IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals’ strongest predicted XI against Kolkata Knight Riders

Published - 18 Apr 2026, 14:38 IST | Updated - 18 Apr 2026, 14:38 IST

The Rajasthan Royals take on the Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 28 of the 2026 Indian Premier League at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The Royals are coming off the back of a 57-run hammering against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, their first loss of the season. Chasing 217, they found themselves reeling at 9/5 courtesy a fantastic four-wicket opening burst from debutant Praful Hinge.

They have been heavily reliant on the form of their top three, and in Hyderabad, it was an unusual off-day for all of them. Their bowling attack is still one of the most lethal in the competition and will be bolstered by the wicket at the Eden Gardens, which provides aid for both the quicks and spinners. The Royals will be on the lookout for the win, as they aim to put the hiccup in Hyderabad behind them.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have been one of the most prolific opening pairs in the 2026 IPL. Despite the blip against the Sunrisers, the young pair have been in fine form this season. The 15-year-old Vaibhav has lit up the IPL, scoring 200 runs at a blistering strike rate of 263 while also recording two 15-ball half-centuries. Jaiswal, the senior batter of the two, has scored 184 runs at a strike rate of 157, with a match-winning knock in the rain-curtailed game against the Mumbai Indians.

Dhruv Jurel completes the Royals' top three, who have done most of the heavy lifting with the bat. Batting in a new position in 2026, the wicketkeeper-batter has scored 176 runs at a strike rate of 178. He has played match-defining knocks against Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, settling into his new role with ease.