Royal Challengers Bengaluru are up against Mumbai Indians today in a blockbuster IPL 2026 clash that has fans buzzing across the country. The two powerhouses of Indian cricket lock horns at 7:30 PM IST in a match loaded with history and high stakes.
RCB, sitting in the top four, are desperate for a win to strengthen their playoff chances after back-to-back losses. Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, are battling to stay alive in the season, knowing a defeat could virtually end their campaign. With star-studded line-ups on both sides, explosive batting and world-class bowling are guaranteed under the lights.
This fixture also revives one of the IPL's fiercest rivalries, where every encounter feels like a knockout game. Virat Kohli's leadership and RCB's
never-say-die spirit will be tested against MI's clinical finishing and experienced core. The contest is more than just points on the table - it's about momentum heading into the business end of IPL 2026.
IPL 2026: Why are RCB playing in Raipur?
In a rare move for the season, the venue is not Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium but the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur. What was officially listed as an RCB home fixture is being played 1,200 kilometres away in Chhattisgarh, leaving many fans surprised. The decision traces back to an agreement signed earlier this year.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met RCB CEO Rajesh Menon and senior BCCI officials to bring top-tier cricket to the state. RCB promised to host two matches in Raipur to grow the game in the region. Even after partial clearance for Chinnaswamy following last year's safety review, the franchise honoured its word and relocated the marquee games against MI (today) and KKR (May 13) to the 65,000-seater venue.
And after playing their first five home matches in Bengaluru, Virat Kohli and his team will be getting the home support in Raipur.
IPL 2026: Raipur's Return
The IPL returns to Raipur after a decade, with the venue last hosting matches in 2016. A fresh, batting-friendly pitch awaits, though rain could play a role. For RCB, it's still a "home" game in name, but the unfamiliar setting adds an extra layer of challenge.
