Royal Challengers vs Sunrisers: IPL 2026 Opening Match

By Rohan Mehta / 27.03.2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season on March 28, 2026. The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. IST at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

As the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are looking to kick off their title defense with a strong performance. They secured their first IPL title in 2025, marking a significant achievement for the franchise. In contrast, Sunrisers Hyderabad will be led by their captain Ishan Kishan, who aims to guide his team to victory in this crucial opening match.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s predicted playing XI includes prominent players such as Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Rajat Patidar. However, they will be without Josh Hazlewood, who is sidelined due to injury. This absence may impact their bowling strategy as they face a competitive Sunrisers Hyderabad side.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s lineup is expected to feature key players like Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Ishan Kishan. The team will be looking to capitalize on their strengths and secure a win against the reigning champions.

Betting odds indicate that Royal Challengers Bengaluru are favorites to win the match, with odds set at 1.75, while Sunrisers Hyderabad have odds of 2.04. This reflects the competitive nature of the encounter and the anticipation surrounding the match.

The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network channels across India, ensuring fans can follow the action as it unfolds. Additionally, live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website, catering to a wider audience eager to watch the IPL opener.

This match is part of the group-stage fixtures of IPL 2026, which will see a total of 11 matches listed in the schedule. The league phase is set to conclude on May 24, 2026, culminating in the playoffs and final.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad have a competitive record in their head-to-head encounters, adding an extra layer of excitement to this opening match. As both teams prepare to clash, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the season unfolds.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the teams or playing conditions. However, the anticipation for the match continues to build as the date approaches.