Check SRH vs RR Eliminator match preview, predicted playing XI, pitch report, weather update, key players and match prediction
Chandigarh: Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals will face each other in the IPL 2026 Eliminator, today at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
The match is very important because the winning team will move to Qualifier 2 and stay in the race for the IPL trophy, while the losing team will be knocked out of the tournament.
Sunrisers Hyderabad finished third in the points table with 18 points, while Rajasthan Royals ended the league stage in fourth place with 16 points. Both teams played attacking cricket during the season and now need one more win to continue their IPL journey.
SRH Expected To Continue With Strong Batting Line-Up
Sunrisers Hyderabad are likely to keep the same aggressive batting combination that helped them win important matches this season.
SRH Predicted XI
- Abhishek Sharma
- Travis Head
- Ishan Kishan (wk)
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Salil Arora
- Smaran Ravichandran
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Harshal Patel
- Eshan Malinga
- Sakib Hussain
Impact Player: Kamindu Mendis
Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head are likely to open the innings and give SRH quick start. Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen add power to the middle order with their attacking batting style. Captain Pat Cummins will lead the bowling attack along with Harshal Patel and Eshan Malinga.
Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI
Rajasthan Royals are also expected to continue with a balanced playing XI that includes talented young players and experienced international cricketers.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Riyan Parag (c)
- Dasun Shanaka
- Donovan Ferreira
- Shubham Dubey
- Jofra Archer
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Nandre Burger
- Yash Raj Punja
Impact Player: Ravi Bishnoi
Yashasvi Jaiswal and young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are likely to open the innings for RR. Captain Riyan Parag has played several important knocks this season and will again have a big responsibility. Players like Ravindra Jadeja and Jofra Archer bring experience and strength to the team.
Also Read: RCB Beat GT by 92 Runs, Reach IPL 2026 Final in Ahmedabad
SRH Have Better Record
Sunrisers Hyderabad have a slightly better head-to-head record against Rajasthan Royals in IPL history. SRH defeated RR in both league-stage matches this season.
RR have performed well in pressure situations this year, which makes the Eliminator an exciting and close contest.
Pitch Report
The pitch at the Mullanpur stadium has mostly helped batters in IPL 2026. Many high-scoring matches have taken place at this venue and the Eliminator pitch is also expected to support batting.
The average first-innings score at the ground has crossed 210 this season. Teams chasing targets have also won several matches because dew makes bowling difficult in the second innings.
Fast bowlers may get some swing in the first few overs, but batting usually becomes easier later in the match. Spinners could also become important during the middle overs if they bowl with smart variations.
The toss may play a big role because captains could prefer to bowl first and chase under the lights.
Weather Report
The weather forecast for Mullanpur looks good and there is very little chance of rain during the match.
The temperature is expected to remain between 30 and 33 degrees Celsius in the evening. Humidity may increase later in the game and dew is also expected in the second innings.
Key Players To Watch
Travis Head
The SRH opener has played aggressive cricket throughout the tournament and can change the match quickly in the powerplay overs.
Heinrich Klaasen
Klaasen has been one of SRH’s most dangerous middle-order batters and can score quickly against both pace and spin.
Pat Cummins
The SRH captain brings calm leadership and experience in big matches.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
The RR opener is known for attacking batting and can put pressure on bowlers from the beginning.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
The young batter has impressed many fans this season with his fearless batting approach.
Jofra Archer
Archer remains Rajasthan Royals’ biggest fast-bowling weapon because of his speed and wicket-taking ability.
Key Battles Could Decide Result
One of the biggest battles in the match will be between Travis Head and Jofra Archer during the powerplay. Head likes attacking fast bowlers early, while Archer can trouble batters with his pace.
Another important contest will be Heinrich Klaasen against Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Bishnoi during the middle overs.
Riyan Parag’s battle against Pat Cummins in the final overs could also become a major turning point in the match.
Where to Watch
The SRH vs RR Eliminator will begin at 7:30 PM IST, while the toss will take place at 7 PM IST.
Fans can watch the match live on Star Sports Network. Live streaming will also be available on JioHotstar.
SRH Slight Favorites Before Knockout Clash
Sunrisers Hyderabad may start the Eliminator as slight favorites because of their powerful batting line-up and strong recent form.
However, Rajasthan Royals have quality bowlers and experienced players who can handle pressure well in knockout matches.
With a place in Qualifier 2 on the line, fans can expect a thrilling contest between two strong IPL teams in Mullanpur.
