RCB vs SRH, IPL 2026: The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) begins on March 28, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB enter the season as defending champions after clinching their maiden title, in stark contrast to SRH, who finished last year in sixth place and missed the knockout stages. However, with both sides opting for continuity in their squads, there is little to separate them on paper in terms of balance and capability.
Sunrisers Hyderabad boast a formidable batting line-up featuring Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Reddy and Liam Livingstone. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have firepower of their own in Philip Salt, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli.
A strong opening statement will be the priority for both teams. Neither Pat Cummins nor Josh Hazlewood will take part in the IPL 2026 opener, with the duo still on the road to recovery. Both have arrived in India and are likely to be involved later in the campaign. Sunrisers Hyderabad will be led by Ishan Kishan in the interim.
The game also carries added significance as it marks the return of cricket to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium after last year's deadly stampede during RCB's victory festivities, which left 11 people dead.
ALSO READ: IPL 2026: Dhoni Set To Miss First Two Weeks Due To Calf Strain
RCB vs SRH, IPL 2026: Date
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match will be played on Saturday, March 28.
RCB vs SRH, IPL 2026: Time
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match will start at 7:30 p.m. IST.
RCB vs SRH, IPL 2026: Venue
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match will be played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
RCB vs SRH, IPL 2026: Live Telecast
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network channels.
RCB vs SRH, IPL 2026: Live Streaming
Fans in India can watch the live streaming of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad match on the JioHotstar app and website.
RCB vs SRH IPL 2026: Probable Playing XIIs
RCB: Rajat Patidar (C), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jacob Bethell/Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Duffy, Rasikh Salam.
SRH: Ishan Kishan (C & WK), Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Liam Livingstone/Eshan Malinga, Salil Arora, Aniket Verma, Harsh Dubey, Brydon Carse, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat.
ALSO READ: IPL 2026 Full Schedule Announced: Check Fixtures List, Venues, Match Timings And More
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.