The stage is set for a blockbuster ipl 2026 eliminator As Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) blow the horn with Rajasthan Royals (RR) On Wednesday, May 27 at the Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh. With a place in Qualifier 2 at stake, both teams will go into the knockout encounter with strong pace and explosive batting line-ups.
Before the high-pressure match, the former India opener Wasim Jaffer have considered the competition and chosen their favorites to advance in the tournament. The former Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman believes that one side currently looks more complete and balanced than the other.
Wasim Jaffer chose the winner of the eliminator match
Talking about the upcoming knockout match, Jaffer said that Sunrisers Hyderabad look to be a strong all-round team heading into the eliminator. He pointed out that SRH have achieved success collectively this season, while Rajasthan Royals have often been too dependent on a handful of individuals to deliver results.
“I think SRH is a better all-round team. The kind of pace they have, they are favorites in the eliminator. RR is a good team, but they depend on their individuals. They rely on 2-3 players, but SRH is a better all-round team. I think they look the better team. I think it will be an SRH-RCB final.” Jafar said on his YouTube channel.
SRH finished third in the league standings with nine wins from 14 matches, while RR made the final playoffs by winning eight league games.
Jaffer highlights key differences between RCB and SRH
While discussing a possible SRH vs RCB final, Jaffer highlighted batting depth as the biggest difference between the two teams. he explained this Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) The lower order has more stability, allowing them to recover even when wickets fall early. Jaffer, on the other hand, believes that SRH are too dependent on the firepower of their top order. players like travis head, Abhishek Sharma, heinrich classenAnd Ishan Kishan Hyderabad’s batting unit has been stepped up throughout IPL 2026.
“RCB have depth in the batting. But if SRH have three-four batsmen going, they will line up the best bowlers. We also saw in the last league game how they put pressure on Bhuvi and Josh. But they are too dependent on the top four, and after that there are question marks. RCB have the depth.” He said.
Jaffer’s comments came soon after SRH demolished RCB’s bowling attack in their last league stage clash, where Hyderabad posted a mammoth total of 255 runs.
SRH and RR set for high-stakes playoff battle
Sunrisers Hyderabad will go into the eliminator with confidence after defeating Rajasthan Royals twice during the league stage this season. Their batting unit has been the most destructive in the tournament, with Klaasen crossing the 600-run mark and Kishan enjoying a stellar campaign as both a batsman and stand-in leader. Pat Cummins’ absence.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals have relied heavily on the teenage sensation Vaibhav SuryavanshiWhose fearless strokeplay and exceptional strike rate have made him one of the breakout stars of IPL 2026. jofra archer He has also played a vital role with the ball and has emerged as one of the leading wicket-takers of the season. With both teams battling to keep their title hopes alive, the eliminator promises to be one of the most intense contests of the IPL 2026 playoffs.
Also read: Former owner Vijay Mallya reacts after RCB reaches final with stunning win over GT in IPL 2026
