The reigning IPL champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, finally ended their prolonged title drought as the legendary Virat Kohli – the club’s flag bearer since its inception in 2008 – lifted the glittering
trophy aloft at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad at the conclusion of the 2025 edition of the cash-rich T20 franchise league.
RCB had to endure a challenging period marked by setbacks and ownership uncertainties following their maiden crown, but the team from Karnataka’s capital will look to silence all outside noise with their performances on the field as they begin their title defence at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the curtain-raiser on 28 March.
Former IPL champions Sunrisers Hyderabad, who in recent years have come to embody the blockbuster pace of run-scoring in T20 cricket, will look to add another star to their jersey when they step out for the 2026 edition of the illustrious franchise league.
The winners of the 2016 season of the Indian Premier League came close to doubling their trophy cabinet twice after Aussie maverick David Warner led the Orange Army to the brink of glory, only to fall at the final hurdle in 2018 and 2024.
SRH, now established as one of the most destructive batting units in the IPL in recent memory, will aim to finally get over the line again and emulate their success from over a decade ago.
When will the IPL 2026 opener between RCB and SRH be played?
The IPL 2026 opener between RCB and SRH is set to be held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Where will the IPL 2026 opener between RCB and SRH be played?
The IPL 2026 opener between RCB and SRH will be held on the 28th of March, Saturday.
At what time will the IPL 2026 opener between RCB and SRH be played?
The IPL 2026 opener between RCB and SRH will begin at 7:30 PM IST, with the toss preceding the first ball by 30 minutes.
How to watch the IPL 2026 opener between RCB and SRH be played?
Fans can watch the IPL 2026 opener between RCB and SRH on the Star Sports Network, while the game will be streamed on Jio Hotstar.
RCB Full Squad:
Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Jordan Cox, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Venkatesh Iyer, Satvik Deswal, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy, Yash Dayal
SRH Full Squad:
Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Liam Livingstone, Harshal Patel, Kamindu Mendis, Brydon Carse, Harsh Dubey, Aniket Verma, Smaran Ravichandran, Salil Arora, Jaydev Unadkat, Shivam Mavi, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga, Sakib Hussain, and newcomer David Payne
