In the 16th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Rajasthan Royals (RR) won the toss and opted to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. RCB made a significant change to their lineup by bringing back Josh Hazlewood, who replaced Jacob Duffy, aiming to add experience and control to their bowling attack. RR captain Riyan Parag expressed concerns about the pitch, which was expected to be dry but might have some moisture due to recent rain. He emphasized the team's focus on strategic cricket as they prepared for the match. RCB captain Rajat Patidar acknowledged the strong crowd support, stating it felt like a home game, and highlighted Hazlewood's experience as a valuable addition to the team. The match faced interruptions due to rain, impacting the momentum after a promising start.