The 16th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) got underway with the fourth match of the tournament between Rajasthan Royals(RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 2nd. Both teams paid tribute to former India cricketer Salim Durani, who recently passed away at the age of 88, by observing a minute of silence before the match. Players from both sides also wore black armbands throughout the game to honor the veteran all-rounder.

Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss and elected to field first, allowing the Sanju Samson-led RR to set a target. Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings for the Royals, and both played outstanding innings. Buttler, who won the IPL orange cap in 2022, started the season with a bang by scoring 54 runs off just 22 deliveries, including three sixes and seven fours. His excellent start provided the Rajasthan Royals with the momentum they needed in their opening game of the tournament.

After Buttler’s dismissal, Jaiswal continued to impress, scoring a half-century and forming a partnership with captain Sanju Samson. However, Jaiswal was sent back to the pavilion after scoring 54 runs. Thanks to the efforts of the opening duo, RR set their highest-ever powerplay total, scoring 85/1 in just six overs