Royal Challengers Bengaluru will start their IPL 2026 title defence against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 28. The defending champions will face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The opening match starts at 3:30 PM.
RCB enjoyed a historic IPL 2025 season. The team finished second in the league stage with 9 wins from 14 matches and 4 defeats. Bengaluru carried that form into the playoffs. They defeated the Punjab Kings twice to win their first IPL title.
READ ALSO | Mumbai Indians Fixtures IPL 2026: Full Match List for First Phase Revealed
The opening match also marks cricket’s return to the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The venue had remained quiet after a tragic stampede last year that caused 11 deaths. RCB will aim for a strong start in front of their home fans as the new season begins.
RCB IPL 2026 Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| March 28 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru |
| April 5 | Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru |
| April 10 | Rajasthan Royals | Guwahati |
| April 12 | Mumbai Indians | Mumbai |
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 27 | Delhi Capitals | Delhi |
| Apr 30 | Gujarat Titans | Ahmedabad |
| May 07 | Lucknow Super Giants | Lucknow |
| May 10 | Mumbai Indians | Raipur |
| May 13 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Raipur |
| May 17 | Punjab Kings | Dharamshala |
| May 22 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Hyderabad |
This article follows WicketWatcher’s editorial standards. Learn more in our Editorial Policy or report an issue via our Corrections Policy.