IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Match 16 – Who Said What?

The Rajasthan Royals pulled off a commanding six-wicket victory over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 16 of the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.

Asked to bat first, RCB posted a strong total of 201/8 on the back of captain Rajat Patidar, who led from the front with a brilliant 63 off 40 after a collapse that saw RCB reduced to 94 for 6. Virat Kohli chipped in with a quickfire 32 off 16, while contributions from Romario Shepherd (22 off 11) and Venkatesh Iyer (29* off 15) provided the late push, taking RCB past the 200-run mark despite being in a difficult situation at one stage.

In reply, RR got off to a flying start despite losing Yashasvi Jaiswal early. The star of the show once again was the young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who played a breathtaking knock of 78 off just 26 balls, dismantling the RCB bowling attack with ease. His fearless strokeplay ensured RR stayed miles ahead in the chase.

Although RR suffered a brief middle-order wobble after Sooryavanshi’s wicket, Dhruv Jurel held his nerve with a composed unbeaten 81 off 43, while Ravindra Jadeja provided the perfect support with an unbeaten 24 as the duo guided RR home in just 18 overs. 

Talking Points

1. Rajat Patidar leads from the front

Despite a few early setbacks, RCB’s batting unit found stability through Rajat Patidar, who played a captain’s knock under pressure. He paced his innings brilliantly, mixing caution with aggression, while contributions from Virat Kohli and the lower order ensured RCB crossed the 200-run mark, which looked competitive at one stage.

2. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi storm hits RCB

RR’s chase was defined by the fearless approach of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who took the attack to the bowlers right from the outset. His explosive strokeplay, especially against the new ball, put RCB on the back foot early, as he dismantled the bowling attack with a breathtaking knock that shifted the momentum entirely in RR’s favour.

3. Jurel and Jadeja take RR home

After a brief middle-order wobble, Dhruv Jurel showcased maturity with a composed unbeaten innings, anchoring the chase smartly. He found solid support from Ravindra Jadeja, whose experience ensured there were no late hiccups, as the duo guided RR home with a calm and calculated finish.

RR vs RCB: Who Said What?

Rajat Patidar, RCB captain

“The way we started in the powerplay, we lost wickets, getting to 200+ was a positive sign for us. The same way, their batters, especially Vaibhav, it made the difference. Yeah, I think the way we are batting in the last matches was brilliant. There are a lot of learnings from this game. Yeah but not that much because Venky, Shepherd were there. We had to manage those overs with three bowlers. It wouldn’t have made much difference. Definitely. If you are playing this kind of competitive cricket, there will be a lot of errors. You have to look at them and learn from your mistakes.“

Riyan Parag, RR captain 

“We weren’t up to the mark in the last 3 years but this year it was clinical winning all 3 games. It was about getting better. The way we clawed back in the middle overs was brilliant. We could have restricted them to 170-ish but things to learn every game. Few balls here and there. Not a lot of sixes are hit down the ground on this pitch. As we move forward we learn from mistakes and try not to repeat them. It’s not tough. We put enough prep in Guwahati and Jaipur. We are well prepared for any home game. Didn’t feel like a home game but we were prepared. Many high scoring grounds. We wanna be a team that adapts really well. We have done well on sticky wickets. Once we go on the belters, we will do better. Everyone loves having him around. He likes going out, eating. He is a 15-16 years old kid. He likes a lot of batting and he keeps on batting like this, he can get whatever he wants.”

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Player of the Match

“No, I won’t be cutting the cake tonight. I have to sleep early. We have an early flight tomorrow. I just try to back my strengths and execute what I have done in practice.  Of course, in the back of the mind, you know who the bowler is. But then, I try to play the ball and not the bowler. They keep on telling me that the journey is long. So, I have to be focused on my game and not anything else. If I stay in the middle, I know that we can reach the target an over or two earlier. So, if I get out playing a loose shot, it disappoints me.”