IPL 2026: Four Orange & Purple Cap Contenders to Look at in RR vs. RCB Game

Standing at the top of the table, the Rajasthan Royals are on fire, thanks to multiple Orange and Purple Cap contenders who are performing at the peak

On Friday, April 10, the Baraspara Stadium in Guwahati will host a sold-out game between first-placed Rajasthan Royals and the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are currently third on the IPL table.

While the Challengers are continuing their form from last season, the Royals have found a rhythm they have not had in a long time. In Bengaluru's case, the outstanding performance they achieved is the reason for their 2024 auction buys, whereas for the Royals, it was about slightly tweaking their buys in 2024, which saw them finish in the top four but drop to the ninth position in 2025.

Fortunately, the Royals have bounced back with three consecutive wins and six points in the pocket, whereas the Challengers also wish to do the same with two consecutive victories and four points. However, in the upcoming game, we believe the Royals enjoy a slight edge, given they have four players in the playing XI who are currently at their peak and are contenders for the Orange and Purple caps.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

In three matches, Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored 170 runs at a strike rate of 163.46 and an average of 170. In three innings, he remained not out twice and scored two half-centuries. His highest run so far in an innings has been 77 not out. Jaiswal is not only determined to lead the Rajasthan Royals to an IPL victory, but his performance also shows that he is eager to get his place in Team India. After getting into the T20 World Cup 2026, Jaiswal is definitely frustrated and wants his willow to do the talking.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

15 years old and is the fourth-highest run-getter in the ongoing IPL season. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has scored 122 runs in three matches so far at a strike rate of 248.97. Be it hitting Jasprit Bumrah for sixes or toying with other world-class bowlers, Sooryavanshi has become a threat this season for other teams and will be a danger for Bengaluru. However, last season, in one of the games between the two sides, Sooryavanshi was shown the exit door by Bhuvneshwar Kumar at 16 runs. Kumar will be eager to replicate his previous success and prevent the youngster from embarrassing senior bowlers.

Ravi Bishnoi

Moving on to bowling prowess, the Royals are heavily banking on Ravi Bishnoi, who is leading the Purple Cap race with seven wickets in three matches. His economy stands at 9.11, whereas his best figure so far has been 41/4. Against Bengaluru, with outstanding batsmen, Bishnoi definitely needs to do better with his economy, as leaking more than 9 runs per over could become a major issue. Bishnoi either needs to pick wickets in quick intervals or stop leaking runs to ruin Bengaluru’s momentum.

Nandre Burger

Joining the Royals in 2024, Nandre Burger, at 30, is scripting a new story for himself with five wickets in three matches. The South African, who has played only eight T20Is, has so far kept his economy below nine and has a best figure of 21/2 this season. Burger must deliver his best on the evening against Bengaluru because, going forward, Royal could meet Bengaluru again in the playoffs if both teams continue their momentum against other teams.

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