RCB vs SRH: Defending Champions Begin IPL 2026 Campaign

By Ananya Rao / 28.03.2026

The wider picture

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This match holds significant importance as RCB enters the season as the defending champions, having secured their maiden IPL title in 2025. The anticipation surrounding this match is heightened by the teams’ recent performances and the players who will be taking the field.

RCB will be led by Rajat Patidar, while Ishan Kishan will captain SRH. Both teams are looking to establish a strong start to the tournament, but they will do so without some of their key players. RCB will be missing pacers Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal due to injury concerns. Hazlewood is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Australia, while Dayal has been ruled out for the entire season.

In the absence of Hazlewood and Dayal, RCB’s bowling attack will rely heavily on experienced players such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, Suyash Sharma, and Mangesh Yadav. Their performance will be crucial in setting the tone for the match and the season ahead. Meanwhile, SRH will also face challenges as they will be without Pat Cummins in the early stages of the tournament, which could impact their bowling strategy.

The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST, with the toss taking place at 7:00 PM IST. Weather conditions are expected to be favorable, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 24°C to 28°C, providing an ideal setting for a competitive game.

Looking back at the previous season, RCB’s success was largely attributed to the outstanding performances of players like Virat Kohli, who scored 657 runs with an impressive average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71. His contributions were pivotal in leading RCB to their first title. On the other hand, SRH’s Abhishek Sharma also had a remarkable season, scoring 439 runs at a strike rate of 193.39, showcasing his explosive batting capabilities.

As both teams prepare for this encounter, the stakes are high. RCB aims to defend their title while SRH looks to make a strong statement early in the season. Observers expect a closely contested match, with both teams eager to secure a victory that could set the tone for their respective campaigns.

With the IPL 2026 season underway, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how these teams adapt to the challenges posed by injuries and the pressure of high-stakes matches. The outcome of this match could have implications for the rest of the tournament, making it a crucial fixture for both RCB and SRH.