RCB vs RR Preview Dream11. Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals Preview Dream11 Prediction
Two teams who have been in do-or-die mode for a couple of weeks now. One side is about to take its last breath, and the other is doing enough to keep hopes alive of a miraculous playoffs appearance.
Not even the philosophical, faithful Royal Challengers Bangalore fans can realistically believe they can make the playoffs. Despite four wins out of five before their defeat to DC, it has been another underwhelming canpaign for Virat Kohli’s men. It was another season of hope for RCB, but it hasn’t materialised. However, they can now be of nuisance value to their opponents. Will they end RR’s season?
Rajasthan Royals made a late run to the playoffs last season. They are attempting to do it again, and even though SRH’s net run rate boosting win over KXIP yesterday is a blow, Steve Smith’s men are still in with a chance. Their first win this season was over RCB, and they will be out to ensure their win over SRH last game isn’t their last.
Key to an RCB win
RCB’s death bowling made for grim viewing once again. Their poor last four overs vs DC was ultimately the difference between winning and losing. Here, they need a polished performance at all stages of the innings, with RR’s top order in good form – Ajinkya Rahane, Liam Livingstone, Sanju Samson and Steve Smith are all playing well. So, Umesh Yadav will be key in the powerplay, Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal up until the middle overs, and Navdeep Saini and even Marcus Stoinis at the death.
Also, can Virat Kohli play a big innings? He has had three low scores in a row – something so rare for the India and RCB captain. He and in-form Parthiv Patel can provide a quick start that pushes RR back, and remind them of their pace bowling worries from earlier in the season. If RCB do the right thing and bat Marcus Stoinis at four, RCB have a top four – including AB de Villiers – that can set up a huge total.
RCB vs RR Preview Dream11 – It wasn’t a good death period for RCB vs DC.
Key to a RR win
RR bowled nicely as a unit in their last-start win over SRH. The much-maligned Jaydev Unadkat picked up man-of-the-match, but the challenge for he and RR is to back up their effort well. Conditions at the Chinnaswamy are different to Jaipur, which puts onus on Varun Aaron and Oshane Thomas in particular to be as accurate as possible with their pace. Shreyas Gopal has a superb record vs RCB, so he can keep things tight in the middle overs, especially if RR make a strong start. Can RR get the better of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers?
Also, there was much to like about RR’s top four against SRH. Ajinkya Rahane and Liam Livingstone began with a strong opening partnership, and if they can replicate what DC did a couple of days ago vs RCB, it sets things up nicely for Sanju Samson, Steve Smith, Ashton Turner and Riyan Parag to play off the back of. Samson in particular has fond memories of the Chinnaswamy, belting 92* off 45 balls there last year. Against an RCB attack that continues to have its struggles, a big opportunity awaits RR.
RCB vs RR Preview Dream11 – Will Steve Smith lead his team to victory?
Possible Playing 11
RCB: 1. Virat Kohli (c), 2. Parthiv Patel (wk), 3. AB de Villiers, 4. Heinrich Klaasen/Shimron Hetmyer, 5. Shivam Dube, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Gurkeerat Singh, 8. Washington Sundar, .9 Umesh Yadav, 10. Yuzvendra Chahal, 11. Navdeep Saini
RR: 1. Ajinkya Rahane, 2. Liam Livingstone, 3. Sanju Samson (wk), 4. Steve Smith (c), 5. Ashton Turner, 6. Riyan Parag, 7. Stuart Binny, 8. Shreyas Gopal, 9. Jaydev Unadkat, 10. Varun Aaron, 11. Oshane Thomas
This will be Steve Smith’s last match for RR this season. It will be his 50th match as captain in T20s.
Yuzvendra Chahal is two wickets away from 100 in IPL.
Virat Kohli currently has 49 wins as an IPL captain.
Match Prediction
Huge game for RR as they look to keep their season alive.
It is hard to predict which RCB side will turn up in this game. Will they perform really well now that the pressure is gone? Or will RR continue their good run?
Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins was full of praise for Rajasthan Royals’ young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who decimated the SRH bowling attack in the IPL 2026 Eliminator.
The 15-year-old scored a remarkable 97 runs off just 29 deliveries, narrowly missing out on scoring the fastest IPL hundred ever. He started off in style, taking the SRH bowlers to the cleaners, including Pat Cummins, whom he scored 30 runs off in just eight deliveries.
Overall, Sooryavanshi hit 12 sixes in his innings – a record in an IPL playoffs game. The wonderkid also broke Chris Gayle’s record of most sixes in an IPL edition (59).
Options limited against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – Pat Cummins
Cummins, in the post-match presentation, said that you don’t have too many options against Sooryavanshi. The SRH captain spoke of both his plan to try yorkers against the dynamic opener, and the risk associated with that option as well.
“Yeah, he played pretty well. Don’t feel like you have too many options,” Cummins said.
“Obviously, it’s a really good pitch, but the margins are so small, you know. You miss your yorker by a little bit; he doesn’t tend to miss them. So yeah, fair play.”
Cummins spoke further of Sooryavanshi’s brilliance in the press conference.
“I think he’s my new favourite player. He hits the ball so hard (laugh), it’s great to watch, it’s good fun. You’ve got to be right on the money as a bowler because if you’re not, it’s going a long way. He’s impressive, he’s had a great start to his career, and I like the way he plays, takes the game on.”
“Don’t need to have too many talks with Vaibhav”: Riyan Parag
Rajasthan skipper Riyan Parag said that they don’t have any conversations with Sooryavanshi. They just leave him alone and let him have fun. They give him a lot of batting practice, and he just goes on and performs during the matches.
Jofra Archer said that it’s exciting when he scores runs as the bowlers get more runs to defend. “It was very exciting. The more runs he scores, the more runs we have to defend, so he can go on and get 150. It’s good for the boys when he gets a lot of runs,” the RR pace bowler said.
The fastest century in the IPL remains with Chris Gayle, who scored a hundred in just 30 deliveries. Vaibhav was 97 of 28 in the Eliminator against SRH and had two deliveries to break Gayle’s record, but it wasn’t to be as he was caught at deep third man.
However, on current evidence, it is only a matter of time before Sooryavanshi breaks that record as well as many others across what promises to be a glittering career.
Want a quick edge for today’s Dream11 contest? SPODA AI’s model has already highlighted the key upside picks for this match.
Get 3 FREE MATCH PASSES to see them. You can sign up below.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will lock horns against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2026 Eliminator. SRH have defeated RR twice during the league stages and will be eyeing their third consecutive win in what promises to be a thriller.
SRH finished third in the league stage with nine wins in 14 games. They will be coming to this game on the back of two back-to-back wins. Their batters, especially the top four, have done a great job, while Pat Cummins has led the bowling unit really well.
Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, and Travis Head have been the main reason for their excellent performance. All are contributing consistently, and it’s a great sign for SRH. Nitish Kumar Reddy has also done well down the order.
Bowling-wise, Eshan Malinga and Sakib Hussain alongside Cummins have been brilliant. They’ve played to their strengths, and have been able to take regular wickets. However, the spin attack’s failure to create an impact is a bit of a concern for the men in orange. But overall, they are playing good cricket as a team.
Meanwhile, RR finished fourth as they held their nerves in the last game of the league stages. They started off well but lost track in the middle and had a question mark on whether they’ll even qualify for the playoffs or not.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel will be the key with the bat. Riyan Parag has played a couple of good knocks, while they need some consistency from Donovan Ferreira, as he has thrown away his wicket a few times this season. Brijesh Sharma has been good with the ball and has been a good assistance to Jofra Archer, who’s breathing fire.
IPL 2026 Eliminator Match: SRH vs RR Probable Playing XIIs
Both sides are expected to be unchanged from their last respective games, but Praful Hinge may replace Harshal Patel for SRH.
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium Mullanpur Pitch Report and Weather
We saw the batters dominate at this venue during the league stages of the tournament. The ball came onto the bat nicely, allowing them to play their shots. The new ball might move a little, but overall, expect the batters to dominate the match. Scores in the range of 190-210 are expected, and teams will prefer chasing. The spinners may get some assistance as the game progresses.
It will be a clear day in Mullanpur, with the temperature being around 39 degrees Celsius at the start of the game. Dew shouldn’t be a factor.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for SRH vs RR: Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top wicketkeeper picks:
Ishan Kishan has 569 runs in 14 matches so far at an average of 40.64 with six fifties to his name. Kishan will be a key batter for his side as he can take on any bowling unit on his day. He will be a good C/VC option as well.
Dhurv Jurel is another top pick from the wicket-keeping section. At number three, he can keep the tempo going after a good start or play according to the situation. Jurel has 458 runs with five fifties in 14 matches. You can try him as C/VC too.
Heinrich Klaasen has 606 runs in 14 innings at an average of 50.50 and has struck at 159.47, including six fifties. He’s looking better in every game and has held the innings together for his team in the middle order. He has been the best batter of this edition and will be a good C/VC pick.
Key batter picks:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the x-factor for RR. They’ll win if he gets going, as he can decimate any bowling unit and scores big on his day. He hits sixes for fun and can take the game away in just a few overs. He has 583 runs in 14 matches with three fifties and a century. His strike rate is a whopping 232.27 and averages 41.64. He’s an excellent captain choice.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has 397 runs in 14 matches with three fifties. The league stage wasn’t up to his standards, as he failed to get going more often than not or failed to capitalise on the starts to convert into big scores. Jaiswal will have another opportunity, and he’ll look to capitalise on this and will be a good C/VC option.
Abhishek Sharma has 563 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 206.22, averaging 43.30 with four fifties and a hundred. Abhishek may face some difficulties against Archer early on, but he’ll be a top C/VC choice. He has batted beautifully and will look to take the attack to RR.
Travis Head has 393 runs in 14 games with twi fifties. This season, Head has scored 25-30 quick runs and has been dismissed. He’s failed to convert them into big scores but has got SRH off to good starts in the first few overs. Head will look to do the same in this game but will have to be cautious against Archer.
Top all-rounder picks:
Riyan Parag will bat at four for the Royals and has shown glimpses of what he can do on a couple of occasions. He can hit both spin and pace in the middle overs and can help his side gain the upper hand during that phase. Parag will be determined to do well and will be a top differential pick.
Key bowler picks:
Jofra Archer will trouble SRH’s top three. He has 21 wickets in 14 matches and is breathing fire with the ball, be it in the powerplay or towards the end. He is capable with the bat too, and we saw that in the last match. Archer will be a good C/VC option too.
Pat Cummins will lead from the front with the ball, bowling the key overs for SRH. He uses the hard length well and bowls according to the conditions. Cummins has eight wickets so far. He’ll be a must in your fantasy teams.
Want a sharper edge on Dream11? SPODA AI gives you data‑backed player insights, captaincy recommendations, and match‑specific predictions to help you build winning teams.
Sign up and get 3 FREE match passes to test it for your next Dream11 contests.
Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Teams
Eshan Malinga
Sakin Hussain
Donovan Ferreira (while chasing)
Ravindra Jadeja
Yash Raj Punja
Other Matchups and Facts
Sunrisers Hyderabad are ahead 14-9 against Rajashtan Royals in the IPL.
Sunrisers have won all of the last five games between the two teams.
Riyan Parag vs. Pat Cummins (T20s): 14 runs and 3 dismissals in 14 deliveries.
Ishan Kishan vs. Ravi Bishnoi (T20s): 48 runs and 4 dismissals in 46 deliveries.
Ishan Kishan vs. Sandeep Sharma (T20s): 82 runs and 4 dismissals in 50 deliveries.
Travis Head vs. Jofra Archer (T20s): 35 runs and 2 dismissals in 19 deliveries.
IPL 2026 Eliminator: SRH vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today Match
Want to enter paid fantasy cricket contests? We’ve partnered with MyRex11, a trusted UAE‑based platform built for fantasy players.
iPhone users, download the app here. Android users, download the app here.
Please play responsibly and within your limits.
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
IPL 2026 Eliminator: SRH vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today Match
Option 2:
IPL 2026 Eliminator: SRH vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today Match
IPL 2026 Eliminator Match: SRH vs RR Match Prediction: Who will win?
SRH will start as the favourites, as they’ve had the upper hand over the Royals this season and they are playing as a team. Sunrisers’ bowlers have done a great job, and the batters have been in sublime form as well.
Sunrisers Hyderabad should win this match.
——-
Affiliate disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means CricBlog will earn a commission if you make a deposit or purchase through them. These partnerships help support the work that goes into creating this content, but they never influence analysis, recommendations, or editorial independence. CricBlog only promotes brands and products that are safe to use with customer support available.Read our Editorial Policy for more information.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, and Cricmetric.
Want a quick edge for today’s Dream11 contest? SPODA AI’s model has already highlighted the key upside picks for this match.
Get 3 FREE MATCH PASSES to see them. You can sign up below.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will lock horns against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026. HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala, will host this game on 26th May 2026 at 7:30 PM IST.
After an action-packed league stage, we are now in the business end of the tournament. RCB and GT won one game each during the league stages against each other, and both have strong cases to win this tournament.
RCB has been in terrific form. They finished at the top of the table with nine wins in 14 games. The batters have been in top form while the bowlers have also been solid. The only concern will be the form of Jitesh Sharma and Suyash Sharma, who are two important players regarding their team balance.
GT have also been magnificent. They have won six of their last seven matches and will be eager to cement their place in the IPL Final. Their bowling attack is the main reason for their top-notch performance this year. Kagiso Rabada, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna form the strongest bowling unit of the tournament.
Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler have been in top form with the bat, and Washington Sundar has also done a great job at number four. GT relies very heavily on their top 3 while batting, and that can backfire if they are dismissed early.
IPL 2026 Qualifier 1: RCB vs GT Probable Playing XIIs
Both sides are expected to be unchanged, but Phil Salt, if fit, should replace Venkatesh Iyer for RCB.
Gujarat Titans: 1. Shubman Gill (c), 2. Sai Sudharsan, 3. Jos Buttler (wk), 4. Washington Sundar, 5. Nishant Sindhu, 6. Jason Holder, 7. Rahul Tewatia, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Arshad Khan, 10. Kagiso Rabada, 11. Mohammed Siraj, 12. Prasidh Krishna
HPCA Stadium Dharamsala Pitch Report and Weather
There will be ample help for the pacers with the new ball. But apart from that, the batters will dominate the match. The ball travels more at high altitude, so chasing will be a better option for this match. The average first innings score at Dharamasala has been 210 runs this season.
It will be a clear day with no chance of rain, and the temperature will be 17 degrees Celsius. Dew may be a factor, but conditions will anyway get better while chasing.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for RCB vs GT: Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top wicketkeeper picks:
Jos Buttler has 469 runs in 14 matches with four fifties to his name. He is a crucial batter for GT at number 3, as he can play according to the situation or can keep the tempo going if they get off to a good start. Buttler will be a good C/VC option too.
Key batter picks:
Virat Kohli has four fifties and a century in 14 matches this season, and he averages 50.63 at a strike rate of 163.82 for his 557 runs. Kohli has played well this season, and he’ll be a great C/VC option, especially while chasing.
Rajat Patidar looked a little rusty in the last game, but he’s another top batter for his side. He can take down the bowlers in the middle overs and give the upper hand to the defending champions. Rajat has four fifties and 393 runs in 14 matches to date.
Shubman Gill is another no-brainer for this match. He is batting brilliantly, scoring runs for fun. Gill has 616 runs in 13 matches so far at an average of 47.38 with six fifties to his name. He plays risk-free cricket and scores big on his day. Gill will be an ideal captain choice for this match.
Sai Sudharsan is currently the highest run-scorer of this season with 638 runs in 14 matches, including seven fifties and a century. He has scored 50 or more in more than 50% of his innings in IPL 2026. Sai likes to hold one end play throughout. This makes him an ideal C/VC pick.
Top all-rounder picks:
Jason Holder has 13 wickets in eight matches. He has picked up wickets in every match and has been a key player for the Titans. Holder is capable with the bat as well, and he can exploit the conditions with the new ball at Dharamsala.
Key bowler picks:
Kagiso Rabada is the joint-highest wicket-taker of this season with 24 wickets to his name. He has picked up wickets for fun with the new ball and is the main reason for GT’s success with the ball. Rabada against RCB’s top order will be a great battle, and he will be a must in your fantasy teams.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has 24 wickets in 14 matches, and he’s the backbone of RCB’s bowling. He is swinging the new ball and has been perfectly accurate with his line lengths and spot-on with his planning. Bhuvi will bowl the key overs for RCB.
Want a sharper edge on Dream11? SPODA AI gives you data‑backed player insights, captaincy recommendations, and match‑specific predictions to help you build winning teams.
Sign up and get 3 FREE match passes to test it for your next Dream11 contests.
Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Teams
Prasidh Krishna
Mohammed Siraj
Tim David
Rashid Khan
Devdutt Padikkal
Phil Salt (if plays)
Other Matchups and Facts
Head to Head: 8 matches; RCB 4 and GT 4.
Virat Kohli vs. Kagiso Rabada (T20s): 79 runs, 4 dismissals in 51 deliveries.
Virat Kohli vs. Prasidh Krishna (T20s): 69 runs, 3 dismissals in 41 deliveries.
Devdutt Padikkal vs. Rashid Khan (T20s): 38 runs, 5 dismissals in 41 deliveries.
Shubman Gill vs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (T20s): 80 runs, 5 dismissals in 74 deliveries.
Jos Buttler vs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (T20s): 75 runs, 4 dismissals in 68 deliveries.
IPL 2026 Qualifier 1: RCB vs GT Dream11 Prediction Today
Want to enter paid fantasy cricket contests? We’ve partnered with MyRex11, a trusted UAE‑based platform built for fantasy players.
iPhone users, download the app here. Android users, download the app here.
Please play responsibly and within your limits.
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
IPL 2026 34th Match: RCB vs GT Dream11 Prediction Today
Option 2:
IPL 2026 34th Match: RCB vs GT Dream11 Prediction Today
IPL 2026 Qualifier 1: RCB vs GT Match Prediction: Who will win?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be the favourites to win this game but they’ll have to bowl well, especially against GT’s top 3. The Titans have a great bowling unit and an in-form top 3, but they are heavily reliant on their openers and Buttler with the ball.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win this match.
——-
Affiliate disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means CricBlog will earn a commission if you make a deposit or purchase through them. These partnerships help support the work that goes into creating this content, but they never influence analysis, recommendations, or editorial independence. CricBlog only promotes brands and products that are safe to use with customer support available.Read our Editorial Policy for more information.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, and Cricmetric.
Incredibly, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have missed out on qualifying for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs. Last year’s finalists were on course for another strong campaign, winning six of their first seven matches with their only non-victory a washout at Eden Gardens.
Then, once the wheels started to come loose, they fell off pretty quickly. One defeat soon turned into six on the bounce, with poor bowling, fielding and overall discipline hurting PBKS badly as the business end of the season arrived. As a result, they were no longer in control of their own destiny, needing to beat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and then relying on Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) losing on the final day of the league stage.
Shreyas Iyer was at his best to get his team home in Lucknow, but a Jofra Archer-inspired victory for RR at the Wankhede on Sunday sealed PBKS’ fate. Missing out on the top four is a gut-wrenching result for a franchise who had genuine aspirations of a maiden IPL title, with their depth in batting capable of putting any team to the sword. However, their inability to arrest a slide is a common theme, as witnessed during the 2018 season as well, part of a run that includes just one playoffs appearance in the last 12 seasons.
Coach Ricky Ponting was upfront regarding his team’s slide. Before the LSG match, Ponting was clear that PBKS only have themselves to blame.
“We were exceptional for our first seven or six games,” Ponting said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “Then we had that washout against Kolkata Knight Riders, and I think from that moment on we’ve just been a little bit off and as I said they’re small things. They’re one or two balls or they’re an over here and there that quite conceivably, we could have won another three or four games, but we’ve only got ourselves to blame for that.”
Punjab Kings early-season banter comes back to bite as they miss out on the playoffs
Fans have been quick to point out PBKS’ banter earlier in the season, and how it’s come back to bite.
“Destiny: PBKS’s social media team was mocking KKR after their game was washed out in the early days of the 2026 season, saying they were generous to let a point go. Today, a deficit of one point is what has denied PBKS a playoff spot. Social media antics never pay off, anywhere,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Here are some of the reactions.
Destiny: PBKS's social media team was mocking KKR after their game was washed out in the early days of the 2026 season, saying they were generous to let a point go. Today, a deficit of one point is what has denied PBKS a playoff spot. Social media antics never pay off, anywhere.
Punjab Kings’ story in this IPL was full of thrill drama and comedy 😭
– First they won 6 matches in a row – Mocked other teams – Gave their fans hope of winning the trophy – Then they started losing matches and suffered 6 consecutive defeats – They got knocked out of the… pic.twitter.com/7ewM8zVbxP
Just because of 1.5 good years after having 17 pathetic years in IPL, PBKS was acted so arrogant, and now their elimination feels so satisfying.
I've no personal issue with them, afterall they've been so irrelevant all these years why would anyone have any issues with them? pic.twitter.com/7ROB3APH02
Whatever Aura points punjab managed to gain from the entire 2025 and 2026 first half, they ruined it all by 1 reel & 1 tweet. They were getting only praises and now it's only trolls.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans finished in the top two. The winner of Qualifier 1 on Tuesday will feature in Sunday’s Final. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals will compete in the Eliminator on Wednesday.
Want a quick edge for today’s Dream11 contest? SPODA AI’s model has highlighted the key upside picks for this match.
Get 3 FREE MATCH PASSES to see them. You can sign up below.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) will meet in the final league stage match of IPL 2026. Eden Gardens, Kolkata, will host this match on 24th May 2026 at 7:30 PM IST. This is a must-win game for KKR to keep their playoff hopes alive, while DC are all but out of the race. KKR defeated DC by eight wickets in their first meeting this season.
KKR have scripted an inspiring comeback after losing five of their first six matches, with one game being abandoned due to rain. The batters, especially Finn Allen, have been excellent, while the bowlers have held their nerve. Angkrish Raghuvanshi has also been very consistent, but he’s ruled out of the remainder of the season due to injury, and it will be a big blow for his side.
They need consistency from the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Cameron Green. Rinku Singh has been in top form, while Rovman Powell and Manish Pandey looked good in the last game. Also, Saurabh Dubey has been a great addition to their pace attack, while Kartil Tyagi is also bowling well. Cameron Green too picked up two wickets in the last match.
Sunil Narine has been consistent as ever, but Varun Chakaravarthy wasn’t 100% fit in the last game, and his availability will be under question as well. KKR is 6th in the table with 6 wins and 6 losses in 13 matches.
On the other hand, DC suffered another poor season in the IPL. They started off well, winning their first two matches, but then they lost track and are now eliminated. They have won six matches and are in eighth position.
KL Rahul has failed to get going in the last few matches, and the form of Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi, and a few other batters is not up to the mark as well. David Miller has been in top form, and Axar Patel has also picked up some rhythm in the last two matches.
Ashutosh Sharma and Madhav Tiwari have been very impressive, while Sahil Parakh showed glimpses of his potential. Bowling-wise, Mitchell Starc has done well and Madhav Tiwari has also chipped in, but apart from these two, the others have failed to make an impact. The Capitals will look to end their season with a win.
IPL 2026 70th Match: KKR vs DC Probable Playing XIIs
Tejaswi Dahiya should replace Angkrish in the XII for KKR.
Eden Gardens has been host a balanced surface. The batters have enjoyed their time at the crease, but the spinners have found help off the wicket. The average first innings score here is 163 runs this season, and chasing sides have won three of the six games played so far. Teams will prefer chasing in this match.
The weather will be clear with no chance of rain. The temperature will be around 32 degrees Celsius when the game starts. Dew will be a factor as the humidity will be around 70-80% during the game time.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for KKR vs DC: Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top wicketkeeper Picks:
KL Rahul is the highest run-scorer for DC this season with 533 runs in 13 matches, including four fifties and a century. He’s failed to get going in the last few matches, and today might be the day where he scores big. Rahul will be a popular Dream11 C/VC option as well.
Key batter picks:
Finn Allen scored a match-winning century in the first game against DC this season. He attacks from the first ball and can decimate any bowling unit on his day. Allen played smartly and chose his bowlers to attack when he scored his century. He will be a key batter for KKR in this match and an ideal captain choice too.
Rinku Singh is averaging 73.75 at a strike rate of 149.74 for his 295 runs this season. He has two fifties in winning causes as well. He is a good hitter of pace and spin and will be an ideal fantasy pick for this match.
Top all-rounder picks:
Axar Patel will contribute with both bat and ball for his team. He’s started coming at number four and has also bowled well in the last few games. Axar has a total of 134 runs and 10 wickets this season. He will be a good captain option too.
Cameron Green is another top all-round pick for this match. He’s bowling 3-4 overs and has done a good job with the bat. Green has 320 runs with two fifties and seven wickets to his name in IPL 2026. He will be another excellent C/VC choice.
Sunil Narine will pose a big threat to Delhi’s middle order. He is a proven match-winner and conceded only 17 runs in his spell in the last game against Delhi. Narine has 14 wickets at an economy of 6.40 this season.
Madhav Tiwari has four wickets in two games, and he scored a crucial 18* runs against Punjab. He bowls according to the conditions, can hit a long ball, and is a good fielder as well. He will fetch points from both bat and ball.
Key bowler picks:
Varun Chakaravarthy has 10 wickets in 10 games this season, and he’s a key bowler for KKR. Varun can go through any batting unit on his day and he’s a proven match-winner. Try him as C/VC in some teams if he plays.
Mitchell Starc has nine wickets in five matches so far. He will pose a threat to KKR’s top order with the new ball and he’s picking up wickets with the old ball too. Starc is a champion bowler who can turn the game on his own.
Want a sharper edge on Dream11? SPODA AI gives you data‑backed player insights, captaincy recommendations, and match‑specific predictions to help you build winning teams.
Sign up and get 3 FREE match passes to test it for your next Dream11 contests.
Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Teams
David Miller
Lungi Ngidi
Sahil Parakh
Kartik Tyagi
Rovman Powell
Other Matchups and Facts
Head-to-head: KKR 20, DC 15, and 1 no result.
KKR has won four of the last five matches against Delhi Capitals.
Ajinkya Rahane vs. Axar Patel (T20s): 89 runs, 2 dismissals in 71 deliveries.
Ajinkya Rahane vs. Kuldeep Yadav (T20s): 19 runs, 2 dismissals in 27 deliveries.
Manish Pandey vs. Axar Patel (T20s): 43 runs, 2 dismissals in 67 deliveries.
Axar Patel vs. Varun Chakaravarthy (T20s): 14 runs, 2 dismissals in 28 deliveries.
Axar Patel vs. Sunil Narine (T20s): 52 runs, 4 dismissals in 50 deliveries.
Tristan Stubbs vs. Varun Chakaravarthy (T20s): 27 runs, 2 dismissals in 16 deliveries.
IPL 2026 70th Match: KKR vs DC Dream11 Prediction Today
Want to enter paid fantasy cricket contests? We’ve partnered with MyRex11, a trusted UAE‑based platform built for fantasy players.
iPhone users, download the app here. Android users, download the app here.
Please play responsibly and within your limits.
Option 1:
IPL 2026 70th Match: KKR vs DC Dream11 Prediction Today
Option 2:
IPL 2026 70th Match: KKR vs DC Dream11 Prediction Today
IPL 2026 70th Match: KKR vs DC Match Prediction: Who will win?
Based on current form, KKR will start as the favorites, but the Capitals have found some rhythm coming to this match. The additions of Madhav Tiwari, Abhishek Porel, and Sahil Parakh have bolstered batting, and the bowlers have done a good job till now.
Delhi Capitals to win.
——-
Affiliate disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means CricBlog will earn a commission if you make a deposit or purchase through them. These partnerships help support the work that goes into creating this content, but they never influence analysis, recommendations, or editorial independence. CricBlog only promotes brands and products that are safe to use with customer support available.Read our Editorial Policy for more information.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, and Cricmetric.
Want a quick edge for today’s Dream11 contest? SPODA AI’s model has already highlighted the key upside picks for this match.
Get 3 FREE MATCH PASSES to see them. You can sign up below.
Mumbai Indians (MI) will host the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 69th match of IPL 2026. Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, will host this game on 24th May 2026 at 3:30 PM IST. This is a do-or-die game for the Royals, as if they win, they’ll qualify for the playoffs. Mumbai Indians are already eliminated.
This is a tough season for MI, failing to get going after winning their first match. The batters have struggled, and the bowling has been pretty ineffective. They are 9th in the points table with only four wins in 13 matches.
Poor returns from key players including Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, and Trent Boult is the biggest reason for their abysmal season. MI has an excellent squad on paper, but they don’t have the quality on the bench, and this time nearly all of their big players have failed to deliver consistently. This will be their last game of this season, and they’ll look to end on a winning note.
Meanwhile, RR have their fate in their own hands. They win, they qualify, and if they don’t, then it’s goodbye for them also from IPL 2026. They are fifth in the table with six wins in 13 matches. They won their last game after losing three on the bounce.
The last game saw RR’s top three firing, and this is exactly what they’d want going into this game and to the playoffs if they qualify. Their batting is heavily reliant on their top three of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Dhruv Jurel. Riyan Parag too looked in good touch before he got injured.
Bowling seems to be a concern for the men in pink as the pace attack looked pretty solid when Jofra Archer was bowling well and picking up wickets in the first six overs, However, that hasn’t happened in the last few games, and they seem to be struggling with their powerplay bowling. Yash Raj Punja has bowled well leading the spin department. The Royals will hope that both Parag and Jadeja are fit for this crucial clash.
IPL 2026 69th Match: MI vs RR Probable Playing XIIs
There’s no official update, but both Riyan Parag and Ravindra Jadeja should be available for this match. Nandre Burger may get a game at the Wankhede Stadium.
Mumbai Indians: 1. Rohit Sharma, 2. Ryan Rickelton (wk), 3. Naman Dhir, 4. Suryakumar Yadav, 5. Tilak Varma, 6. Hardik Pandya (c), 7. Will Jacks, 8. Corbin Bosch, 9. Deepak Chahar, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Raghu Sharma, 12, Allah Ghazanfar
Wankhede Stadium Stadium Pitch Report and Weather
Runs have flown at Wankhede in IPL 2026. The average first innings score here is 222 runs this season, and the chasing sides have won four of the six matches played so far. There hasn’t been much movement for the pacers with the new ball, and since it’s a day game, expect that to be little to none. The ball will come onto the bat nicely, and the batters are expected to dominate the game.
Spinners have found more success at the venue compared to the pace bowlers.
The temperature will be around 33 degrees Celsius at the start of the game, and it will be quite humid with 70% humidity, but dew won’t be a factor since it’s a day game.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for MI vs RR: Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top wicketkeeper Picks:
Ryan Rickelton has 436 runs in 11 matches, including two fifties and a hundred. Out of these 436 runs, 326 have come at the Wankhede Stadium in just five matches, where he is averaging 81.50. Rickelton will be a must-have in your fantasy teams and an ideal C/VC choice as well.
Dhruv Jurel has 420 runs in 13 matches so far with five fifties to his name. He’s been a key batter for the Royals at three and has played according to the situation this season. Jurel will be another must-have and a good C/VC option.
Key batter picks:
Rohit Sharma has 283 runs in eight matches in IPL 2026, and he has also loved playing at the Wankhede. Rohit has 181 runs in three matches at an average of 90 at the venue, and both of his fifties this season have come at his own backyard. Rohit will be an excellent captain pick.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has 579 runs in 13 matches at an average of 44.53, and his strike rate is 236.32 with three fifties and a century till now. He scored 39 off just 14 against MI earlier this season in a rain-affected game. He can decimate MI’s struggling bowling attack and will be a great Dream11 C/VC choice.
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 77 runs in the first game against MI earlier this season and has a total of 370 runs with three fifties in IPL 2026. Jaiswal will be eager to do well in this match and will be another good fantasy pick, despite his little hot and cold season till now.
Top all-rounder picks:
Will Jacks will be a key batter for MI down the order, and he may bowl an over or two considering the number of left-hand batters in Rajasthan’s lineup. Jacks has been in good touch, and he’s a game changer with the bat.
Key bowler picks:
Jofra Archer has 18 wickets in 13 games this season. He’s failed to pick up early wickets in the last 2-3 matches, but he’s bowling really well and at a very high pace. He can trouble MI’s middle order.
Want a sharper edge on Dream11? SPODA AI gives you data‑backed player insights, captaincy recommendations, and match‑specific predictions to help you build winning teams.
Sign up and get 3 FREE match passes to test it for your next Dream11 contests.
Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Team
Suryakumar Yadav
Tilak Varma
Riyan Parag (if plays)
Jasprit Bumrah
Other Matchups and Facts
Head-to-Head: 32 matches, 16 MI, 15 RR, and 1 no result.
Shimron Hetmyer vs. Jasprit Bumrah (T20s): 11 runs, 4 dismissals in 19 deliveries.
Rohit Sharma vs. Sandeep Sharma (T20s): 38 runs, 6 dismissals in 47 deliveries.
Suryakumar Yadav vs. Sandeep Sharma (T20s): 33 runs, 4 dismissals in 32 deliveries.
Suryakumar Yadav vs. Ravindra Jadeja (T20s): 74 runs, 4 dismissals in 76 deliveries.
IPL 2026 69th Match: MI vs RR Dream11 PredictionToday
Want to enter paid fantasy cricket contests? We’ve partnered with MyRex11, a trusted UAE‑based platform built for fantasy players.
iPhone users, download the app here. Android users, download the app here.
Please play responsibly and within your limits.
Option 1:
IPL 2026 69th Match: MI vs RR Dream11 PredictionToday
Option 2:
IPL 2026 69th Match: MI vs RR Dream11 PredictionToday
IPL 2026 69th Match: MI vs RR Match Prediction: Who will win?
The Rajasthan Royals will be favorites to win this match, but Mumbai will play fearlessly, and they have more quality in their batting depth compared to the Royals. It’s going to be a thrilling encounter.
Rajasthan Royals to win.
——-
Affiliate disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means CricBlog will earn a commission if you make a deposit or purchase through them. These partnerships help support the work that goes into creating this content, but they never influence analysis, recommendations, or editorial independence. CricBlog only promotes brands and products that are safe to use with customer support available.Read our Editorial Policy for more information.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, and Cricmetric.
The roadmap to the 2027 ODI World Cup has officially begun, with player debates and speculation running rife throughout the Indian cricketing fraternity. As the national selectors look to transition into a younger, more dynamic white-ball era, veteran reputations are no longer guaranteeing permanent safety nets. With fitness standards being scrutinised like never before, the physical toll of 50-over cricket is forcing a ruthless evaluation of the team’s biggest names.
ODI Squad Against Afghanistan Is Not The Final Blueprint for 2027
Ever since the monumental Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Indian cricket has been gripped by a singular, polarising question. Fans and analysts alike remain locked in constant chatter over whether the legendary batting duo will survive the gruelling journey to feature in the ODI World Cup in Southern Africa, scheduled for October 2027.
The newly announced ODI squad for the upcoming June series against Afghanistan, set to commence immediately after the 2026 Indian Premier League, has only intensified this national debate. While both iconic names feature on paper, team management insiders have whispered that this selection is merely a temporary arrangement rather than a concrete blueprint for the next marquee event.
The underlying anxiety within the selection committee stems from a contrasting tale of two aging stalwarts trying to anchor their 50-over legacies. While both players carry immense weight on their shoulders, their recent trajectories have diverged sharply over the last few home assignments. The selectors are desperate to build a stable core for the African safari, but the physical demands of modern ODI cricket are forcing them to look past mere reputation. Consequently, the upcoming bilateral engagements are no longer just standard calendar fixtures, they have transformed into an active auditing process for India’s senior guard.
Virat Kohli set to stay but Rohit Sharma is doubtful for 2027
Not long ago, Virat Kohli found himself under an identical microscope after registering two consecutive ducks that had fans doubting whether he had anything left to offer. However, the prolific batter answered his critics by showing tremendous will and a characteristic might to score heavily during the subsequent home series against South Africa and New Zealand, pushing his career ODI run tally to 14,797 runs at a brilliant average of 58.71.
By emphatically re-establishing his ground, Kohli proved his physical endurance and mental fortitude remain intact for the longer white ball format. His clinical performances effectively silenced the doubters, reassuring the team management that his engine is fully capable of running the distance.
In stark contrast, Rohit Sharma’s physical fitness has increasingly looked like the primary element disintegrating his World Cup aspirations. The veteran opener suffered a severe hamstring injury during the mid-phase of this year’s IPL, forcing him to miss five of the 12 matches for the Mumbai Indians. Even though his name has been penciled into the squad to face Afghanistan, his inclusion is officially designated as subject to fitness. The technical staff is monitoring his recovery with immense caution, knowing very well that a compromised hamstring cannot withstand the rigorous demands of a 50 over international fixture.
The African Challenge and India’s Plan B
A RevSportz report suggests Rohit’s fitness is well on track for 2027. However, the core issue troubling BCCI selectors is the recurring nature of Rohit’s hamstring problem, especially after a disappointing New Zealand ODI series where he averaged just 20.33. They are doubtful that his body will allow him to stretch a high performance career until next year, especially given the challenging environmental conditions awaiting them in South Africa.
The 2027 World Cup will take place during the early summer season, featuring massive outfield grounds like the Wanderers in Johannesburg where boundary riding and swift converting of singles are non negotiable. Sitting down at a recent media briefing, chief selector Ajit Agarkar indirectly acknowledged these anxieties by stating that the medical team will have to strictly assess the loading capacity of veteran bodies before clearing them for full international duty.
“You certainly want them fit when they represent the national team, but that’s an area of expertise for the trainers and physios who give us the feedback,” said Agarkar, via BCCI Press Conference.
Recognising that time is a luxury they do not possess, the selectors are already actively looking to groom Ishan Kishan as a primary backup opener in ODIs. Kishan’s jaw dropping T20 World Cup performance, where he blasted 317 runs at an explosive strike rate of 193.29, has given him a significant edge over Yashasvi Jaiswal in the limited overs pecking order.
With Shubman Gill firmly established as the new captain across both formats, Kishan’s fearless intent serves as the ideal contingency plan should the veteran opener’s body give way over the next twelve months. The upcoming high profile tour of England scheduled for July is now being widely termed as Rohit’s ultimate test for proving his long term viability.
Want a quick edge for today’s Dream11 contest? SPODA AI’s model has already highlighted the key upside picks for this match.
Get 3 FREE MATCH PASSES to see them. You can sign up below.
We are now in the death overs of IPL 2026. Only four league stage games remain, including this one. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will be against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 67th game of IPL 2026. Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad, will host this match on 22nd May 2026 at 7:30 PM IST. RCB is at the top of the points table with nine wins in 13 games, while SRH are third with eight wins in 13 matches.
SRH defeated the Chennai Super Kings by five wickets in a hard-fought battle in their last match. Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen were the heroes after a top-notch performance by the bowlers. Their top four of Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen are arguably the best in the league and the main reason for their success in this season.
The bowlers, especially the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Eshan Malinga, and Sakib Hussain, have been in exceptional form and have complemented the batters really well. SRH must win this game, especially by a good margin to overtake GT and finish in the second position in the points table.
Meanwhile, the defending champions RCB have been the best side in the tournament so far. They have been super consistent and will come to this match on the back of a hat trick of wins. Their batters, especially Virat Kohli, have been in top form. Rajat Patidar missed the last game, but Venkatesh Iyer made sure that they didn’t miss him.
Tim David, Devdutt Padikkal, and Krunal Pandya are in top form as well. RCB has excellent depth and quality in their squad, which makes them the side to beat in IPL 2026.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is breathing fire with the ball while Josh Hazlewood and Rasikh Salam Dar have assisted him well. Although, they’ll expect a lot more from Hazlewood. Krunal has done well in the spin department, but Suyash Sharma’s form will be a concern. All in all, RCB is looking very solid and is the top contender to win the title as of now.
IPL 2026 67th Match: SRH vs RCB Probable Playing XIIs
Harsh Dubey is expected to play in place of Praful Hinge.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Hyderabad Pitch Report and Weather
The average first innings score at Hyderabad this season is 201 runs. A good batting surface is expected for this game. There has been some aid for the pacers when they’ve bowled into the wicket cutters and surprisingly, the spinners haven’t been that successful here this season.
Overall, a good batting track and a high-scoring encounter is on the cards. Teams will prefer chasing as chasing sides have won four of the six games played at this venue in IPL 2026
It will be partly cloudy during the game, but there are no chances of rain. The temperature will be around 31-32 degrees Celsius, and dew shouldn’t be a factor.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for SRH vs RCB: Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:
Heinrich Klaasen will be a must in your fantasy teams. He is the highest run-scorer for his side this season with 555 runs and five fifties in 13 matches. Klaasen will be a top C/VC option as well.
Ishan Kishan scored a brilliant half-century in the last game to see his side over the line. He has 490 runs with five half-centuries until now in IPL 2026. Kishan is batting fearlessly, and he scored 90 runs in the first game against RCB this season. He will be another good C/VC option.
Key batter picks:
Virat Kohli is scoring runs for fun this season, as he has 542 runs with four fifties and a century. Kohli’s last two scores are 58 and 105*. He will be a key batter for RCB at the top and an excellent captain choice in fantasy cricket.
Devdutt Padikkal has been a vital player for RCB at number three. He takes on the bowlers and looks to disrupt their rhythm with his aggressive style of batting. He has 412 runs at a strike rate of 173 this season with three fifties. Try him as C/VC in some teams.
Abhishek Sharma has 507 runs at an average of 42.25. His strike rate is 201.99, highlighting his dominance. Sharma’s battle with Bhuvneshwar can be a game-deciding one for SRH. Abhishek is another excellent C/VC pick.
Travis Head has scored 367 runs this season with only two fifties. He’s made to starts, and SRH will hope that he converts them into big scores going into the business end of the season. Head will have to be cautious against RCB’s new ball attack.
Top all-rounder picks:
Krunal Pandya has 141 runs and 10 wickets to his name in IPL 2026. He is a utility player who can contribute with bat, ball, and in the field. Krunal will fancy his chances against SRH’s middle order, which has only one left-handed batter.
Key bowler picks:
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has 24 wickets in 13 matches so far. He has 10 wickets in the last five matches. Bhuvneshwar is picking up wickets in clusters with the new ball and bowls well in the death overs, too. He will be a no-brainer in fantasy cricket.
Josh Hazlewood hasn’t had a great last few matches, but he’s a quality bowler and a proven match-winner. He can exploit the conditions at Hyderabad with his into-the-wicket bowling.
Pat Cummins is leading from the front with the ball for SRH. He’s bowling the important overs and picking up wickets too. Cummins is handy with the bat as well. He has eight wickets in six matches so far.
Want a sharper edge on Dream11? SPODA AI gives you data‑backed player insights, captaincy recommendations, and match‑specific predictions to help you build winning teams.
Sign up and get 3 FREE match passes to test it for your next Dream11 contests.
Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Teams
Eshan Malinga
Tim David
Sakib Hussain
Rajat Patidar (if plays)
Other Matchups and Facts
Head to Head: 27 matches, SRH 14, RCB 12, and one no result.
Ishan Kishan vs. Krunal Pandya (T20s): 77 runs, 0 dismissals in 46 deliveries.
Travis Head vs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (T20s): 12 runs, 1 dismissal in 8 deliveries.
IPL 2026 67th Match: SRH vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today
Want to enter paid fantasy cricket contests? We’ve partnered with MyRex11, a trusted UAE‑based platform built for fantasy players.
iPhone users, download the app here. Android users, download the app here.
Please play responsibly and within your limits.
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
IPL 2026 67th Match: SRH vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today
Option 2:
IPL 2026 67th Match: SRH vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Today
IPL 2026 67th Match: SRH vs RCB Match Prediction: Who will win?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will start as the favourites, but the Sunrisers are in excellent form as well. RCB has insane depth with both bat and ball and SRH have their top four in excellent form. It’s a neck-to-neck contest between the two sides.
The Big Bash League (BBL) international draft could be a thing of the past. According to reports, domestic BBL players have been left frustrated that international players are earning upwards of $100,000 more than their local counterparts, with the current payment system favouring imports.
It has left Cricket Australia (CA) in a tricky predicament especially given progress has stalled with regards to privatising the BBL.
BBL player auction a possibility in the near future
According to CODE Sports, CA is expected to scrap its payment system to overseas players after productive talks with the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA). At the moment, top overseas signings earn a set $420,000 for the season – much greater than even the top Australian players.
One proposal is replacing the current draft with an IPL-style auction, giving teams the opportunity to decide how much they wish to pay imports. The thinking is that potentially less funds will be spent on overseas players, with the savings then passed on to domestic talent.
There is another view that there should be no draft or auction, leaving it to the clubs to negotiate deals directly with overseas players.
Regardless, attracting top overseas talent would remain a challenge for CA as the cashed-up SA20 – held during January – holds more buying power. Currently, CA is attempting to get the states to agree to a staggered privatisation plan, where four BBL clubs could be sold now, and the remaining four at a later time. A decision is expected in early June.
CEO Todd Greenberg is a firm believer in the need for private investment in the BBL as international cricket faces unprecedented pressure from T20 leagues.
“So on private capital, the concept is that there are global T20 leagues popping up all over the world. They’ve got significant funds; they’re paying players significant amounts of money,” he said in an interview with The Grade Cricketer earlier this year.
“If we want to compete, we’ve got to be in that conversation. Because otherwise what happens is your sport gets further away from having the best players. You talked about the best Australian players; 100%, you’re right, but we also want the best players globally to see us as a league they want to play in.”
Want a quick edge for today’s Dream11 contest? SPODA AI’s model has already highlighted the key upside picks for this match.
Get 3 FREE MATCH PASSES to see them. You can sign up below.
Gujarat Titans (GT) will take on the struggling Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 66th game of IPL 2026. Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, will host this game on 21st May 2026 at 7:30 PM IST. This is a must-win game for CSK to keep their bleak chances of qualifying for the playoffs, while GT will look to win this game and strengthen their chances for a top two finish. Gujarat defeated CSK by eight wickets in their first meeting earlier this season.
GT are second in the table with eight wins in 13 matches. They lost their last game after winning five matches in a row. Their bowlers have been exceptional, especially the pacers who have been picking up wickets for fun, especially at their home venue. Kagiso Rabada (21 wickets), Rashid Khan (16 wickets), Prasidh Krishna (14 wickets), Mohammed Siraj (14 wickets), and Jason Holder (13 wickets) form arguably the best bowling attack in the tournament.
GT will fancy their chances against CSK’s struggling batting unit. Also, Sai Sudharsan (554 runs), Shubman Gill (552 runs), and Jos Buttler (412 runs) are the backbone of their batting, and Washington Sundar (296 runs) has also done a great job at number four. GT’s mantra is to restrict the opposition for a low total and then chase it down comfortably.
CSK, meanwhile, were in a good position to qualify a couple of games back, but they’ve lost their last two matches and have simply thrown away the chance. The batters have failed to get going as a unit, while the bowlers have also gone off-track just at the worst possible time for them.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s serious lack of form this season is one of the biggest concerns for their poor performance. They are always lagging behind in the powerplay where the other teams take over. Anshul Kamboj has gone off track with the ball as well. CSK are now seventh in the table with six wins and seven losses. Their qualification will depend on a lot of other results but for that, they first need to get the two points from this match.
IPL 2026 66th Match: GT vs CSK Probable Playing XIIs
Both sides are expected to be unchanged, but we may see one or two changes in the CSK XII.
Gujarat Titans: 1. Shubman Gill (c), 2. Sai Sudharsan, 3. Jos Buttler (wk), 4. Washington Sundar, 5. Nishant Sindhu, 6. Jason Holder, 7. Rahul Tewatia, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Arshad Khan, 10. Kagiso Rabada, 11. Mohammed Siraj 12. Prasidh Krishna
Narendra Modi Stadium Ahmedabad Pitch Report and Weather
A very spicy wicket with ample swing and seam movement for the pacers will await both sides. The ball will move around a lot, especially in the first innings, and teams winning the toss will love to chase here. There will be good bounce and carry for the pacers. Batters, once set, can play their shots. The powerplay will be the key in winning the match.
The average first innings score here is 179 runs. Chasing sides have won three of the six matches at Ahmedabad in IPL 2026 so far.
It will be a hot day in Ahmedabad, with the temperature being around 36-37 degrees Celsius at the start of the game. Humidity will be around 30-40%. We may get a little bit of dew in the latter half of the game.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for GT vs CSK: Players to Watch/Key Stats
Top wicketkeeper Picks:
Sanju Samson is the best batter for CSK this season with 477 runs in 13 matches, including two centuries and a fifty. Sanju is getting off to starts in the last few matches but has failed to convert them into big scores. This might be the match where he does that. He will be a top C/VC choice.
Jos Buttler too has failed to score big in the last few matches, but he’s a key batter for GT and has been consistent this season. He may face some issues against CSK’s spin attack, but we all know what he can do on his day.
Urvil Patel looks to hit every ball for a six in the first few deliveries that he faces. He can score big on the day he gets going, and CSK will hope that he does that today. High pace and hard lengths can trouble him but he will be a top fantasy pick despite that.
Key batter picks:
Sai Sudharsan is the best batter for GT this season. He has six fifties and one century in 13 matches so far. He scored 87 in the first game against CSK this season. Sai likes to take his time and play a long innings, holding one end. He will be a top C/VC pick too.
Shubman Gill has 552 runs in 12 matches at an average of 46 and has struck at a rate of 160.46 with five fifties to his name. Gill is among the best batters in the league and will be in for another good outing in this game, especially while chasing.
Kartik Sharma has been in good form. His last five scores are – 32, 71, 20, 41*, and 54*. He is a good player of spin and has played all around the park against the pacers as well. Kartik is rotating the strike and will be a must in your fantasy teams.
Dewald Brevis scored 44 runs in the last match against SRH. He looked comfortable at the crease and played his shots. Teams are now targeting him with hard lengths at the body, and GT’s pace attack will surely do that against him. Despite that, Brevis will be a good fantasy option given his potential.
Top all-rounder picks:
Shivam Dube has 223 runs in 11 innings this season at an average of 37.16 and has struck at a rate of 145.75. Dube has contributed well in the last few matches for CSK down the order and may also bowl an over or two if needed.
Jason Holder has been the best inclusion in GT’s playing XII this season. He’s picking up wickets for fun with the ball and has added a great balance to the squad with his batting too. Holder will be a must in your fantasy teams and you can try him as C/VC too.
Key bowler picks:
Noor Ahmad has 13 wickets till now at an economy of 8.06. Noor will be a top fantasy pick, and he can trouble Gujarat’s middle order in this match.
Anshul Kamboj has 20 wickets, but he’s been expensive in the last few matches. Kamboj will bowl the key overs for the Super Kings and he will also enjoy the conditions at Ahmedabad.
Kagiso Rabada has 14 wickets in six games at the Narendra Modi Stadium. He’s picking up 2-3 wickets at the venue in his first 2-3 overs only. Rabada will be a must in your fantasy teams, and he will fancy his chances against CSK’s top three.
Want a sharper edge on Dream11? SPODA AI gives you data‑backed player insights, captaincy recommendations, and match‑specific predictions to help you build winning teams.
Sign up and get 3 FREE match passes to test it for your next Dream11 contests.
Other Players to Consider for Your Fantasy Cricket Teams
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Prasidh Krishna
Akeal Hosein
Spencer Johnson
Other Matchups and Facts
Head-to-Head: 9 matches, GT 5, CSK 4.
Sanju Samson vs. Jason Holder (T20s): 43 runs and 4 dismissals in 40 balls.
Sanju Samson vs. Mohammed Siraj (T20s): 41 runs and 3 dismissals in 41 balls.
Sanju Samson vs. Kagiso Rabada (T20s): 37 runs and 3 dismissals in 28 balls.
Ruturaj Gaikwad vs. Kagiso Rabada (T20s): 48 runs and 2 dismissals in 45 balls.
Jason Holder vs. Akeal Hosein (T20s): 2 runs, 4 dismissals in 13 deliveries.
IPL 2026 66th Match: GT vs CSK Dream11 Prediction Today
Want to enter paid fantasy cricket contests? We’ve partnered with MyRex11, a trusted UAE‑based platform built for fantasy players.
iPhone users, download the app here. Android users, download the app here.
Please play responsibly and within your limits.
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.
Option 1:
IPL 2026 66th Match – GT vs CSK Dream11 Prediction Today
Option 2:
IPL 2026 66th Match – GT vs CSK Dream11 Prediction Today
IPL 2026 66th Match: GT vs CSK Match Prediction: Who will win?
Gujarat Titans will start as the clear favourites to win this match. Their bowlers are in exceptional form, and they have good depth and quality with both bat and ball. CSK, on the other hand, is struggling very badly to click as a unit.
Gujarat Titans to win.
——-
Affiliate disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means CricBlog will earn a commission if you make a deposit or purchase through them. These partnerships help support the work that goes into creating this content, but they never influence analysis, recommendations, or editorial independence. CricBlog only promotes brands and products that are safe to use with customer support available.Read our Editorial Policy for more information.
Disclaimer: The fantasy cricket stats, tips and predictions provided on CricBlog are intended for informational purposes for Dream11 free contests in line with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The stats and writer’s views are in place to guide fans in creating their teams. While we strive to offer accurate and insightful advice, CricBlog does not guarantee success or winnings in any fantasy contests. Users are encouraged to make their own informed decisions and play responsibly.
All statistics and matchups in this article have been verified by ESPNcricinfo, and Cricmetric.
