, the spotlight remains on Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi. Having been the key architects of RR's last two wins at this venue, they bring immense confidence. 

Statistically, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are the third most destructive pair already in IPL, having scored over 500 runs together.

• Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head - 44.93 average and 12.46 runs per over.
• Sunil Narine and Phil Salt - 46.58 average and 12.46 runs per over.
• Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi - 64.7 average and 12.36 runs per over.

Rajasthan Royals vs RCB IPL 2026 Match 16 - Preview

Rajasthan Royals will meet defending champions RCB in Match 16 of the ongoing IPL 2026 on April 10, Friday. The big-ticket clash will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati and is set to go live for fans from 7:30 PM IST.

RCB Aims to Extend Winning Streak in Historic Guwahati Clash

RCB’s first-ever match in Guwahati has the city buzzing, with a sold-out crowd eager to witness the action. 

• With a 17-14 head-to-head advantage over Rajasthan Royals, 
• RCB looks to extend their unbeaten away streak since last season in this historic encounter.

RCB’s Powerplay Bowling Dominance Faces Yashasvi Jaiswal's Wrath

RCB has been the best powerplay bowling side since IPL 2025, taking 33 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 8.94, the best across all teams. However, one player has been their kryptonite, that is Yashasvi Jaiswal. 

• In their last two encounters, Jaiswal tore through RCB's powerplay bowlers, 
• scoring a total of 79 runs at a strike-rate of 202.56, one dismissal, inside first six overs, 
• even against the likes of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar with the new ball.
• And add Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's company with Jaiswal as the 15-year-old is striking at 259.57 inside first 6 overs in IPL 2026.

Also Read: Performing Yet Ignored: The Curious Case Of Yashasvi Jaiswal In India’s Crowded T20 Setup

Midle-Overs Battle Could Decide the Tie

The middle-overs phase could be crucial in determining the outcome of Rajasthan Royals vs RCB. 

• The Royals have been the most successful bowling side in IPL 2026 between 7-16 overs, 
• taking 16 wickets at an impressive 14.4 average and 9.38 strike rate, 
• with Ravi Bishnoi leading the charge as the highest wicket-taker. 
• However, RCB boasts a middle-order that has been the most destructive in the IPL since last season, 
• striking at an explosive 170.02, making this battle a key area to watch.

Virat Kohli vs Sandeep Sharma: A Battle of the Past and Present

Virat Kohli has been dismissed 7 times by Sandeep Sharma in the IPL, but does that record still hold weight? 

• The last time Sandeep Sharma got Virat Kohli out in the IPL was in 2020. 
• Since 2020, Kohli has dominated the match-up, amassing 59 runs off Sandeep at a strike-rate of 178, without being dismissed. 

Rajasthan Royals vs RCB IPL 2026 Match 16 - Key Stats

• Rajasthan Royals have won 3 of their last 5 matches in Guwahati.
• RCB has won each of their last 9 away matches since IPL 2025.
• Virat Kohli in away matches since IPL 2025 - 452 runs, 6 50s, 75.33 average.
• Virat Kohli has the most number of half-centuries in the IPL since last season - 9.
• Yashasvi Jaiswal has the second most numbers of half-centuries in the IPL since last season - 8.
• Tim David has the highest strike-rate for a middle-order batter in T20s since 2025 (min. 1000 runs) - 1225 runs, 40.83 strike-rate and 177.02 strike-rate.
• Tim David vs Nandre Burger in T20s - 0 runs, 5 balls, 2 dismissals.
• Rajat Patidar vs Ravi Bishnoi in IPL - 45 runs, 0 dismissal and 225 strike-rate.
• Josh Hazlewood has taken 9 wickets for RCB vs Rajasthan Royals at 11.22 average and 10 strike-rate.
• Jacob Duffy has been the most successful powerplay bowler in IPL 2026 - 5 wickets, 7.20 strike-rate.
• Nandre Burger has also taken a wicket every 8 balls inside the powerplay in IPL 2026. 
• Riyan Parag vs Krunal Pandya in IPL - 38 runs, 105.6 strike-rate, 1 dismissal.
• Devdutt Padikkal averages 77.75 in 6 innings against Rajasthan Royals in IPL.

Rajasthan Royals vs RCB IPL 2026 Match 16 - Possible Changes

Josh Hazlewood Set to Return for RCB Against Rajasthan Royals?

Both teams are looking solid, but one possible change to watch out for in Rajasthan Royals vs RCB clash is the return of Josh Hazlewood to the RCB playing XI. After missing the first two games due to injury, Hazlewood has traveled to Guwahati with the team and could be ready to fire.

Rajasthan Royals vs RCB IPL 2026 Match 16 - What to Expect?

A bit of rain is expected in the afternoon, but conditions should be clear by match time. Guwahati has traditionally been a sluggish venue, making it difficult for teams to accelerate, but Rajasthan Royals’ explosive openers are the exception. 

Both teams are unbeaten in IPL 2026 so far and look well-balanced heading into this clash, with the real battle likely to be decided in the middle-overs. While Rajasthan Royals’ bowlers will challenge RCB, the latter’s potent middle-order looks more than ready to make it 10 consecutive away wins for them.

Also Read: Dasun Shanaka To Replace Shimron Hetmyer? RR's Strongest XI vs RCB for IPL 2026, Match 16