APL 2026: Royals captain Das backs home crowd to end Warriors' unbeaten run
Synopsis
The inaugural APL 2026 season reaches a defining moment as Guwahati Royals captain Rishav Das — fifth on the run-scoring charts with 123 runs at an average of 41 — targets the only unbeaten side in the competition. A Royals win would level the standings and signal that Dibrugarh Warriors' dominance is far from guaranteed.
Key Takeaways
Guwahati Royals face Dibrugarh Warriors in a top-of-the-table APL 2026 clash at the ACA Stadium on Monday .
Dibrugarh Warriors are the only unbeaten side in the tournament, with four wins from four matches .
Guwahati Royals sit second with six points from four games , after recently chasing down 147 against Tezpur Titans.
Captain Rishav Das has scored 123 runs at an average of 41 and a strike rate of 124.24 , ranking fifth in the tournament's run-scoring charts.
Das holds the joint-highest tally of 15 fours hit by any batter in APL 2026 so far.
A Royals victory would draw them level on points with the Warriors in the inaugural edition of the league.
Guwahati Royals captain Rishav Das has expressed confidence that passionate home support at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium in Guwahati will prove decisive when his side takes on table-toppers Dibrugarh Warriors in a top-of-the-table Assam Premier League (APL) 2026 clash on Monday. The Warriors, who have won all four of their matches this season, enter the contest as the only unbeaten team in the inaugural edition of the tournament.
The Stakes at the Top of the Table
Dibrugarh Warriors currently lead the APL standings with four wins from four games, making them the team to beat in the competition. The Guwahati Royals sit second with six points from four matches, most recently chasing down a target of 147 against Tezpur Titans. A win on Monday would draw the Royals level on points with the Warriors, potentially reshaping the title race at a critical juncture of the tournament.
Das on the Power of Home Support
'The support for Guwahati Royals has been huge. Whenever we play our matches, we have seen a huge crowd coming into the stands to back us,' Das said in a pre-match statement released by the tournament on Sunday. 'Especially playing in Guwahati as the home team, we have really felt that support from the fans,' he added. The skipper is clearly looking to harness that energy as his side faces its stiffest challenge of the season.
Das in Fine Form This Season
The Royals captain has been among the more consistent performers in APL 2026, currently ranked fifth on the tournament's run-scoring charts with 123 runs at an average of 41 and a strike rate of 124.24. He also shares the joint-highest tally for fours (15) hit by any batter in the competition so far. Earlier in the season, Das led from the front with a match-winning 60 to steer the Royals to a five-wicket victory over Nagaon Rangers.
Captain's Mindset Ahead of the Clash
'I am really happy with how we are performing as a team. Whenever the captain scores runs, the dressing room stays charged up. When you lead from the front and win games for your team, there is no better feeling than that,' Das said. His form and intent signal that the Royals will not be content to merely contain the Warriors — they will be looking to impose themselves from the outset. Notably, this is the first time in the inaugural APL season that the top two sides will face each other directly, giving the contest added significance beyond just league points.
What to Watch
The match at the ACA Stadium on Monday will be a key indicator of whether the Warriors' unbeaten record is a product of dominant cricket or a relatively favourable draw. For the Royals, a victory would not only level the standings but also deliver a psychological edge heading into the business end of the tournament's first-ever edition.
Point of View
But the more interesting question is whether the Warriors' dominance reflects genuine depth or a kinder schedule. Home advantage at the ACA Stadium is real, but in a young tournament with no historical data, form and fitness matter more than crowd energy. The Royals' ability to chase 147 against Tezpur Titans suggests batting depth; how their bowling holds up against an in-form Warriors lineup is the variable mainstream previews have largely ignored.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Guwahati Royals vs Dibrugarh Warriors APL 2026 match?
The match is scheduled for Monday at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium in Guwahati. It is a top-of-the-table clash in the inaugural edition of the Assam Premier League 2026.
What is Dibrugarh Warriors' record in APL 2026?
Dibrugarh Warriors are the only unbeaten side in APL 2026, having won all four of their matches so far. They currently lead the tournament standings.
How has Rishav Das performed in APL 2026 this season?
Rishav Das has scored 123 runs in the tournament at an average of 41 and a strike rate of 124.24, placing him fifth on the run-scoring charts. He also holds the joint-highest tally of 15 fours hit by any batter in the competition.
What would a Royals win mean for the APL 2026 standings?
A Guwahati Royals victory on Monday would draw them level on points with Dibrugarh Warriors at the top of the table. It would also hand the Warriors their first defeat of the season, significantly altering the title race.
What did Rishav Das say ahead of the match?
Das said the home support in Guwahati had been a major factor for the Royals this season, adding that leading from the front and winning games for the team was the best feeling in cricket. He expressed confidence heading into the clash against the Warriors.
