The IPL 2026 playoffs move into knockout mode as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Wednesday, May 27. With a place in Qualifier 2 on the line, both teams will be under immense pressure in what promises to be a high-scoring encounter.
SRH enter the contest with momentum on their side after a commanding victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their final league-stage game. Pat Cummins' side has also defeated Rajasthan Royals twice already this season, giving them a psychological edge heading into the do-or-die clash.
RR, meanwhile, secured their playoff spot after a rollercoaster campaign. Led by the sensational Vaibhav Suryavanshi
and powered by Jofra Archer's match-winning bowling displays, the Royals have shown they can beat any side on their day. However, they will need their batting unit to fire collectively if they are to overturn SRH's recent dominance in this fixture.
SRH vs RR Match Details
- Match: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals, Eliminator, IPL 2026
- Date: May 27, 2026
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh
SRH vs RR Head-to-Head Record
The rivalry has largely belonged to Sunrisers Hyderabad over the years.
| Teams | Matches | SRH Won | RR Won |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRH vs RR | 23 | 14 | 9 |
SRH have already beaten Rajasthan twice during IPL 2026, which further strengthens their confidence heading into this knockout encounter.
SRH vs RR Pitch Report
The Mullanpur surface has emerged as one of the best batting tracks in IPL 2026.
Each of the last three matches at the venue has produced first-innings scores in excess of 200, while successful chases of 223 and 228 highlight just how batting-friendly conditions have been. Fast bowlers can expect some assistance with the new ball under lights, but once batters settle, stroke-making becomes considerably easier.
Spinners have found little turn or grip throughout the tournament, meaning pace bowlers with effective slower deliveries and yorkers could prove decisive at the death.
Expected first innings score: 210-220
SRH vs RR Weather Report
Conditions are expected to remain extremely hot in Mullanpur, with temperatures hovering between 38°C and 40°C during the evening.
Humidity levels are forecast to stay around 15%, reducing the possibility of significant dew later in the night. Teams winning the toss may still prefer chasing given the recent success of batting second at this venue.
SRH vs RR Predicted Playing XIs
Sunrisers Hyderabad Predicted XI
Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora, Smaran Ravichandran, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins (c), Shivang Kumar, Eshan Malinga, Sakib Hussain
Impact Player: Harshal Patel
Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Donovan Ferreira, Shubham Dubey, Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Yash Raj Punja, Brijesh Sharma
Impact Player: Ravindra Jadeja
Top Fantasy Picks for SRH vs RR
Heinrich Klaasen (SRH)
Klaasen has once again been one of the most destructive batters of IPL 2026. His ability to dominate spin and pace alike makes him one of the safest fantasy picks in knockout cricket. Given the flat Mullanpur surface, he could be a major differential captaincy option.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi (RR)
The teenage sensation has been one of the stories of the season. His fearless approach in the powerplay has produced match-winning innings repeatedly, including a century against SRH earlier in the campaign. Even in a knockout game, he remains capable of changing the contest inside the first six overs.
Nitish Kumar Reddy (SRH)
Reddy's dual role significantly boosts his fantasy value. Besides his contributions with the bat in the middle order, he can chip in with useful overs, making him one of the strongest all-round options available.
Jofra Archer (RR)
Archer's pace and wicket-taking ability remain RR's biggest weapon. On a venue where batters are expected to attack aggressively, he should have multiple wicket opportunities throughout the innings.
Ishan Kishan (SRH)
The left-hander has enjoyed a productive season at the top of the order and benefits from keeping wickets as well. His attacking style suits Mullanpur's batting-friendly conditions perfectly.
SRH vs RR Dream11 Team Prediction - Team 1
- Wicketkeepers: Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan, Dhruv Jurel
- Batters: Travis Head, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- All-rounders: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Riyan Parag
- Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Eshan Malinga, Yash Raj Punja
- Captain: Ishan Kishan
- Vice-Captain: Yashasvi Jaiswal
Captain and Vice-Captain Choices
Safe Captain Picks
- Ishan Kishan
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
Grand League Captain Picks
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Travis Head
Vice-Captain Options
- Abhishek Sharma
- Riyan Parag
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Jofra Archer
SRH vs RR Dream11 Prediction: Who Will Win?
Both teams possess explosive batting line-ups capable of posting or chasing huge totals. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad appear slightly better balanced, particularly in the bowling department.
SRH have already defeated Rajasthan Royals twice this season, while their batting unit featuring Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen has consistently delivered in pressure situations. Their superior bowling depth, led by Pat Cummins and Eshan Malinga, also gives them an edge.
**Prediction: Sunrisers Hyderabad to defeat Rajasthan Royals and advance to Qualifier 2.**
