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Rajasthan Royals\u2019 teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Royal Challengers Bengaluru\u2019s wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma had a funny exchange before their IPL 2026 match on Friday. Before the game, Jitesh picked up Vaibhav\u2019s bat, grinning as he thanked the youngster, who quickly shot back, \u201cArey bhai ohh, aap kyu kar rahein ho?\u201d (Hey brother, why are you doing this?). The playful banter didn\u2019t stop there\u2014Vaibhav later told RR team manager Romi Bhinder, \u201cMaine inko ek trick samjhayi, yeh trick mere upar aazma rahe hain. Inke team mein itne batters hai, unse nahi le rahe.\u201d Translation? \u201cI taught him a trick, and now he\u2019s trying it on me. He\u2019s got so many batters in his team, but he\u2019s only taking it from me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jitesh kept the teasing going, saying, \u201cKyu maangu yaar, kya maanga, ek ko bhi puch ke bata maine maanga toh,\u201d which means, \u201cWhy should I ask, what have I even asked for? Show me if I asked anyone else.\u201d Vaibhav fired back, \u201cApko maine bola than na, IPL ke baad main de dunga. Phir bhi apko zid hain ke abhi hi chaiye aapko,\u201d or, \u201cI told you I\u2019d give it to you after the IPL, but you\u2019re insisting on having it now.\u201d<\/p>\n
On to the actual match\u2014Rajasthan Royals won the toss and chose to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati. RR swapped in Brijesh Sharma for Tushar Deshpande, while RCB strengthened their bowling by bringing back Josh Hazlewood in place of Jacob Duffy.<\/p>\n
Riyan Parag spoke about the pitch, noting that although it was expected to be dry, the rain might have left a bit of moisture. He pointed out that his team\u2019s been clinical so far, sticking to their plans, and honestly, he doesn\u2019t mind if he doesn\u2019t get much to do\u2014as long as the openers keep doing their job.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re bowling first. The pitch was supposed to be dry, but there\u2019s been rain, so there\u2019s bound to be some moisture. We\u2019d like to take advantage of that,\u201d said RR captain Parag.<\/p>\n
On the RCB side, Rajat Patidar mentioned how the crowd in Guwahati was making it feel like a home game. He confirmed Duffy was sitting out for Hazlewood, calling him a solid, experienced addition. But, right as he spoke, the rain came back to stall the match again\u2014just when it looked like things were about to start.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is our first away game. Honestly, it feels like home with all this support, so thanks to everyone. Sadly, Duffy misses out, but Josh Hazlewood comes in. Duffy did well these last two games, but Josh brings that extra experience. Having him in the squad gives us a boost,\u201d Patidar said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n