Check RCB vs SRH predicted XI, pitch report, head-to-head stats, key players, match timing and where to watch IPL 2026 clash live
Hyderabad: Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on each other in Match 67 of IPL 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday. The match will start at 7:30 PM IST.
Both teams have already qualified for the IPL 2026 playoffs, but this match is still very important because both sides are trying to finish in the top two on the points table. Teams finishing in the top two get an extra chance to reach the IPL final through Qualifier 1.
Hyderabad Pitch Expected to Help Batters
The Hyderabad pitch has been very good for batting this season, and fans can expect another high-scoring match. The surface at Uppal has provided good bounce and pace, making stroke play easier for batters.
The average first-innings score at the venue this season has been around 195. Four teams have already scored more than 200 runs at this ground in IPL 2026. Fast bowlers may get some movement and bounce in the first few overs, but dew later in the match could help teams chasing targets.
Hyderabad Stadium IPL 2026 Stats
- Matches Played: 6
- Batting First Wins: 4
- Batting Second Wins: 2
- Average First Innings Score: 195
- 200+ Totals: 4
Average Sixes Per Match: 17
The toss could play an important role, although teams batting first have also done well at this stadium.
SRH Have Slight Advantage Over RCB
Sunrisers Hyderabad have a slightly better record against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL history.
Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 27
- SRH Wins: 14
- RCB Wins: 12
- No Result: 1
The last time these two teams faced each other this season, RCB chased down 202 runs in only 15.4 overs. Virat Kohli played a brilliant unbeaten innings in that match.
SRH Depend on Strong Batting Lineup
Sunrisers Hyderabad will once again rely on their explosive batting lineup. Openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma have given the team quick starts throughout the season and are one of the most dangerous opening pairs in IPL 2026.
Heinrich Klaasen has been very important in the middle order with his attacking batting, while Nitish Kumar Reddy adds balance to the side. Captain Pat Cummins will lead the bowling attack along with Eshan Malinga and Sakib Hussain.
SRH Probable XI
- Travis Head
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan (wk)
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Salil Arora
- Smaran Ravichandran
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Shivang Kumar
- Eshan Malinga
- Sakib Hussain
Impact Player: Praful Hinge
RCB Looking to Continue Winning Form
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have looked strong in batting and bowling this season. They will enter this match with confidence after beating SRH earlier in the tournament.
Virat Kohli has been RCB’s most consistent batter this season. Captain Rajat Patidar is also expected to return after recovering from concussion protocols, which will strengthen the batting lineup further.
Players like Tim David, Krunal Pandya and Josh Hazlewood will also have important roles for RCB in this crucial match.
RCB Probable XI
- Jacob Bethell / Jordan Cox
- Virat Kohli
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (c)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Tim David
- Krunal Pandya
- Rasikh Salam Dar
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
Impact Player: Suyash Sharma
Players to Watch
Virat Kohli will once again be one of the biggest players to watch after his unbeaten 69 against SRH earlier this season. He has performed well against Hyderabad in recent matches.
Abhishek Sharma’s attacking batting in the powerplay can put pressure on RCB’s bowlers early in the innings. Heinrich Klaasen will also be dangerous in the middle overs because of his powerful hitting.
For RCB, Josh Hazlewood’s bowling with the new ball and in the death overs will be very important on a batting-friendly pitch. Pat Cummins will also play a key role for SRH with both bat and ball.
Also Read: KKR vs MI: What KKR Need to Do to Reach the IPL 2026 Playoffs
Important Player Battles
- Abhishek Sharma vs Josh Hazlewood
- Travis Head vs RCB pace bowlers
- Ishan Kishan vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Heinrich Klaasen vs Krunal Pandya
Key Stats Before the Match
- RCB chased 202 runs against SRH earlier this season in only 15.4 overs.
- Hyderabad has already seen four 200-plus totals this season.
- Virat Kohli has been one of RCB’s best batters in IPL 2026.
- SRH have scored some of the fastest powerplay runs this season.
- Both teams are fighting for a top-two finish before the playoffs.
Where to Watch SRH vs RCB
Fans can watch the match live on Star Sports Network. Live streaming will be available on JioHotstar. The toss will take place at 7 PM IST.
With strong batting lineups, playoff pressure and several star players in action, fans can expect an exciting match between SRH and RCB in Hyderabad.
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