The Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are set to face off in the 13th match of the Indian Premier League 2026 season on April 7. The Rajasthan Royals, captained by local hero Riyan Parag, return to their second home in Guwahati with a perfect record, having won both of their opening fixtures. Their last outing was a clinical defence of 210 runs against the Gujarat Titans, proving their bowling mettle.
In contrast, the Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are desperate to find their rhythm. After taming KKR at home, MI suffered a setback in their previous game against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where they struggled to accelerate, posting a sub-par 162. For Hardik, who missed the last game due to a brief illness, this trip to the Northeast is a crucial opportunity to get Mumbai’s campaign back on track against an RR side that looks practically invincible in these conditions.
What is the H2H Record Between RR and MI?
Historically, the rivalry between the Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians is one of the most balanced in IPL history. In 31 head-to-head meetings, the Mumbai Indians have won 16 matches, while the Rajasthan Royals have secured 15 victories.
While MI hold a slight lead overall, RR have dominated the recent narrative, winning three of the last five encounters. At the Barsapara Stadium, RR’s familiarity with the humid conditions and the local support for Parag gives them a distinct psychological edge over the five-time champions.
Probable XI of Both Teams
RR Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal,Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma. (Impact: Ravi Bishnoi).
MI Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar. (Impact: Mayank Markande).
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati & Key Details
Established in 2017, the Barsapara Cricket Stadium is one of India’s newest international venues and serves as the secondary home for the Rajasthan Royals. With a seating capacity of 40,000, the ground is known for its lightning-fast outfield and relatively short boundaries (65–68 meters). The atmosphere in Guwahati is famously electric, especially with local star Riyan Parag leading the side, making it an intimidating “fortress” for visiting teams.
What is the Pitch Like at the Barsapara Stadium?
The Barsapara surface for Match 13 of IPL 2026 is expected to be a belter for batters. The pitch is traditionally flat with a hard base, offering true bounce and carry, which allows openers like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma to play through the line. In the 2026 season, the track has shown that it holds up well, making it a nightmare for bowlers who miss their lengths.
The high humidity in Guwahati (often exceeding 75%) is the most critical tactical factor. Heavy dew is almost certain to impact the second innings, making the ball slippery and difficult for spinners like Ravindra Jadeja or Mitchell Santner to grip. Consequently, the toss-winning captain is almost guaranteed to bowl first to take advantage of the better conditions for chasing under the lights.
Key Stats & Records at the Barsapara Stadium
The Highest team total at this venue is 210/4 by Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans (2026), which is the current season high. Meanwhile, the lowest team total reads 142 by the Delhi Capitals vs RR.
Parag leads the run charts at this venue for RR. He has scored 151 runs here from six innings at 30.20. Yashasvi Jaiswal is next with 146 runs at 29.20.
Yuzvendra Chahal owns the most wickets here (6). Nathan Ellis and Wanindu Hasaranga are next with 5 wickets each.
RR vs MI: Weather Forecast
The weather in Guwahati on April 7 is expected to be hot and extremely humid. Daytime temperatures will reach 34°C, dropping to 24°C during match hours. There is a 33% chance of localised thunderstorms in the evening, which could lead to a rain delay or a shortened game. Humidity is expected to stay near 80%, ensuring that the “wet ball” syndrome will be a major factor for the side bowling second.
RR vs MI: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
The pitch offers a slight advantage to the Rajasthan Royals due to their balanced bowling attack. While it is a batting paradise, RR’s combination of extreme pace (Archer/Burger) and tactical death bowling (Sandeep Sharma) is better suited to defend a total if forced to bat first. However, MI’s Jasprit Bumrah remains the ultimate equaliser on any flat track. If MI chase, their “power-heavy” middle order of Hardik, SKY, and Tilak Varma will find the short boundaries very easy to clear.
FAQs – Pitch Report for Barsapara Cricket Stadium
What is the pitch report for Barsapara Stadium?
It is a high-scoring “highway.” The ball comes onto the bat beautifully, and the short boundaries make it a paradise for stroke-makers. Expect a 200+ run contest if the rain stays away.
Who is the captain for MI?
Hardik Pandya is the captain for the Mumbai Indians in the 2026 season, returning to the XI after missing the previous game.
Is Jofra Archer playing?
Yes, Jofra Archer is fit and leading the Rajasthan Royals’ pace battery against his former franchise.
What is the par score at Guwahati?
Given the conditions and the boundaries, a par score is estimated at 195–205. Chasing is highly favourable here, so any target under 190 might be overhauled quickly.
