Josh Hazlewood Back As Rain Returns Right After RR Vs RCB IPL 2026 Toss

Hazlewood replaces Duffy in RCB playing XI [Source: AFP]

Rain tried to ruin the RR Vs RCB IPL 2026 match, but luckily, the weather improved just in time for the toss. Both RR and RCB are two undefeated teams in the tournament, but that streak will come to an end for one of the sides at the Guwahati Stadium.

RR has won three in a row, with their last win coming against the strong Mumbai Indians squad. Meanwhile, RCB have won two out of two, but all their wins came at their home ground, as the defending champions will play their first away game of the IPL 2026.

RCB has dominated in the head-to-head battle, with the Bengaluru-based side winning 17, and Rajasthan victorious in 14 IPL matches.

RR Vs RCB IPL 2026 toss update

Rajasthan Royals won the toss and on a rain-marred day, Riyan Parag decided to bowl first. The pitch will have some moisture initially, and Parag would hope that his pacers can utilise the early movement.

RR have made one key change for the IPL match vs RCB- Brijesh Sharma replaces Tushar Deshpande.

RCB have also made one tactical change with Josh Hazlewood replacing Jacob Duffy.

Just when RCB skipper Rajat Patidar was talking with Ian Bishop during the toss, rain god returned as Patidar had to be interrupted, as he, and Parag ran back to the dugout.

RR Vs RCB playing XIs

Rajasthan Royals Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Brijesh Sharma

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing XI: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood

Also Read: RR vs RCB Delayed: How Many Matches Will Rain-Affected Guwahati Host In IPL 2026?

RR Vs RCB Toss: What the captains had to say

Riyan Parag: "(Toss decision) We are going to be bowling first. It was supposed to be a dry wicket, but it has been raining for the last couple of days and rained today as well. There will be some moisture on this pitch. We would like to extract it."

(On how the experience in Guwahati has been so far) Feels great. We have been really clinical. My message before the start of the tournament was that we want to be a team that is really strategical. Hopefully, we keep on assessing and adapting and come up with two points tonight. 

(Team news) Tushar (Deshpande) takes a rest, Brijesh (Sharma) comes in.

Rajat Patidar: "[How does it feel to play away from home with such massive cheering?] This is the first away game. Thanks to everyone. You are making us feel that it is a home crowd. We all love you.

[Changes?] Unfortunately, Duffy misses out this game. Josh Hazlewood is in the team in place of Duffy.

[On picking Hazlewood straightaway over Duffy] Duffy also bowled brilliantly in the last two games. We know Josh is an experienced player. His presence will definitely put us in a good frame of mind."

Follow RR Vs RCB live updates for the thrilling IPL 2026 contest in Guwahati