It should be a battle royale.

Neither Rajasthan Royals nor Royal Challengers Bengaluru has tasted defeated yet this season. One of them will on Friday, when the two in-form sides of the IPL come face to face at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. RR has played three, won three. RCB has played two, won two.

The Royals did not begin its campaign in the most ideal circumstances. It had finished second from bottom last year, lost its captain and leading batter of over a decade, Sanju Samson, in a trade-off with Chennai Super Kings, and one of his replacements, Sam Curran, was ruled out with injury.

But now, just about everything looks perfect for Riyan Parag’s men. Both Orange and Purple Caps could well still be with them going into the match.

In Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, it boasts the most explosive opening duo of the season. While Suryavanshi just aims to send every bowler on view – including the great Jasprit Bumrah – into the stands, Jaiswal paces his innings at will, according to what the team needs. Then there is the classy Dhruv Jurel to take over.

ALSO READ: ‘It hasn’t just been reckless hitting’ – Rajasthan Royals’ Shane Bond on Vaibhav Suryavanshi

In Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger, it has probably the deadliest new-ball attack, too. Ravi Bishnoi has earned his purple cap.

But the leg-spinner and his bowling colleagues will be up against RCB’s quality batting line-up. Virat Kohli —who mastered yet another chase in the IPL opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad — Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar have all looked good.

Jacob Duffy has spearheaded the bowling with aplomb in the absence of Josh Hazlewood and has been well backed by the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Suyash Sharma.

There is plenty to look forward to for the city’s fans in the last match they will get to see at this venue.

Published on Apr 09, 2026