SRH vs RR Match 21 - Who will be Impact Players for today's match?

The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) return to the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium when they face the in-form Rajasthan Royals (RR) side in Match 21 of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday, April 13. 

SRH come into the game on the back of two consecutive defeats. Their most recent loss came against the Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh, where they ended up second best despite putting 219 on the board in the first innings. 

RR, on the other hand, have made one of the best starts to an IPL campaign

in their history. The Jaipur-based franchise are top of the standings, having won all four of their games. Riyan Parag’s side most recently beat defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati.

Since its introduction in 2023, the Impact Sub rule has divided opinions. However, with sides now able to play 12 players, it involves a lot of strategy to make use of it in the best possible way. The overall winner of the game is sometimes determined based on how optimally the Impact Sub is used by a particular team.

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Predicted Impact Players for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Jaydev Unadkat: Fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat was used as an Impact Sub by SRH in the previous game against PBKS. He has taken four wickets in the IPL this season but has been on the expensive side.

Shivam Mavi: Shivam Mavi is yet another Indian fast-bowling option at SRH’s disposal should they need an Impact Sub while batting second. He is yet to play a game this season.

Liam Livingstone: Liam Livingstone was dropped to the substitute’s bench after making just one appearance for SRH. The Englishman is, however, a dangerous option with the bat in the lower order, should the 2016 champions need some firepower at the death.

Kamindu Mendis: Yet another handy overseas all-rounder, Kamindu Mendis played five times for SRH last season, contributing 92 runs and two wickets.

Zeeshan Ansari: A spin option, Zeeshan Ansari took six wickets for SRH last season. The 26-year-old comes on the back of some decent showings for Uttar Pradesh in the domestic circuit.

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Predicted Impact Players for Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Sandeep Sharma: RR’s designated Impact Sub player whilst bowling second, Sandeep Sharma has picked up four wickets from as many games in this season’s IPL.

Tushar Deshpande: Tushar Deshpande is yet another fast-bowling option for RR to use. The 30-year-old bowled a match-winning final over against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius: Still to play a game for RR this season, Lhuan-dre Pretorius is a hard-hitting top-order batter from South Africa who can also keep wickets.

Vignesh Puthur: It is hard to play over Ravi Bishnoi as a spinner for RR. However, should they need a second spin option, Vignesh Puthur could be that player. He played five times for the Mumbai Indians last season, taking six wickets.

Shubham Dubey: An explosive lower-order batter, Shubham Dubey has an IPL strike-rate of 163.52.

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Expert Opinion and Final Prediction

• Home Advantage: Sunrisers Hyderabad play their home games on a wicket that is excellent for batting, a strength even the Rajasthan Royals possess. The crowd, however, will back their team to the very last ball.
• Recent Form: SRH vs RR’s recent record is very one-sided, with the Hyderabad outfit winning their last four meetings.
• Balanced Side: RR have a relatively more balanced side, compared to SRH with in-form batters and bowlers. 
• Prediction: With these factors in their favour, expect the Rajasthan Royals to slightly edge out the Sunrisers Hyderabad to maintain their winning streak.