After a brief rain delay that kept fans on edge, the toss for Match 16 of IPL 2026 has taken place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Riyan Parag won the coin flip and had no hesitation in opting to bowl first. However, the headline of the night isn't just the toss—it's the official comeback of Australian pace machine Josh Hazlewood, who finally makes his first appearance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) this season.
A Full 20-Over Spectacle Guaranteed
Despite the rain delay, the superb drainage system at the Barsapara Stadium has ensured that no overs will be lost. Fans are in for a full 40-over contest. For Rajasthan, playing in their second home in Guwahati, the goal is simple: extend their 3-match winning streak to four. For RCB, the defending champions, this is a chance to prove they can dominate away from home.
The Hazlewood Factor: RCB’s Tactical Masterstroke
RCB has officially included Josh Hazlewood in the playing XI, replacing Jacob Duffy. This isn't just a personnel change; it's a massive tactical shift. Hazlewood’s metronomic accuracy and ability to extract bounce will be a stern test for RR’s explosive opening pair, Yashasvi Jaiswal and the 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryanshi. His experience in high-pressure death overs provides the discipline RCB has occasionally missed in the opening weeks of the tournament.
What to Expect Tonight?
Batting first, RCB will look to set a massive target, relying on the legendary Virat Kohli and the aggressive Phil Salt to provide a flying start. On the flip side, RR’s pace battery of Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger will aim to exploit the early moisture left by the rain. Guwahati is known for being a batting paradise, and with Hazlewood back in the mix to challenge the RR hitters, we are likely looking at one of the most tactical and high-scoring thrillers of the season.