The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to clash with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the opening game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on March 28, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. IST. The match will take place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
RCB, the defending champions after securing their first title in 2025, are entering this season with high expectations. They are favored to win the match with odds of 1.75, while SRH’s odds stand at 2.04.
RCB’s predicted playing XI includes prominent players such as Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Rajat Patidar. However, the team will be without key bowler Josh Hazlewood due to injury, which may impact their performance.
On the other hand, Ishan Kishan will lead the Sunrisers Hyderabad this season. Their expected lineup features Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Ishan Kishan himself, indicating a strong batting order.
This match marks the beginning of the IPL 2026 group-stage fixtures, which will continue until May 24, 2026. Fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead, with RCB and SRH having a competitive record in their previous encounters.
The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network channels across India, and fans can also catch the live streaming on the JioHotstar app and website.
As anticipation builds for this opening match, both teams are expected to deliver a thrilling performance, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the teams or match conditions.
