The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) ended Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) winning streak of four games, handing them a 57-run victory at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday, April 13.

Riyan Parag won the toss for the Royals on Monday and opted to bowl first. Jofra Archer once again struck with his first ball, this time dismissing the dangerous Abhishek Sharma. Travis Head looked scratchy during his run-a-ball 18. However, the 88-run partnership off 39 balls between Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen lit up the stadium.

Kishan unfortunately missed out on his second IPL century as Sandeep Sharma dismissed him for a 44-ball 91 in the 14th over. Klaasen contributed with a 26-ball 40, while Nitish Reddy and Salil Arora also played important cameos to take the hosts to 216/6 in 20 overs.

In reply, the Sunrisers started with a fresh new-ball pair, featuring Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain. Both right-arm pacers were making their IPL debuts. The brave call paid off immediately for the Sunrisers as Hinge dismissed Vaibhav Suryavanshi for a golden duck and followed it up with the wickets of Dhruv Jurel and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, all in the first over.

Sakib also chipped in with the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal in the following over. Hinge oozed confidence as he sent Parag packing in the third over. At 9/5 in three overs, it seemed that the match would get over early. However, Ravindra Jadeja and Donovan Ferreira showed excellent fight during a 118-run partnership off 72 balls. Jadeja made 45, while Ferreira finished on 69. Tushar Deshpande threw his bat around towards the end to score 25 off 11 balls. However, in the end, the visitors were bowled out for 159, losing the match by 57 runs.

Key Moments from Match 21 of IPL 2026:

Ishan Kishan leads from the front

When Ishan Kishan plays well, SRH looks like a much stronger team. The stand-in captain smashed 91 runs off just 44 balls, belting eight fours and six sixes. He finished with a strike rate of 206.82. Kishan’s blitzkrieg helped Sunrisers get into a strong position from where the lower-order batters could launch without having to worry about losing wickets. It was exactly the case on Monday, as the cameos from Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Salil Arora took the Orange Army to a 200-plus score.

Top five contribute five runs for RR

Rajasthan’s top-order, especially the opening pair came into the match on the back of some red-hot form. However, on Monday, both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi flopped. The top five, comprising Yashasvi, Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Riyan Parag contributed just five runs in total. The inaugural champions failed to recover from these setbacks at the start of the run chase.

Praful Hinge, Sakib Hussain excel on debut

The SRH management deserves a lot of credit for showing the guts to field two rookie pacers, who made their debut in the league on Tuesday and took to it like duck to water. While Hinge finished with figures of 4/34 in four overs, Sakib ended with 4/24 in his four-over spell. The match was almost decided in the first over of the run chase when Hinge picked up three crucial wickets.

Sunrisers Hyderabad pulled off a stunning win over an in-form Rajasthan Royals side at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Monday, April 13.

The Orange Army lost the toss and were asked to bat first. Abhishek Sharma was dismissed off the very first delivery, with Jofra Archer giving the Royals a perfect start. Travis Head scratched and clawed his way to a run-a-ball 18. However, it was Ishan Kishan, who starred with the bat, scoring 91 off just 44 balls.

Heinrich Klaasen was involved in a match-winning 88-run partnership off 39 balls with his skipper. At the back end of the innings, Nitish Kumar Reddy (28 off 13) and Salil Arora (24* off 13) helped the hosts get past the 200-run mark. They eventually finished on 216/6 in their 20 overs.

In reply, the Rajasthan Royals lost five wickets in three overs for just nine runs. Two debutants – Sakib Hussain and Praful Hinge wreaked havoc. The latter bagged four out of the five wickets.

Donovan Ferreira and Ravindra Jadeja steadied the ship with a 118-run partnership off 72 balls. However, it only helped the Royals reduce the margin of defeat. Ferreira and Jadeja finished on 69 (44) and 45 (32), respectively. Tushar Deshpande chipped in with an 11-ball 25 down the order before the Royals were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs. Sakib Hussain and Praful Hinge finished with figures of 4/24 and 4/34, respectively. Sunrisers won the match by a comprehensive 57 runs.

Talking Points

Ishan Kishan plays captain’s knock

Ishan Kishan showed once again why he is so highly-rated. Against a strong Rajasthan Royals bowling lineup, the southpaw didn’t flinch. He took the attack to the bowlers after arriving at the crease after just one ball in the SRH innings. His sensational knock rattled the Rajasthan bowlers, who failed to come up with a strategy that could prevent Kishan from playing his naturally aggressive game.

Backing youngsters pays dividends for SRH

The Sunrisers Hyderabad management had started the tournament by backing the experienced players like Jaydev Unadkat and Harshal Patel. However, once they understood that the two veterans were failing to make an impact, they showed the guts to hand debuts to two fast bowlers in the same match. They were rewarded for their bravery as Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain made light work of the famed Rajasthan batting lineup.

Donovan Ferreira and Ravindra Jadeja show commendable resilience

If not for Donovan Ferreira and Ravindra Jadeja, Rajasthan Royals would have lost the match by a much bigger margin. They mixed caution with aggression to stitch a 118-run partnership off 72 balls. The Royals eventually lost the match by 57 runs. However, the RR management will be happy to see that there lower-order batters, who didn’t get too many opportunities in the previous matches, are in good form.

Who said what

Riyan Parag, Rajasthan Royals captain:

“Not a lot of time to feel the emotions, to be honest. We lost back-to-back wickets, credit to the way they bowled. Probably a few miscalculations from us, but we will just take this as a blip and not think about it too much. (on the pitch) It was pretty good actually. I felt bowling second might have been better, probably because we lost wickets. It was a little sticky with the new ball with the shine on. After the shine was gone, it slowed down a bit. In hindsight, we could have bowled second, but there are a lot of things we could have done better. I haven’t seen them a lot in domestic cricket. I think I played Sakib once, Bihar versus Assam. But they bowled beautifully. Considering the pressure of the home crowd supporting them and chanting their names, the way they bowled in the first four or five overs was really impressive. I felt we started really well. There were probably a few small things we could have done differently. As for Jaddu bhai, it was a split-second decision. Ishan Kishan was batting really well, so I didn’t want to take that risk. I trusted Bishnoi with those overs. But I felt they were about 30 runs over par, considering how the wicket was playing. From a batting perspective, being five wickets down for nine runs and still getting to 160 says a lot about the depth in our batting. There are definitely positives to take, it could have been a lot worse, and we had a strong partnership in there as well. Like I said, it’s just a blip. We move on to Kolkata and look to do better.”

Ishan Kishan, Sunrisers Hyderabad captain:

Definitely very happy with this win, adding on to 2 points in the ball, so I just felt happy because you know what we were looking for from the bowlers to just come here, play freely, execute their plans and I think we did that today and credit goes to all the bowlers hopefully. (on giving the debutants a go tonight) No, I think you also have to look how hungry your young bowlers are, how motivated they feel and you know how much they are hungry to play these games and I think they were working out throughout the season. They were working with fielding, our bowling coach Varun Aaron and they were just trying to give their best, talking to all the experienced players. So I think that was something we were looking for and we had to give them a chance when we are playing in our home ground. They especially did well in the practice matches as well, so I think this was the right move today. (were you 25 short with the bat?) I think looking at the batting unit and the form these guys are carrying because we have been scoring 200 plus runs in each and every game at least. So yeah, but still I think the way Abhishek plays, you know, sometimes he can get out, but our job is to, you know, take the game deep and play those triggering shots, but leave him freely because he’s someone, if he gets going, you know, he just changes the game and gets you a total of 260 or 270. So we don’t ask anything else from him. But still, yeah, he got out. I think he’ll be motivated in the next game and he’ll do. (not taking the gloves, reason?) I think, you know, as a captain, I felt, you know, there was some miscommunication going on. You know, sometimes your keeping time is not there. You’re not able to communicate with your bowlers what the plans are. So it’s better to be there, discuss with them what they’re going to bowl so that we can feel, set the field accordingly. And that was the plan and I think it worked pretty well for us. (Is that the way going forward?) Hopefully, yes.

Praful Hinge, Player of the Match:

(imagined such a debut?) I did think about it. Last year, I had written somewhere that whenever I play my first match, I will definitely take four or five wickets. And I wanted to dominate as much as possible in the powerplay. I believe in it. I don’t know about others, but I do believe. (about his journey) I started playing cricket at the age of 13. I didn’t even know what leather-ball cricket was back then. When I was 13, I told my father that I wanted to join a club. He refused a couple of times, saying I was too young. But somehow, things started from there. After that, I just kept playing. Standing at this stage, it feels really good. I want to dedicate this award to my family. They’ve made a lot of sacrifices for me. I just want to say, their hard work and sacrifices mean everything. The best one was the first wicket of Sooryavanshi, because he was in form. I had already told a couple of people that I would get him out on the very first ball, either with a bouncer or in some way. I just wanted his wicket on the first ball. That was the plan. Also, our bowling coach Varun bhai helped me a lot. And I’m thankful to everyone who supported me. (injuries in the past) Everything is fine now. I want to thank MRF for taking really good care of me. When I was there, Naveen sir, the physio, looked after me very well. Since I’ve reached this stage today, I want to thank them too.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered a comfortable 18-run win at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 12, against the Mumbai Indians.

Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to bowl first. However, the visitors threw the first punch with Phil Salt and Virat Kohli’s scintillating 120-run partnership off 65 balls. The former scored 78 off 36 balls, while the latter played second fiddle and finished with 50 off 38 balls.

Rajat Patidar played a blinder of a knock as his 17-ball half-century lit up the Wankhede Stadium and even the Mumbai Indians’ fans had to applaud the batting masterclass from the Bengaluru skipper. Tim David also played a fine cameo as the touring side finished on 240/4 in their 20 overs.

In reply, Mumbai Indians started well, with Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton taking the attack to the opposition bowlers. However, Rohit had to leave the field with a hamstring issue and this turned out to be a problem for Mumbai.

Suryakumar Yadav joined Rickelton in the middle but their partnership yielded only 15 runs off 11 balls. Suyash Sharma struck twice in the eighth over to send Rickelton and Tilak Varma back to the hut. Suryakumar was eventually dismissed for 33 off 22 balls in the 13th over.

Hardik Pandya scored 40 off 22 balls and gave the home fans some hope but Jacob Duffy ended his stay at the crease in the 15th over. Sherfane Rutherford single-handedly tried to take his team to an improbable win. However, Mumbai Indians needed runs from both ends, which they didn’t get. In the end, Rutherford finished unbeaten on 71 off 31 balls as Mumbai lost by 18 runs.

Talking Points

Phil Salt – Form is temporary, class is permanent 

There were a few concerns regarding Phil Salt’s form at the top of the order. He didn’t have a great T20 World Cup performance with the bat and in the first three games, he only contributed 54 runs. Some fans and experts were wondering whether it’s time to bring Jacob Bethell into the side in place of Salt. However, the RCB management backed the England wicketkeeper and it paid dividends. Salt amassed 78 off just 36 balls, hitting six fours and six sixes. The tourists never really looked back after the opening stand.

Jasprit Bumrah goes wicketless for the fourth consecutive game

Jasprit Bumrah has been economical, but Mumbai Indians would love to see their talismanic pacer getting among the wickets. The experienced campaigner has played four matches this season but the wickets column still remains empty. The five-time champions are missing a bowler who would get them wickets, either with the new ball or through the middle overs.

Rajat Patidar continues purple patch

What a tournament Rajat Patidar has been having. The RCB skipper led from the front last season and continues to do so in 2026. The 32-year-old promoted himself to No. 3 to continue from where Salt had left. He did them with aplomb, scoring 44 off the first 11 balls he faced. Eventually, the right-handed batter scored 53 off 20 balls, with the help of four fours and five sixes to help RCB dominate through the middle overs.

Who said what

Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians captain:

Yes (lost too many wickets) and at the same point of time, I think we conceded way too many (runs) as well. I think that was always going to be catch-up. I think in the last couple of games, as a bowling unit or even as a batting unit, we’ve been catching up in the game rather than leading the game. We really need to reflect, really need to see what best we can do and how we can get that momentum and that click which we require. We have a couple of days off from here and we will play again. To be very honest, now a lot of things need to be rethought. Definitely, it’s not working. A couple of games we have won the toss, but maybe we need to see what other options we have as a batting group or bowling group. Looking at the kind of wicket it’s playing, if we can bat well, that would be good. We still need to play good cricket, we need to bat well, we need to bowl well. If we do that, then irrespective of the toss, we will be fine. That’s what we are planning and talking about, how do we get some momentum in the powerplay. Because if you see, in both batting and bowling, we are kind of trying to catch up in the powerplay. As you said, a lot of options will be asked and explored. We will see what we can do in the next game. When we got him (Rutherford), it was always exciting for us. We always knew the kind of potential and the kind of power he has. The way he batted gives us extra cushion and at the same time confidence that if we want to make some changes or see what the team requires, we can definitely do that because of the way he’s batting.

Rajat Patidar, Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain:

I think, you know, whenever we come here in Mumbai, especially at this ground, the atmosphere, the fans, and playing along with them and playing in a full-packed stadium – that’s a different feeling. It was, I would say it’s a more clarity about every individual, I would say (on the strong batting). And the way Virat Bhai and Salt started the innings, I think that kept us in the driving seat. Then a good cameo by me and Tim (David), I think that was a pure team effort. To be honest, people used to say that I love playing spin, but if someone asks me, I would say I love playing pace. And playing pace on this track, I think it’s a very good track to play a fast bowler. So I think I love (facing) fast bowling. I don’t know yet, but I think he, I feel that he’s okay right now (on Virat Kohli).

Phil Salt, Player of the Match:

Honestly, I’ve got no idea myself. There are a few highs and a lot of lows, and you can’t ride both of them. Just stay as even as you can, and I’m just pleased I could come out and put a performance in for the lads. Yes, I’d say so (on his batting philosophy). Some of these grounds aren’t the most bowler-friendly, so you’ve got to keep the mentality that you’re going to keep going at the opposition. And then not forget your assets as a player. It’s about being a match-winner, isn’t it? I know I can’t get runs every game, nobody can. But if I can be as impactful as possible, then I’m on the right path. Really well (on RCB’s batting). And to be honest, we probably had a few more in the tank. I think, you know, in the second ten of our innings, they actually shut us down quite nicely at times. So, you know, promising signs for us as a batting unit. I think they bowled well then.