In a surprising crossover between professional wrestling and cricket, WWE star Drew McIntyre has grabbed attention ahead of the IPL 2026 Eliminator after posting a gym video wearing a Rajasthan Royals jersey emblazoned with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's name. The 15-year-old batting prodigy has been a standout performer for the Royals this season, and McIntyre's endorsement, accompanied by the caption 'Chosen One,' quickly went viral on social media.
The Eliminator, scheduled for Wednesday, will see Rajasthan Royals take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in a high-stakes knockout clash. Sooryavanshi, who has amassed 583 runs this season, will be a key player for the Royals as they look to overcome a strong SRH side that has built significant momentum in the second half of the tournament.
Sunrisers Hyderabad's Strong Form
Sunrisers Hyderabad head into the Eliminator with a clear psychological advantage, having beaten Rajasthan Royals twice already in the league stage. Their resurgence has been fueled by the return of regular captain Pat Cummins, under whose leadership the team won five of their last seven league matches. The top-order trio of Abhishek Sharma (563 runs), Travis Head (393), and Ishan Kishan (569) has been instrumental, while Heinrich Klaasen has contributed 606 runs from the number-four position.
Rajasthan Royals' Playoff Journey
Rajasthan Royals, led by Riyan Parag in his first season as full-time captain, secured their playoff spot only on the final day of the league stage. The team's batting has largely depended on its top order, with Sooryavanshi scoring 583 runs, Yashasvi Jaiswal making 397, and Dhruv Jurel adding 458. Parag has faced criticism for both his batting and leadership throughout the season, but he has managed to steer the team to the playoffs.
As the Royals prepare for the Eliminator, they will aim to finally get the better of SRH and advance further in the tournament. The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched sides.
Stay updated with the upcoming IPL match between RCB vs GT and the latest IPL news on Times of India. Follow the IPL schedule and track the race for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap.
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