The stage is set for a blockbuster IPL 2026 Eliminator as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) lock horns with Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Wednesday, May 27. With a place in Qualifier 2 at stake, both teams head into the knockout clash carrying strong momentum and explosive batting line-ups.
Ahead of the high-pressure encounter, former India opener Wasim Jaffer has weighed in on the contest and picked his favourite to progress further in the tournament. The ex-Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter believes one side currently looks more complete and balanced than the other.
Wasim Jaffer picks winner of Eliminator clash
Speaking about the upcoming knockout clash, Jaffer said Sunrisers Hyderabad appear to be the stronger all-round side heading into the Eliminator. He pointed out that SRH have clicked collectively this season, while Rajasthan Royals have often depended heavily on a handful of individuals to deliver results.
“I feel SRH is a better all-round team. With the kind of momentum they have, they are favorites in the Eliminator. RR is a good team, but they are dependent on their individuals. They rely on 2-3 players, but SRH is a better-rounded team. I feel they seem to be the better team. I think it will be an SRH-RCB final,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.
SRH finished third in the league standings with nine wins from 14 matches, while RR grabbed the final playoff berth after winning eight league games.
Jaffer highlights major difference between RCB and SRH
While discussing a potential SRH vs RCB final, Jaffer highlighted batting depth as the biggest difference between the two teams. He explained that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) possess greater lower-order stability, allowing them to recover even if early wickets fall. On the other hand, Jaffer believes SRH remain heavily reliant on their top-order firepower. Players like Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, and Ishan Kishan have carried Hyderabad’s batting unit throughout IPL 2026.
“RCB have the depth in batting. But if SRH’s three-four batters get going, then they will put the best of the bowlers on the line. We saw that in the last league game as well, how they put pressure on Bhuvi and Josh. But they depend a lot on the top four, and there are question marks after that. RCB has the depth,” he stated.
Jaffer’s remarks come shortly after SRH dismantled RCB’s bowling attack in their final league-stage clash, where Hyderabad piled up a massive 255-run total.
SRH and RR prepare for high-stakes playoff battle
Sunrisers Hyderabad will head into the Eliminator with confidence after defeating Rajasthan Royals twice during the league stage this season. Their batting unit has been among the most destructive in the tournament, with Klaasen crossing 600 runs and Kishan enjoying a prolific campaign as both batter and stand-in leader in Pat Cummins’ absence.
Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, have relied heavily on teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose fearless strokeplay and extraordinary strike rate have made him one of the breakout stars of IPL 2026. Jofra Archer has also played a pivotal role with the ball, emerging as one of the leading wicket-takers of the season. With both teams fighting to keep their title hopes alive, the Eliminator promises to be one of the most intense contests of the IPL 2026 playoffs.
