Hazlewood returns as Royals ask RCB to bat in rain-hit Rcb Vs Rr
rcb vs rr turned into a rain-interrupted toss call in Guwahati, where Rajasthan Royals won the toss and chose to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The decision came as big drops returned just as the toss neared completion, forcing the ground staff to bring the covers back on. The match marks the end of Guwahati’s commitments in IPL 2026, with both sides unchanged apart from one key return for RCB.
Rain shapes the first call in Guwahati
Riyan Parag said the moisture on the surface and the rain around the toss were central to Rajasthan Royals’ decision to field first. The Royals left out Tushar Deshpande and brought in Brijesh Sharma, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was named to come in as the Impact Player.
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajat Patidar confirmed the return of Josh Hazlewood after a swift recovery and fitness clearance from Cricket Australia. Jacob Duffy, who had done well in the previous two matches, made way for Hazlewood in the XI.
Lineups set as both sides look to adapt
The opening phase now places pressure on RCB to adjust quickly in conditions that may keep changing. This is their first away game after two home wins at the M Chinnaswamy stadium, and the franchise arrives with momentum, but also with little room for error in a rain-affected contest.
Parag said the group has been clinical before the start of the tournament, but added that the team must keep assessing and adapting. He also stressed that the earlier games are now in the past and that failure to respond could cost two points.
Immediate reaction from the captains
“We want to play smart cricket. Hope we keep assessing and adapting, ” Parag said after choosing to bowl. He added that the team has to perform now, not later, because the earlier results no longer matter.
Patidar’s decision to restore Hazlewood gives RCB a familiar seam option back in the attack. The move also signals confidence in the fast bowler’s recovery, with the team choosing experience in place of recent cover.
What the match means next
With rain already affecting the start, the first few overs could define the rhythm of rcb vs rr and shape the rest of the night. RCB will look to make early runs count after being put in, while Rajasthan Royals will try to exploit the surface and build pressure through their bowling unit.
For now, rcb vs rr enters the contest with weather, selection calls, and a returning Hazlewood all feeding into a tight opening. The next development will be how the pitch and conditions hold once play settles in.
