The stage is set for a blockbuster IPL 2026 Eliminator as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) close the horn with Rajasthan Royals (RR) On Wednesday, May 27 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. With a place in Qualifier 2 at stake, both teams enter the knockout clash with strong pace and explosive batting lineups.
Ahead of the high-pressure encounter, the former Indian opener Wasim Jafar participated in the competition and chose his favorite to advance further in the tournament. The former Royal Challengers Bengaluru-leaning side believes that one side currently looks more complete and balanced than the other.
Wasim Jaffer picked the winner of the Eliminator clash
Talking about the upcoming knockout clash, Jaffer said that Sunrisers Hyderabad look like the stronger all-round side heading into the Eliminator. He pointed out that SRH have clicked collectively this season, while Rajasthan Royals have often been too dependent on a few individuals to deliver results.
“I feel SRH is a better all-round team. They are favorites in the Eliminator because of the pace they have. RR is a good team but they depend on their individuals. They rely on 2-3 players but SRH is a better developed team. I think they are 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 qualified for the final playoffs by winning eight league games.
Jaffer highlights the key 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 it Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) they have a lower level of stability, allowing them to recover even if early gates fall. On the other hand, Jaffer believes that SRH will remain very committed to their top-order firepower. Players like it Head of Travis, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasenand Ishan Kishi They carried Hyderabad’s batting unit throughout IPL 2026.
“RCB have depth in the batting. But if SRH’s three-four batting continues, then they will put their best players on the line. We saw how they put pressure on Bhuvi and Josh in the last league game. But they depend a lot on their top four and there are question marks after that. RCB have depth,” stated.
Jaffer’s words came shortly after SRH dismantled RCB’s bowling attack in the last league stage clash where Hyderabad piled up a massive 255 runs.
SRH and RR are gearing up for a high-stakes playoff battle
Sunrisers Hyderabad will enter the Eliminator with confidence after defeating Rajasthan Royals twice in the league stage this season. With Klaasen passing 600 runs and Kishan enjoying a prolific campaign as both batsman and leader, their batting unit was among the most destructive in the tournament. Pat Cummins absence.
Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, have relied heavily on the teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshihis fearless batting and extraordinary strike rate has made him one of the shining stars of IPL 2026. Jofra Archer also played an important role with the ball, emerging as one of the leading goalkeepers 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.
