Will Rajasthan Royals finally shake off their Guwahati curse when they face RCB today? Both sides are desperate for points after inconsistent starts to IPL 2026, so you can expect plenty of fireworks this afternoon at Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

The Royals have beaten Bangalore just once in their last four meetings, but a home crowd and new-look batting order might just change the script. If you check out our Gujarat Rajasthan Royals tactical breakdown, you’ll see momentum might be swinging their way.

Rajasthan Royals Batting Order: Buttler’s New Role

Rajasthan Royals have made a bold move in their top order after Jos Buttler’s slow start to IPL 2026. Buttler now comes in at number three, which pushes Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal up to open. That change really worked out in their last match against Mumbai Indians.

Buttler hasn’t set the world alight in the powerplay, striking at just 118.4. But now, batting at three, he’s able to steady things if needed while the openers go for quick runs. Meanwhile, Jaiswal’s on fire — he’s hammered 187 runs in four games, going at a strike rate of 156.8.

In the middle order, Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer both have the power to flip a game in a handful of deliveries. Parag’s 34-ball 58 against CSK showed he’s really coming of age. Then you’ve got Hetmyer, who adds that unpredictable Caribbean flavor late in the innings. Sanju Samson, the skipper, moves between four and five depending on how the game’s shaping up.

Pitch Report: Why Guwahati Favours Spinners

Here’s the thing: Barsapara has been heaven for spinners all season. The pitch starts offering turn right from the get-go, and as the day wears on, it only gets trickier for batters. Usually, teams score between 165 and 170 in the first innings.

Yuzvendra Chahal stands out as Rajasthan Royals’ main weapon here. He’s already bagged 8 wickets in three games, with a tidy economy of 7.2. Chahal’s googly really comes into its own on these slower, grippy surfaces.

The weather? Pretty much perfect. We’re looking at clear skies, 28°C, and hardly any dew, so spinners should stay effective from start to finish. Take note: RCB’s batters have had a tough time against top-quality spin this year, managing just 6.8 per over versus leggies. That’s a huge plus for Rajasthan at home.

Head-to-Head Records: RCB’s Recent Edge

If you look at their full history, it’s close. Rajasthan Royals lead 13-12 overall, but RCB have taken three out of the last four, including a nerve-wracking super over win in IPL 2024.

Virat Kohli usually shines in this match-up. Against the Royals, he averages 47.3 and scores at a rate of 142.1. Just check out his last five knocks: 73*, 45, 67, 23, and 89. No wonder bowlers get anxious when he’s on strike.

Still, IPL Rajasthan Royals have bolstered their bowling under new owners. Trent Boult and Mustafizur Rahman now form a dangerous opening duo, and Prasidh Krishna brings extra pace in the middle overs. Maybe this is the year Rajasthan flip the script head-to-head.

Points Table Impact: Both Teams Need This Win

Right now, both sides are stuck in the lower half of the table. Rajasthan Royals have picked up 4 points from their 4 games, while RCB sit on just 2 points after 3 matches. If one of them loses today, their playoff hopes could take a serious hit.

It’s simple: teams who don’t make the top four early usually don’t bounce back. You usually need at least 14 points to lock in a playoff spot, so every game counts from here on out.

Whoever wins today grabs not just two points, but also a big psychological advantage heading into the crunch stage of the season. According to CricInfo, teams that win their fifth match have a 73% shot at making the playoffs.