SRH Playing XI vs RCB — 22 May 2026 – Predicted Lineup & Team Analysis

Sunrisers Hyderabad Top Order: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan

Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head add aggressive intent at the top of the order. Both batters attack from the beginning and regularly take advantage of the fielding restrictions, helping Hyderabad post big totals. Ishan Kishan recently scored a match-winning 70 off 47 balls against Chennai Super Kings.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Top Order: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal

Virat Kohli continues to be the backbone of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting lineup. He has scored 542 runs this season at a strike rate of 164.74. Devdutt Padikkal has scored 412 runs at an impressive strike rate of 173.11. Jacob Bethell will get another chance at the top in the absence of Phil Salt.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Middle Order: Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora, Smaran Ravichandran

Heinrich Klaasen is Hyderabad’s best batter in the middle-order. He recently smashed 47 runs off 26 balls and continues to dominate spin bowling during the middle overs.

Salil Arora and Smaran Ravichandran provide stability in the batting lineup. Their ability to rotate strike and rebuild partnerships becomes important if Hyderabad lose early wickets.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Middle Order: Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma

Rajat Patidar has controlled the middle overs effectively, scoring 337 runs this season at a strike rate of 192.57. His calm approach has helped Bengaluru build strong totals consistently.

Tim David and Jitesh Sharma provide explosive finishing power in the death overs. Bengaluru have crossed the 200-run mark multiple times this season.

Sunrisers Hyderabad All-Rounders: Nitish Kumar Reddy

Nitish Kumar Reddy gives balance to the Sunrisers Hyderabad lineup. He contributes useful lower-order runs and can also bowl medium pace during important phases of the innings.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru All-Rounders: Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya

Venkatesh Iyer adds important batting depth to the lineup. He recently played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 73 runs off 40 balls against Punjab Kings. Krunal Pandya has contributed with economical left-arm spin during the middle overs and also offers useful lower-order hitting when required.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Shivang Kumar, Eshan Malinga, Sakib Hussain

Pat Cummins continues to lead the bowling attack. He recently picked up figures of 3/28 and remains highly effective with his hard lengths and slower-ball variations during the middle and death overs.

Sakib Hussain has supported him well with important wickets, while Eshan Malinga and Shivang Kumar will aim to control the scoring rate on Hyderabad’s batting-friendly surface.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, Josh Hazlewood

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has led Bengaluru’s bowling attack brilliantly this season with 24 wickets. His ability to swing the new ball and execute yorkers at the death has made him one of the standout bowlers of IPL 2026.

Rasikh Salam has provided crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs, while Josh Hazlewood continues to maintain pressure with his disciplined line and length across all phases of the innings.

Sunrisers Hyderabad could use Praful Hinge as their Impact Player to strengthen the pace attack, especially while defending a total. If Hyderabad chase, Travis Head is likely to be used as the Impact Player to add extra firepower at the top of the order.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru may bring in Jacob Duffy as an Impact Player to increase their bowling depth while defending. If Bengaluru bat second, Devdutt Padikkal could be used as the Impact substitute to strengthen the batting lineup during the chase.

Sunrisers Hyderabad are likely to use Pat Cummins early against Devdutt Padikkal to break Bengaluru’s opening momentum. Eshan Malinga could also play an important role during the death overs against Tim David.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are expected to target Travis Head with Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing in the powerplay. Krunal Pandya could focus on bowling flat and tight lines to control Heinrich Klaasen during the middle overs.

Q: Who is the crucial bowler for Royal Challengers Bengaluru?

A: Bhuvneshwar Kumar has taken 24 wickets this season and continues to provide important breakthroughs with the new ball and at the death.

Q: How does Ishan Kishan strengthen Sunrisers Hyderabad’s playing XI?

A: Ishan Kishan gives Hyderabad aggressive left-handed batting at the top and recently played a match-winning knock of 70 runs against Chennai Super Kings.

Q: Why is Virat Kohli important on the Hyderabad surface?

A: Virat Kohli controls the innings well on batting-friendly pitches and has already scored 542 runs this season with consistent performances.

Q: Can Krunal Pandya control Heinrich Klaasen in the middle overs?

A: Krunal Pandya will try to bowl quick and flat lines to restrict Klaasen’s powerful hitting against spin.

Q: Why is Tim David important in Bengaluru’s finishing plans?

A: Tim David provides explosive power in the final overs and regularly helps Royal Challengers Bengaluru accelerate strongly at the end of the innings.