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Indian Premier League 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals Prediction & Match Preview – IPL 2026 21st Match

Our verdict

Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals edge it on the strength of a balanced squad, in what looks a close contest on a fair batting surface.

Toss pick: Sunrisers Hyderabad

Indian Premier League 2026Sunrisers HyderabadRajasthan RoyalsRajiv Gandhi International Stadium

Sunrisers Hyderabad host Rajasthan Royals in the 21st match of IPL 2026 on Monday, 13 April, under lights at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. It is a fixture between two sides with plenty of firepower in their squads.

Hyderabad’s squad includes Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen and Abhishek Sharma in the batting, with Pat Cummins leading the side and options such as Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat in the pace group. Rajasthan, captained by Riyan Parag, can pick from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel with the bat, Ravindra Jadeja as an all-rounder, and a pace attack featuring Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma, with Ravi Bishnoi as a spin option.

The pitch usually starts well for batting, so a strong powerplay will be important for both teams. Spin may become more relevant in the middle overs as the surface slows, and with dew likely later in the evening, the chasing side may find the second innings a little easier. Our preview leans towards Rajasthan Royals in a tight game.

Pitch report

The Hyderabad surface is generally even, with true bounce and good carry that let batters play their shots, and a quick outfield rewards good timing. Seamers can find some early movement, but it fades as the innings goes on. The pitch slows a little in the middle overs, which helps spinners, and evening dew can make the ball harder to grip for the side bowling second.

Weather

A warm, settled evening is expected in Hyderabad, with temperatures of about 30–32°C and partly cloudy to mostly clear skies. Humidity should sit between 45% and 60%, with a light breeze and very little chance of rain. Moderate dew is likely later on, which could favour the chasing team.

Frequently asked questions

When and where is Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals?

The 21st match of IPL 2026 is at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday, 13 April, with a 7:30 pm local start.

Which side does our preview pick?

Our preview picks Rajasthan Royals by a narrow margin, although conditions in Hyderabad suit both attacks and line-ups.

Is a high total expected?

Yes. Scores of 170–190 are likely in the first innings, and a total beyond 180 would be highly competitive here.

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