Rajasthan Royals (RR), unbeaten with two wins from two matches, will likely field Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as openers when they host Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 13 of IPL 2026 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 7:30 PM IST.
RR sit second on the points table after convincing wins over CSK and GT. In contrast, MI lost their last match to Delhi Capitals without captain Hardik Pandya, who missed the game due to illness. However, Pandya returns tonight, which strengthens MI’s batting and bowling balance significantly. Additionally, this is the first-ever RR vs MI match at Guwahati, adding a fresh dimension to one of IPL’s oldest rivalries.
RR vs MI IPL 2026 Match 13: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Match 13, IPL 2026 |
| Teams | Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians |
| Date | Tuesday, April 7, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati |
| RR Captain | Riyan Parag |
| MI Captain | Hardik Pandya (returns after missing last match) |
| IPL 2026 Standings | RR: 2nd (W2, L0) | MI: 6th (W1, L1) |
Interestingly, MI hold a 16-14 advantage in the overall head-to-head record. However, since 2018, RR have won 8 of 14 meetings, which shows momentum has shifted in recent years.
How Both Teams Have Performed in IPL 2026 So Far
Here is the Performance Update of Both Teams in current Ongoing IPL 2026:
RR: Two Wins From Two, Batting on Fire
RR beat CSK by 8 wickets in their opener at Guwahati. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed the fastest fifty of IPL 2026 (15 balls) during that chase. Furthermore, Nandre Burger and Jofra Archer dismantled CSK’s top order early.
In their second match, RR defended 210 against GT in Ahmedabad. Yashasvi Jaiswal (55 off 36) and Dhruv Jurel (75 off 42) powered the total, while Ravi Bishnoi‘s 4-41 turned the match during the middle overs. Consequently, RR currently sit second on the points table with four points.
MI: Won One, Lost One; Pandya Returns
MI started with a bang by chasing down 221 against KKR at the Wankhede, their highest successful chase in IPL history. Rohit Sharma smashed 78 off 38 balls, while Ryan Rickelton added 81 in a 147-run opening stand.
However, MI then lost to DC by 6 wickets. Without Hardik Pandya (illness), Suryakumar Yadav captained the side but MI could only post 162/6. Sameer Rizvi‘s 90 for DC sealed the chase. Importantly, Pandya returns tonight, which restores MI’s all-round balance.
Additionally, Rohit Sharma has scored 113 runs in two matches at a strike rate of 176.56, making him MI’s leading run-scorer so far. Shardul Thakur leads their wicket-taking charts after a Player-of-the-Match-winning 3/39 vs KKR.
Injury and Availability Updates for RR vs MI
Here are the Injury Updates for both Teams:
RR: Fully Fit, No Major Concerns
Sam Curran remains out for the entire season (groin injury), with Dasun Shanaka as his replacement. Otherwise, RR’s entire squad is available. Jofra Archer is fully fit, and Nandre Burger has been impressive with the new ball. As a result, RR enter this match with a settled and confident lineup.
MI: Pandya Returns, Boult vs Chahar Debate
Hardik Pandya missed the DC match due to illness but returns tonight. His availability is a massive boost because MI lacked finishing power and a fifth bowling option without him.
The key tactical debate for MI revolves around the overseas combination. Trent Boult missed the DC match, with Corbin Bosch and Deepak Chahar sharing the new-ball duties. Some sources suggest Boult returns tonight, while others (CREX, Khel Now) keep Chahar and Bosch in the XI. Additionally, Mitchell Santner returns as the primary spinner.
RR Predicted Playing XI vs MI
RR are expected to stick with the same core that delivered two wins. The only question is whether Ravi Bishnoi starts or comes in as the impact player. Most match-day reports favour keeping the same XI.
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opener |
| 2 | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | Opener |
| 3 | Dhruv Jurel (wk) | No. 3 / Wicketkeeper |
| 4 | Riyan Parag (c) | Middle Order / Captain |
| 5 | Shimron Hetmyer | Middle Order |
| 6 | Donovan Ferreira | All-rounder |
| 7 | Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| 8 | Jofra Archer | Pace Bowler |
| 9 | Nandre Burger | Pace Bowler |
| 10 | Tushar Deshpande | Pace Bowler |
| 11 | Sandeep Sharma | Pace Bowler |
Impact Player Options: Ravi Bishnoi, Shubham Dubey, Dasun Shanaka, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius
RR’s In-Form Opening Pair
The Jaiswal-Sooryavanshi combination has been the most explosive opening pair in IPL 2026 so far. Jaiswal provides steady aggression (93 runs in 2 matches), while Sooryavanshi brings terrifying power. His 15-ball fifty against CSK at this venue remains the fastest of the season.
Notably, Jaiswal holds the highest individual score by an RR batter in this fixture, having smashed 124 off 62 balls against MI in IPL 2023. Although RR lost that match, the innings showed Jaiswal’s ability to dominate MI’s bowling. Tonight, he will look to repeat that performance with a winning result.
RR’s Bowling: Archer and Burger Set the Tone
Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger have been outstanding with the new ball this season. Together, they dismantled CSK’s top order in the opener and kept GT under pressure. Furthermore, Tushar Deshpande defended 11 runs in the final over against GT, which shows his death-overs nerve.
Sandeep Sharma adds a crucial element. He holds the best bowling figures in the RR vs MI fixture (5/18 in IPL 2024), which helped RR to a 9-wicket win in Jaipur. His swing with the new ball under Guwahati’s overcast conditions could be especially dangerous tonight.
If Ravi Bishnoi comes in as the impact player, RR gain a leg-spin option that destroyed GT’s middle order (4-41). On a surface that slows down in the second half, Bishnoi could be the match-winner.
MI Predicted Playing XI vs RR
MI’s biggest news is Hardik Pandya‘s return. His all-round ability restores the balance that MI missed against DC. However, the overseas combination remains a question mark, with multiple sources offering different XIs.
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma | Opener |
| 2 | Ryan Rickelton (wk) | Opener / Wicketkeeper |
| 3 | Tilak Varma | No. 3 Batter |
| 4 | Suryakumar Yadav | Middle Order |
| 5 | Hardik Pandya (c) | All-rounder / Captain |
| 6 | Sherfane Rutherford | Finisher |
| 7 | Naman Dhir | Finisher |
| 8 | Mitchell Santner | Spin All-rounder |
| 9 | Shardul Thakur | Pace All-rounder |
| 10 | Trent Boult | Pace Bowler |
| 11 | Jasprit Bumrah | Pace Bowler |
Impact Player Options: Deepak Chahar, AM Ghazanfar, Corbin Bosch, Mayank Markande
MI’s In-Form Top Order
Rohit Sharma has found a new lease of life in IPL 2026. His 78 off 38 balls against KKR was vintage Rohit, and he followed it up with 35 vs DC. Meanwhile, Ryan Rickelton announced himself with an 81 on debut, putting up a 147-run opening stand alongside Rohit.
At No. 3, Tilak Varma offers left-hand variety, while Suryakumar Yadav drops to No. 4. SKY scored 51 as stand-in captain against DC, and his 360-degree strokeplay remains one of the biggest threats in the IPL.
MI’s Bowling: Bumrah’s Record Against RR
Jasprit Bumrah leads all bowlers in the RR vs MI fixture with 19 wickets. His duel with Jaiswal is one of the most anticipated battles tonight. Alongside him, Trent Boult‘s left-arm swing under Guwahati’s overcast conditions could be deadly in the powerplay.
Mitchell Santner‘s return adds a vital spin dimension. His left-arm orthodox can control the middle overs, especially on a surface that slows down. Furthermore, Shardul Thakur‘s middle-overs variations proved effective against KKR (3/39), making him MI’s go-to enforcer.
Some sources, including cricketaddictor, suggest AM Ghazanfar could play instead of Boult, giving MI a mystery spin option. However, most match-day reports favour Boult’s return tonight.
Alternate XI Scenarios: What Could Change?
Here are some Alternate XI Scneraios that both teams may consider:
RR: Bishnoi in Starting XI or as Impact?
Ravi Bishnoi‘s 4-41 against GT makes a strong case for inclusion in the starting XI. If RR drop Sandeep Sharma or Tushar Deshpande to accommodate Bishnoi, they trade pace depth for spin quality. On a Guwahati surface that slows down, Bishnoi’s leg-spin could be more valuable than a fourth seamer.
However, Khel Now’s match-day report does not include Bishnoi in the starting XI, keeping him as the impact player instead. That seems the safer approach for a match where early pace matters.
MI: Boult vs Chahar and the Ghazanfar Factor
MI must decide between Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar for the new-ball role alongside Bumrah. Boult’s left-arm swing suits the overcast Guwahati conditions, but Chahar played both previous matches. If Boult returns, Corbin Bosch likely drops out.
Additionally, AM Ghazanfar‘s Afghan mystery spin could replace Santner if MI want a more attacking spin option. However, Santner’s batting depth and left-arm variety make him the safer choice.
Barsapara Stadium Pitch Report for RR vs MI
The Barsapara pitch offers a balanced surface that helps both batters and bowlers. Unlike the flat decks at Wankhede and Chinnaswamy, this ground produces competitive scores where bowling quality matters.
| Pitch Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Surface Type | Balanced; batting improves as match progresses |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 165-175 in IPL matches at this venue |
| Pace Assistance | Early zip with new ball; slows later |
| Spin Assistance | Moderate; effective as surface dries |
| Boundaries | Short; suits power-hitters |
| Last IPL Match Here | RR 127/2 beat CSK 127 all out by 8 wickets |
| Dew Factor | Expected; helps chasing team |
How the Guwahati Surface Will Play Tonight
Fast bowlers will find some zip with the new ball early on, especially under overcast conditions. As a result, the Archer-Burger and Bumrah-Boult new-ball duels become critical in the powerplay. However, the surface settles as the match progresses, making batting easier in the second innings.
Furthermore, the short boundaries at Barsapara suit power-hitters like Sooryavanshi, Hetmyer, Rohit, and Rutherford. Even mishits can clear the rope here, which makes death-overs batting less risky than at most other venues.
Guwahati Weather Forecast for April 7, 2026
Conditions in Guwahati will be overcast on Tuesday evening. Temperature around 23 degrees Celsius with 73% humidity. There is a slight chance of rain in parts of the city. However, a full match appears likely. No significant dew issues are expected early, but the wet outfield could help the chasing team grip-wise.
RR vs MI Head-to-Head Record in IPL
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 31 |
| MI Wins | 16 |
| RR Wins | 14 |
| No Result | 1 |
| Since 2018 | RR 8 – MI 6 (14 matches) |
| At Guwahati (IPL) | First-ever meeting at this venue |
While MI lead 16-14 overall, RR have dominated recent meetings, winning 8 of 14 since 2018. That recent trend favours the Royals. Moreover, RR have turned Guwahati into a fortress, winning most of their home games here in recent seasons. For MI, playing at an unfamiliar venue adds an extra challenge.
Key Player Battles to Watch
Here are the Key Players Battles from both Teams:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs Jasprit Bumrah
This is the headline contest of the match. Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old sensation with the fastest fifty of IPL 2026, faces Bumrah, arguably the world’s best T20 bowler. If Bumrah can dismiss Sooryavanshi early, MI choke RR’s powerplay. However, if the teenager survives, his power on Guwahati’s short boundaries could cause serious damage.
Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Mitchell Santner
Jaiswal smashed 124 off 62 balls against MI in IPL 2023 and has 93 runs from two matches this season. Santner‘s left-arm spin in the middle overs will test Jaiswal’s ability to sustain his aggression. Since Jaiswal tends to accelerate against spin, this battle will shape the middle-overs scoring.
Rohit Sharma vs Jofra Archer
Rohit‘s vintage form (113 runs at SR 176) takes on Archer‘s raw pace and bounce. Archer has been outstanding with the new ball this season, and his extra pace under overcast conditions could trouble even Rohit. On the other hand, if Rohit connects early, his off-side game can make any bowling look ordinary.
Shimron Hetmyer vs Jasprit Bumrah (Death Overs)
This is a fascinating death-overs battle. Bumrah has dismissed Hetmyer six times in just 23 T20 balls, conceding only 17 runs. That is extraordinary dominance. Hetmyer must find a way to counter Bumrah’s yorkers and bouncers if RR want a strong finish.
Impact Player Predictions for RR vs MI
Here is the Impact Player Predictions for Both Teams:
RR’s Likely Impact Player: Ravi Bishnoi
Bishnoi‘s 4-41 against GT makes him the obvious choice. If RR bat first and post a big total, Bishnoi replaces a batter to add spin firepower. Alternatively, Dasun Shanaka‘s batting could come in if RR need finishing power while chasing.
MI’s Likely Impact Player: Deepak Chahar or AM Ghazanfar
If MI bowl first and want extra pace, Deepak Chahar‘s new-ball swing becomes valuable. If MI want spin reinforcement, AM Ghazanfar‘s mystery spin adds a dimension that Santner cannot match. Additionally, Naman Dhir‘s batting could serve as a finisher option if MI chase.
RR vs MI IPL 2026 Match 13: Match Prediction
Rajasthan Royals enter as favourites for Match 13. Three factors support this prediction.
Why RR Hold the Edge Tonight
First, form. RR have won both matches convincingly and their batting order has fired from top to bottom. In contrast, MI lost their last match and looked unsettled without Pandya.
Second, home advantage. RR have turned Guwahati into a fortress, and this is the first-ever RR vs MI match at this venue. The crowd support and surface familiarity give RR a clear edge. Additionally, captain Riyan Parag plays in his home city, which adds emotional fuel.
Third, bowling depth. Archer, Burger, Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, and Jadeja give RR five strong bowling options. If Bishnoi comes in as impact player, they have six. That depth allows Parag to rotate bowlers based on matchups.
Can MI Spoil the Party?
Despite RR’s advantages, MI should never be underestimated. Bumrah‘s 19-wicket record in this fixture makes him the most dangerous bowler on either side. Moreover, Rohit‘s current form (SR 176) and Pandya‘s return strengthen MI’s batting and bowling simultaneously.
If MI win the toss and bowl first, their new-ball trio could restrict RR’s openers. Furthermore, Pandya’s medium pace gives MI a genuine sixth bowling option, which they lacked against DC.
Prediction: Rajasthan Royals to win by 15-20 runs (if batting first) or chase down the target with 8-10 balls to spare (if bowling first).
Toss Prediction: Both captains will prefer to bowl first. Chasing is easier at Guwahati as the pitch improves in the second innings. Furthermore, dew could play a role later in the evening.
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Final Verdict
Match 13 of IPL 2026 pits an in-form RR side against a talented but inconsistent MI unit. RR’s batting depth, home advantage, and early-season momentum give them the edge. However, MI’s individual match-winners, led by Bumrah and Rohit, mean this could easily become a classic.
Expect the powerplay battle between Archer-Burger and Bumrah-Boult to set the tone. If RR’s openers survive that challenge, their middle order has enough firepower to push towards 200+. For MI, winning the toss and bowling first offers the best path to victory
