IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad’s strongest predicted XI against Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The highly anticipated IPL 2026 Match 67 between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) takes centre stage on Friday, May 22, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. 

This high-stakes clash will directly determine the top-two playoff seeding, with defending champions RCB sitting at the top with 18 points and Pat Cummins’ SRH close behind at 16 points. Playing on their batter-friendly home turf, the Orange Army will rely heavily on their ultra-aggressive batting blueprint, spearheaded by Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen, to counter a soaring RCB side that is currently on a dominant three-match winning streak.

RCB’s balanced unit, anchored by the stellar form of Virat Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar, previously dominated SRH in their season opener and will look to double down to secure the first-place finish. 

Here’s SRH’s predicted Playing XI vs RCB

Top order: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head (Imp), Ishan Kishan (wk)

This SRH batting-order remains the most dangerous one in the whole of IPL 2026. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma will continue to play for SRH with the Aussie coming in as an impact sub. Abhishek has scored 507 runs with a strike rate of 201.99. Ishan Kishan will keep the wickets. Along with that, he has been sensational for them with the bat, scoring 490 runs with a strike rate of 179.48.

Middle order: Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora, Smaran Ravichandran, Nitish Kumar Reddy

Heinrich Klaasen has led this batting line-up with his immense experience in the middle-overs. The South African has scored 555 runs in just 13 matches, and is third on the orange cap list currently. He has also scored five fifty-plus scores.

Salil Arora has been backed by the SRH management, and has to deliver with the bat. Smaran too, in four matches, has scored just 18 runs so far. Nitish Kumar Reddy is their designated all-rounder. With the bat, he has scored 235 runs, while also picking up seven wickets with the ball. 

Bowling: Pat Cummins (c), Shivang Kumar, Eshan Malinga, Sakib Hussain, Praful Hinge 

SRH’s inspirational skipper Pat Cummins, since his return to the playing XI, has taken 8 wickets with an economy rate of 8.13. Not just the bowling, but the way he leads the side makes him an important asset. He can contribute with the bat as well when required. 

Shivang Kumar is their sole spinner, adding a unique variation to the bowling attack. Eshan Maling has been their premier wicket-taker, picking up 17 wickets so far. Sakib Hussain and Praful Hinge add immense value.

SRH’s predicted playing XI vs RCB in Match 67 of IPL 2026

Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (WK), Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora, Smaran Ravichandran, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins (C), Shivang Kumar, Eshan Malinga, Sakib Hussain and Praful Hinge

Impact Player: Travis Head