Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal of Rajasthan Royals (ANI Photo) April 22 has turned into a strangely special date for Rajasthan Royals, especially when it comes to centuries. Over the years, the day has repeatedly produced large hundreds of RR strikes, creating a remarkable pattern.It started with Shane Watson smashing 101 against Chennai Super Kings on 22 April 2013. Six years later, he added his name to the list of Ajinkya Rahane’s unbeaten 105 against Delhi Capitals on the same date in 2019. The trend continued in 2022 when Jos Buttler against Delhi. Last time Yashasvi Jaiswal took the legacy forward with a stunning 104* against Mumbai Indians on 22nd April 2024.
Watch
IPL 2026: RR assistant coach Vikram Rathour speaks after loss to KKRFour different doughs, four different seasons, one same date. It’s the kind of coincidence that naturally creates intrigue around this device every year.Now on April 22, 2026, Rajasthan are back in action, this time against Lucknow Super Giants. With Lucknow winning the toss and electing to field, the focus once again shifts to the RR batting unit. All eyes will be on Jaiswal and young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to see if the strange ‘April 22 trend’ continues.Apart from numbers and coincidences, it is also a crucial game for both sides. Rajasthan started their campaign in dominant fashion with four consecutive wins but have since slipped and lost their last two matches. Lucknow’s situation is even more worrying as three consecutive defeats have put them under pressure.The competition could well take shape in the opening phase. Rajasthan probably have one of the most dangerous opening combinations in the tournament that can take the game away early.Teams:Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel(w), Riyan Parag(c), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Brijesh Sharma, Nandre BurgerLucknow Super Giants (Playing XI): Mitchell Marsh, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (s/c), Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Mukul Choudhary, Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, Prince Yadav, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Mayank Yadav.Form, pressure and a peculiar historical trend all come together, the stage is set in Lucknow. The question now is simple: will April 22 deliver another century for Rajasthan Royals?
