Ipl 2026: RCB Prepares for New Season

By Vikram Nair / 09.03.2026

IPL 2026 Set to Begin

“The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is more than just our home ground it is where our identity as a team truly comes alive,” said Rajesh Menon, highlighting the significance of the venue for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as they prepare for the upcoming season.

IPL 2026 is scheduled to commence on March 28, 2026, at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This season marks a pivotal moment for RCB, who ended an 18-year trophy drought by clinching their maiden IPL title in 2025.

In the thrilling final of IPL 2025, RCB triumphed over Punjab Kings by a narrow margin of six runs, with RCB scoring 190 runs compared to Punjab’s 184. Sai Sudharsan emerged as the standout player, winning the Orange Cap with an impressive 759 runs throughout the season, while Prasidh Krishna took home the Purple Cap with 25 wickets.

Suryakumar Yadav was recognized as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in IPL 2025, further solidifying RCB’s strong performance. The team will play five home games at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the upcoming season, which will feature a total of 84 matches.

Details regarding the complete schedule for IPL 2026 remain unconfirmed, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to release it in two phases. The venue for the games will be determined based on the election dates across various states in India.

RCB’s first opponent for the season opener on March 28 will be announced once the schedule is finalized. Fans are eagerly awaiting this announcement, as it will set the tone for the team’s title defense.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who made headlines as the youngest IPL debutant at the age of 14, is also expected to play a significant role in the upcoming season.

As the excitement builds for IPL 2026, RCB aims to leverage their recent success and continue their journey in the league. The team and its supporters are looking forward to what promises to be an exhilarating season of cricket.