Rajasthan Royals’ captain Riyan Parag and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Guwahati. (AP Photo)

Riding on explosive starts from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Rajasthan Royals will aim to continue their dominance when they face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a high-voltage IPL clash on Friday.RCB, meanwhile, look equally formidable with a settled top order anchored by Virat Kohli, who has shown no signs of slowing down despite stepping away from T20Is. Phil Salt adds firepower at the top, while Devdutt Padikkal has emerged as a key figure at No. 3, rediscovering his fluent best. Back with RCB, Padikkal has carried his domestic form into the season, smashing consecutive fifties and playing a vital role in the team’s strong start. Skipper Rajat Patidar and Tim David further bolster the middle order.However, it is RCB’s revamped bowling attack that has stood out. Jacob Duffy has impressed in Josh Hazlewood’s absence, while Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma have controlled the middle overs effectively.RR, on the other hand, boast one of the most explosive batting units. Jaiswal and the fearless Sooryavanshi have provided blistering starts, while their disciplined bowling unit has made them a well-rounded and dangerous side.

RR vs RCB Head-to-Head

RR vs RCB: Pitch Report

A true surface with even bounce, ideal for strokeplay, awaits once again. It’s the same pitch where Rajasthan Royals hammered 150 in an 11-over shootout against Mumbai Indians earlier this week. Expect the approach to remain unchanged for batters — commit to the front foot and play their shots with freedom. The weather, too, looks far more favourable this time.

RR vs RCB: Predicted XIs

Rajasthan Royals predicted XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Nandre Burger, Tushar DeshpandeImpact Sub: Ravi BishnoiRoyal Challengers Bengaluru predicted XI: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Abhinandan SinghImpact Sub: Suyash Sharma

RR vs RCB: Guwahati Weather Update

The day is expected to remain mostly cloudy with a brief spell of rain in the afternoon and a high of 27°C. Conditions will clear up by evening, leading into a largely clear night with temperatures dipping to around 17°C.Rain is forecast between 1–3 PM, with the probability hovering between 49% and 55%. However, the chances drop sharply to just 3% by the 7 PM toss and are expected to stay minimal through match hours, ensuring clear skies for the game.

RR vs RCB: Live Streaming details

The RR vs RCB clash will be held at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, with the match set to begin at 7:30 PM IST. The game will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on JioHotstar.

RR vs RCB squads

Rajasthan Royals: Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel, Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, Aman Perala, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Adam Milne, Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer, Kuldeep Sen, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi and Sandeep Sharma.Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (c), Abhinandan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, Kanishk Chouhan, Vihaan Malhotra, Vicky Ostwal, Satvik Deswal.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Heinrich Klaasen (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Heinrich Klaasen has candidly assessed what’s going wrong for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026, pointing to lapses in batting execution and poor fielding as the key reasons behind their inconsistent start.Despite registering just one win in three matches, Klaasen believes it is “still early days” and is confident the 2016 champions will bounce back. “Our batting has been good so far, but we missed out about 40 runs in three games. We need to bat better. The two games that we struggled, we didn’t execute with the bat,” he said.

Virat Kohli hail Dhurandhar 2 (Agency Image)

A day after Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, star batter Virat Kohli switched gears off the field and shared his glowing review of the blockbuster film Dhurandhar 2. Taking to social media, Kohli heaped praise on director Aditya Dhar and lead actor Ranveer Singh, describing the film as an unparalleled cinematic experience.

Virat Kohli’s Instagram story for Dhurandhar.

“Saw the film today and dare I say that I’ve never ever seen a cinematic experience like this made in India. It brought out every kind of emotion to the surface and I didn’t flinch once for almost 4 hours. @adityadharfilms your talent and conviction is reflected in what you’ve created. Hats off to you. You’re a genius. And although all actors were great in their roles BUT @ranveersingh you have attained a different level after this movie and your performance was beyond brilliant. Absolutely WOW,” he posted. Released on March 19, Dhurandhar 2 has enjoyed a sensational run at the box office. As per Jio Studios, the film has grossed ₹1622 crore worldwide so far, including ₹1228 crore domestically and ₹394 crore overseas. Its net domestic collection stands at ₹1041 crore, underlining its massive success. The film opened strongly with ₹102.55 crore on day one, followed by ₹80.72 crore and ₹113 crore on the next two days. It continued its impressive run over the weekend, collecting ₹114.85 crore on March 22 before seeing a drop to ₹65 crore on the first Monday. Through the first week, it maintained steady collections between ₹40 crore and ₹60 crore, while Day 18 alone brought in ₹28.75 crore across 14,229 shows in India. Kohli was not the only one impressed. Actor Anushka Sharma also shared her appreciation for the film and her former co-star Ranveer Singh, applauding both the storytelling and performances.

Anushka’s Instagram story for Dhurandhar.

“What a fantastic film you’ve made @adityadharfilms! It takes so much conviction to make an almost 4 hr long film. Gripping and immersive, meticulously crafted, the film holds your attention through and through. You are a fiercely original and assured filmmaker @ranveersingh You seized a once-in- a-lifetime character and delivered a solid, flawless performance @actormaddy @rampal72 @therakeshbedi sir and each and every fantastic actor in the film – Every performance lands perfectly; the film is unthinkable without each of you. Many congratulations to everyone behind this one.” With praise pouring in from both the cricketing and film worlds, Dhurandhar 2 continues to dominate headlines as one of the biggest cinematic successes in recent times.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Devdutt Padikkal plays a shot during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 T20 cricket match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings, in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
| Photo Credit: PTI

The standout features of Devdutt Padikkal’s batting this IPL have been his acceleration and shot-making range.
| Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

Chennai Super Kings’ wicketkeeper Sanju Samson leaves the ground after losing his wicket. (AP Photo)

A struggling Sanju Samson has found himself at the centre of growing fan frustration as Chennai Super Kings continue to falter in IPL 2026. The wicketkeeper-batter endured another disappointing outing against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, extending a lean run that has coincided with CSK’s three consecutive defeats.Since his high-profile move from Rajasthan Royals, Samson has struggled to justify expectations, managing scores of just 6, 7 and 9 in his first three matches. His failure to provide strong starts at the top has added to CSK’s woes, especially given his recent success as Player of the Tournament in India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign.

Viral fan post questions Samson’s ‘hunger and intent’

While poor form is part of the game, what has particularly irked fans is Samson’s perceived lack of energy and engagement on the field. A viral social media post from a CSK supporter captured the mood:“Dear @IamSanjuSamson, If you’re not mentally in it, then step aside for a few games. This isn’t just about runs anymore. Your body language is screaming disinterest. Every time the camera’s on you, you look frustrated and disconnected. Honestly, I’ve never seen you smiling even once. What’s hard to accept is the lack of energy, intent, and fight. Where’s the passion? Where’s the hunger? At least show that you care. Right now, it just doesn’t look like it.”The post quickly gained traction, with several fans echoing similar concerns about Samson’s body language as CSK continue their search for a first win this season.

Fleming backs Samson despite poor run

Amid the criticism, head coach Stephen Fleming urged patience, backing Samson to come good as he adapts to a new environment.“It’s difficult when you’ve been at a franchise for some time. Even though he probably feels comfortable, there’s still an element of belonging and he’s going through the process of connecting with this team,” Fleming said.He stressed that the team is still evolving, with multiple changes in the lineup. “There’s a little bit of work to be done off the field to tighten bonds, but he’s fitted in really well,” he added.Fleming also underlined Samson’s intent to bounce back. “He’s desperate for some runs and to contribute. We saw in the World Cup what he can do. When he gets going, he can be very dangerous. There will be nothing but support and confidence from us as he finds his path in yellow.”

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Devdutt Padikkal, right, with Virat Kohli. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have begun their IPL 2026 campaign in commanding fashion, and batter Devdutt Padikkal has revealed the tactical shift behind their early success. With two wins in two matches, RCB sit atop the standings, showcasing a refined batting approach that blends caution with calculated aggression.Speaking after their convincing 43-run win over Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru, Padikkal explained that the team has consciously addressed its past batting frailties. The new strategy revolves around preserving wickets in the first half of the innings before unleashing an all-out assault in the latter stages.‘Keep wickets, then attack’Padikkal highlighted that the change in approach stems from lessons learned last season. “Even last season we had a couple of games early on where we struggled and ended up losing maybe three or four wickets and then it put us on the back foot,” he said.“We had a conversation midway through last year that we needed to make sure that when the wicket is behaving in such a way, you have to ensure you have wickets in hand. Once the ball gets older, it becomes much easier to bat on,” he added.The left-hander stressed that avoiding early collapses has been key. “We had to make sure we are not three or four down by the 10-over mark. Once we were able to do that, we could go hard at every ball. The way the entire unit has been batting since then has been incredible,” he noted.This approach has already paid dividends, with RCB posting big totals and maintaining pressure on opposition bowlers through well-timed acceleration.Padikkal’s evolution and confidence boostPadikkal, who has been in fine form with scores of 61 and 50 in the first two games, credited his improvement in white-ball formats to a conscious shift in mindset and technique.“It’s a lot of hard work and self-belief. It wasn’t easy to make that change because I had to alter the foundation of the kind of cricket I wanted to play growing up,” he admitted.“The change was something I had to make consciously, and RCB’s support staff have been brilliant in guiding me in the right way,” he added, underlining the role of the team environment in his transformation.Power-hitting balance and Tim David factorWhile T20 batting has seen an increasing emphasis on power-hitting, Padikkal believes the evolution is part of a natural progression. “Batting has gone to another level. Everyone is working hard to hit big sixes and fours. It’s now on the bowlers to raise their game as well,” he said, adding that conditions could eventually balance the contest.Padikkal also reserved special praise for teammate Tim David, whose explosive 70 off 25 balls dismantled Chennai’s attack. “We see him do this every day in practice. He’s very clear about which bowler to target and when. That clarity makes a huge difference,” he said.