The wait for the “tranches” is over. Following the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) announcement on Wednesday, the first phase of the IPL 2026 schedule is officially out. With 20 high-octane
matches confirmed between March 28 and April 12, the calendar is already packed with narratives that go beyond the boundary ropes.
From a historic return to Bengaluru to a pre-season trade that has redefined team identities, here are the dates and rivalries you cannot afford to miss.
The Grand Opening: RCB vs SRH (March 28)
The 19th edition of the IPL kicks off at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru host Sunrisers Hyderabad. This is more than just an opener; it marks the return of cricket to the Chinnaswamy after a nearly year-long suspension following last season’s victory celebrations. All eyes will be on Rajat Patidar, who leads the defending champions into their first title defence against a formidable SRH side.
The Sunday Blockbuster: MI vs KKR (March 29)
For many, the real fireworks begin on the first Sunday of the season at the Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai Indians, aiming to reclaim their dominance under Hardik Pandya, face off against the three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders. This heavyweight clash in the heart of Mumbai is a traditional ratings-driver and sets the tone for the “battle of the big cities” early in the campaign.
The Great Trade Rivalry: RR vs CSK (March 30)
Circle Monday, March 30, on your calendar for arguably the most intriguing subplot of the season. Rajasthan Royals host Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati, a match that serves as the debut for two of the biggest off-season shifts in IPL history. For the first time, Ravindra Jadeja will be seen in the pink of Rajasthan, while Sanju Samson, fresh off being the Player of the Tournament in the 2026 T20 World Cup, will lead the yellow brigade. The tactical battle between these two traded superstars is the defining rivalry of the first week.
The South Indian Derby: RCB vs CSK (April 5)
The rivalry that defines the IPL’s fan culture returns to Bengaluru on the second Sunday of the season. Whenever the “Yellow Army” visits the Chinnaswamy, the city splits in two. This year, the stakes are higher as RCB enters as champions, and CSK looks to assert their legacy in a post-Jadeja era. Expect record-breaking digital viewership for this evening clash.
The El Clásico of the North: RR vs RCB (April 10)
As the tournament moves into its third week, the action shifts to Guwahati again for a North-South clash. Rajasthan Royals, emboldened by their home-away-from-home advantage, take on the defending champions. Given the small boundaries and fast outfields typical of the Barsapara Stadium, this is predicted to be the highest-scoring match of the first phase.
The Finale of Phase 1: MI vs RCB (April 12)
The first block of 20 matches concludes with a massive double-header Sunday. The evening game sees a rematch of last year’s heavyweights: Mumbai Indians versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede. It is the perfect conclusion to the first phase, likely deciding who tops the table before the BCCI announces the second leg of the tournament.
The Election Backdrop and Logistics
Fans should note that this initial 20-day schedule is a “tactical tranche”. Due to upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam, the BCCI is coordinating closely with the Election Commission of India. This is why we see “clusters” of matches in cities like Guwahati and Bengaluru. The remaining 64 matches of this expanded 84-game season will be announced once polling dates are finalised.
