The Indian Premier League 2026 season got underway at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru beginning their title defence in style, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in a high-scoring opener.
SRH posted a strong 201/9, with Ishan Kishan leading the side as captain, but RCB responded with a dominant chase, finishing at 203/4 in just 16 overs.
Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a fluent half-century, while Rajat Patidar and Tim David provided strong support as RCB took control in the latter stages.
In the end, RCB’s explosive batting proved too strong as they sealed a commanding win in front of their home crowd to kick off their campaign on a high.
RCB vs SRH: Playing XIs
RCB XI: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy, Suyash Sharma.
SRH XI: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (c/wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Salil Arora, Harsh Dubey, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga.
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Over 16 – RCB Post 203/4
RCB explodes into life as Virat Kohli goes into full attack mode against Harshal Patel. Kohli unleashes a breathtaking sequence, a six, followed by three consecutive boundaries, to take the over completely away from the bowling side.
The chase suddenly swings back in RCB’s favour as the King shifts gears at the perfect time, keeping the pressure firmly on SRH heading into the final overs.
Over 15 – RCB 185/4
RCB keeps the chase alive through a brilliant partnership as Virat Kohli brings up yet another half-century while Tim David explodes into attack mode. David Payne is taken on with authority; Tim David smashes a six and a boundary in a powerful over, while Kohli rotates strike and reaches his milestone with calm assurance.
Over 14 – RCB 170/4
Royal Challengers Bengaluru try to rebuild with Virat Kohli and Tim David rotating strike against Jaydev Unadkat. The pair keeps things ticking with singles and occasional pressure relief shots, but the over remains controlled as SRH tighten things up after the double strike. With Kohli still at the crease, RCB look to steady the innings and rebuild their chase from here.
Over 13 – RCB 164/4
Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffer a double blow as momentum suddenly shifts in the chase. David Payne strikes twice in quick succession, first removing Rajat Patidar after a well-judged catch at long-off, and then Jitesh Sharma falls cheaply to a mistimed pull.
Tim David walks in under pressure while Virat Kohli continues to hold one end, but SRH claw their way back with crucial breakthroughs at a decisive stage of the innings.
Over 12 – RCB 162/2
Royal Challengers Bengaluru keep the charge going with a high-voltage over filled with boundaries, sixes, and extras.
Rajat Patidar takes full control of Eshan Malinga, smashing two sixes and a four in a stunning display of clean hitting, while Virat Kohli rotates strike and keeps the pressure on. Despite the wides adding to the total, RCB continue to surge forward in the chase with momentum firmly on their side.
Over 11 – RCB 140/2
Royal Challengers Bengaluru turn on the heat as Kohli and Patidar go after Harsh Dubey. Patidar starts with a powerful slog-sweep for six, while Kohli responds with a stunning lofted six over long-off.
The pair keeps the scoreboard racing with confident strokeplay, maintaining strong momentum in the chase despite a few dot balls in between.
Over 10 – RCB 126/2
Royal Challengers Bengaluru continues to stay ahead in the chase as Virat Kohli shifts gears with a trademark six over square leg followed by smart strike rotation.
Rajat Patidar settles in quickly, finding his first boundary with a sharp cut through point and keeping the pressure off the new partnership. Harshal Patel tries to mix his lengths, but RCB responds confidently with clean timing and controlled aggression. A strong over that keeps the chase firmly on track despite the two early wickets.
Over 9 – RCB 111/2
Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffer a key setback as Devdutt Padikkal departs after a fiery innings that gave the chase real momentum.
Harsh Dubey strikes, removing the set batter just when he looked unstoppable, smashing a boundary and a maximum. Virat Kohli continues to anchor the innings with a single, while Rajat Patidar joins him at the crease to steady things after the blow.
Over 8 – RCB 99/1
Royal Challengers Bengaluru keep the chase firmly on track as Devdutt Padikkal continues his blazing knock before finally falling after a brilliant counterattack.
Harsh Dubey is taken on with a mix of elegance and power as Padikkal smashes a four and brings up a rapid half-century in just 21 balls.
Over 7 – RCB 89/1
Royal Challengers Bengaluru shift gears as Virat Kohli takes charge against Eshan Malinga. Kohli delivers a trademark over, starting with a couple of calm balls before exploding with a stylish six over long-off and a crisp boundary through the leg side.
Padikkal also chips in with a clean boundary through point. RCB now look fully in control of the chase as Kohli finds top gear.
Over 6 – RCB 76/1
Royal Challengers Bengaluru continue their smooth chase as Devdutt Padikkal keeps the scoreboard ticking with smart rotation and a well-placed boundary, while Virat Kohli adds steady singles and a fluent boundary of his own.
Harsh Dubey is worked around nicely, with RCB ensuring no pressure builds despite losing Phil Salt earlier. A controlled over with both batters looking comfortable at the crease.
Over 5 – RCB 67/1
Kohli and Padikkal continue the assault as Jaydev Unadkat is taken apart for a six and a four by Kohli. Padikkal supports with steady strike rotation and smart placement. Despite the earlier wicket of Salt, RCB look firmly in control of the chase at this stage.
Over 4 – RCB 51/1
Padikkal continues his attacking approach, smashing a six and a four, while Kohli joins the party with a clean strike over the infield. David Payne is welcomed harshly into IPL bowling as RCB dominate the over. The chase starts to build serious momentum.
Over 3 – RCB 33/1
Padikkal takes charge with a mix of elegance and power, finding regular boundaries and keeping the scoreboard moving. Kohli rotates strike efficiently, adding singles to the innings.
SRH bowlers struggle for control as RCB begin to settle into the chase.
Over 3 – RCB 33/1
Padikkal takes charge with a mix of elegance and power, finding regular boundaries and keeping the scoreboard moving. Kohli rotates strike efficiently while also adding his first boundary of the innings. SRH bowlers struggle for control as RCB begin to settle into the chase.
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Over 2 – RCB 21/1
Early breakthrough for Sunrisers Hyderabad as Jaydev Unadkat removes Phil Salt in his first over. However, Devdutt Padikkal makes an instant impact with a six off the very first ball he faces, while Virat Kohli gets into rhythm with a boundary.
Despite the wicket, RCB maintained momentum.
Over 1 – RCB 9/0
Royal Challengers Bengaluru get off to a steady start as Phil Salt finds early boundaries before falling into rhythm. Nitish Kumar Reddy keeps things tight for SRH, but Salt ensures RCB are underway with a couple of well-timed strokes.
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Over 20 – SRH Post 201/9
Royal Challengers Bengaluru wrap up the innings as Bhuvneshwar Kumar closes things out for Sunrisers Hyderabad at 201/9.
Jaydev Unadkat and David Payne manage to add a few valuable runs in the final over with smart rotation and a couple of well-placed shots, ensuring SRH cross the 200-mark.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, SRH finish strongly enough to post a competitive total on the board.
Over 19 – SRH 192/9
Sunrisers Hyderabad lose their final recognised batter as Aniket Verma falls after a blazing cameo. Romario Shepherd delivers once again, and this time Virat Kohli takes a safe catch at long-off to end a brilliant counterattack.
Aniket had earlier kept SRH alive with a flurry of boundaries and sixes, but the wicket brings a sharp halt to their late surge. With only the tail remaining, SRH’s innings nears its end after an entertaining finish.
Over 18 – SRH 175/8
Royal Challengers Bengaluru tightens their grip further as Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivers a disciplined over filled with key breakthroughs.
Harshal Patel departs after going for an ambitious loft, giving Devdutt Padikkal his third catch of the match. Aniket Verma continues to fight with a sharp upper-cut for four and smart rotation, but SRH are now running out of partners. With wickets tumbling, RCB firmly stay on top heading into the final overs.
Over 17 – SRH 167/7
Sunrisers Hyderabad continue to lose wickets at crucial stages as Romario Shepherd strikes again to break another budding partnership.
Harsh Dubey falls after mistiming a flick straight to Devdutt Padikkal, who is having a field day with multiple catches. Aniket Verma, however, keeps the intent alive with a clean six over square leg and a couple of handy boundaries. Despite his efforts, SRH keep slipping under pressure as wickets keep halting their momentum.
Over 16 – SRH 155/6
Sunrisers Hyderabad suffer a major setback as Ishan Kishan departs after a brief burst of aggression, caught by Phil Salt after attempting another attacking stroke.
Abhinandan Singh strikes twice in the over, first being taken for a big six by Aniket Verma, who continues to show intent in the death overs. However, RCB quickly regain control with the key wicket of Kishan halting SRH’s late acceleration. A high-impact over with momentum swinging back firmly towards Royal Challengers Bengaluru as wickets continue to fall at crucial moments.
Over 15 – SRH 142/5
Royal Challengers Bengaluru strike again through Suyash Sharma, tightening their grip on the innings at a vital stage.
Salil Arora falls after mistiming a pull, well caught at mid-wicket, as SRH’s middle order begins to wobble. Aniket Verma shows intent with a crisp boundary through third man, but RCB keep striking at regular intervals to halt SRH’s momentum.
With wickets falling at key moments, the pressure is firmly back on SRH in the death overs buildup.
Over 14 – SRH 135/4
Sunrisers Hyderabad lose a crucial wicket as Heinrich Klaasen departs after a strong partnership-building phase.
Romario Shepherd strikes at a key moment, breaking the momentum just when SRH looked set to accelerate further.
Salil Arora then walks in and immediately looks to attack, even managing a lucky boundary via a top edge, while Kishan keeps the scoreboard moving with singles. A mixed over, with RCB pulling things back slightly after pressure in the middle phase.
Over 13 – SRH 126/3
Sunrisers Hyderabad continue their onslaught as Ishan Kishan takes Krunal Pandya apart in a massive over.
Kishan clears the ropes twice, one straight down the ground and another over square leg, showing complete dominance. Klaasen adds a six of his own with a powerful strike over mid-wicket. Despite a few singles in between, Krunal is under severe pressure as SRH finish a statement over, firmly taking control of the innings.
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Over 12 – SRH 105/3
Sunrisers Hyderabad explode into life as Ishan Kishan goes into full attacking mode against Suyash Sharma. After a quiet start to the over, Kishan completely turns it around with two huge sixes and a boundary, punishing anything in his arc.
Klaasen also joins in with a clean maximum over mid-wicket earlier in the over. A brutal over for RCB as SRH shift gears in emphatic fashion.
Over 11 – SRH 92/3
Krunal Pandya keeps things tight for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as SRH are forced into a string of singles. Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan rotate strike consistently, but boundaries dry up in this over.
A disciplined spell from Krunal, mixing his lengths well and not allowing any free-flowing shots, as SRH continue to rebuild patiently after a strong middle phase.
Over 10 – SRH 87/3
Sunrisers Hyderabad continue to build steadily as Suyash Sharma bowls a controlled over. Ishan Kishan keeps the scoreboard moving with a mix of smart rotation and a well-timed boundary through the covers.
A couple of tight deliveries also ensure RCB don’t let the pressure slip entirely. SRH are keeping the momentum alive without taking excessive risks.
Over 9 – SRH 79/3 (9)
Sunrisers Hyderabad keep the scoreboard ticking with Ishan Kishan leading the charge. Abhinandan Singh was slightly expensive as Kishan mixed aggression with smart strike rotation, a powerful pull for four, a couple of quick singles, and a sharp two, keeping the pressure on RCB. Klaasen continues to rotate strike at the other end as SRH look to accelerate further after a steady rebuild.
Over 8 – SRH 70/3
Sunrisers Hyderabad continue to build momentum as Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan stitch together a strong partnership.
Romario Shepherd was taken on for three boundaries in the over, with Klaasen timing the ball beautifully through the off-side and straight down the ground. Kishan also played his part with a clever boundary and a couple of well-placed singles.
A productive over for SRH as they start shifting gears.
Over 8 – SRH 70/3
Sunrisers Hyderabad continue to build momentum as Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan stitch together a strong partnership.
Romario Shepherd was taken on for three boundaries in the over, with Klaasen timing the ball beautifully through the off-side and straight down the ground. Kishan also played his part with a clever boundary and a couple of well-placed singles.
A productive over for SRH as they start shifting gears.
Over 7 – SRH 54/3
Royal Challengers Bengaluru respond well as Jacob Duffy regains control with a disciplined over. After the attacking intent from SRH in the previous over, this one was much quieter, with Klaasen and Kishan mostly limited to singles. Duffy continued to hit the hard lengths and didn’t allow any boundaries, keeping the scoring under control.
Over 6 – SRH 49/3
A huge momentum shift as Sunrisers Hyderabad fight back through Ishan Kishan. Abhinandan Singh was taken on in this over, with Kishan smashing two massive sixes and a boundary, including a clean hit into the upper tier over square leg.
RCB did manage to keep a couple of balls quiet, but SRH finished the over strongly, pulling things back after early pressure.
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Over 5 – SRH 33/3
A sensational spell continues from Jacob Duffy as Royal Challengers Bengaluru tighten their grip on the contest against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Duffy struck again with his third wicket, removing Nitish Kumar Reddy as another mistimed pull shot resulted in a simple catch at mid-wicket, with Abhinandan Singh completing a safe grab. SRH were rocked further, losing key wickets at regular intervals.
Ishan Kishan tried to steady things with a couple of singles and a well-timed boundary through extra cover, while Heinrich Klaasen walked in under pressure and immediately felt the heat from disciplined bowling. Klaasen managed a few runs, including a sharp drive for three, but couldn’t fully break free.
SRH reach 33/3 after 5 overs, with RCB firmly on top thanks to Duffy’s outstanding debut spell.
Over 4 – SRH 29/2
A much tighter over from Royal Challengers Bengaluru as Bhuvneshwar Kumar builds serious pressure on Sunrisers Hyderabad after the early wickets.
Ishan Kishan started the over in style, bringing up a milestone in his IPL career with a classy boundary through cover, showing great touch and control. However, RCB quickly tightened the screws, giving away just a single more from his end.
Nitish Kumar Reddy found it tough to break free as Bhuvneshwar consistently hit the right areas, mixing length and line beautifully to keep him quiet. Despite a few defensive moments and a missed opportunity, SRH could only manage singles in an otherwise disciplined over.
SRH move to 29/2 after 4 overs, with RCB firmly controlling the powerplay comeback.
Over 3 – SRH 23/2
Big over for RCB as Jacob Duffy turns the game on its head with a double strike for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Abhishek Sharma fell first, going for the pull but mistiming it completely as he top-edged one straight to Jitesh Sharma, giving RCB their first wicket of the season. Ishan Kishan then joined briefly at the crease and got off the mark with a single, but the pressure kept building.
Travis Head tried to counterattack with a classy six over the bowler’s head, but Duffy hit back immediately, beating him with short-ball tactics before finally inducing a mistimed pull shot. Phil Salt took a safe catch at deep square leg to end Head’s stay.
A massive momentum shift as SRH slip to 23/2 after 3 overs, with RCB firmly back in the contest.
Over 3 – SRH 23/2
Big over for RCB as Jacob Duffy turns the game on its head with a double strike for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Abhishek Sharma fell first, going for the pull but mistiming it completely as he top-edged one straight to Jitesh Sharma, giving RCB their first wicket of the season. Ishan Kishan then joined briefly at the crease and got off the mark with a single, but the pressure kept building.
Travis Head tried to counterattack with a classy six over the bowler’s head, but Duffy hit back immediately, beating him with short-ball tactics before finally inducing a mistimed pull shot. Phil Salt took a safe catch at deep square leg to end Head’s stay.
A massive momentum shift as SRH slip to 23/2 after 3 overs, with RCB firmly back in the contest.
Over 2 – SRH 17/0
A slightly scrappy over from RCB as SRH continue their steady start in the powerplay. Bhuvneshwar Kumar kept the pressure on in patches but was unlucky, with a couple of extras creeping in.
Travis Head rode his luck as an inside edge raced away for four, while Abhishek Sharma kept the scoreboard ticking with quick singles despite being tied down at times. The over had a mix of wides and a leg bye, helping SRH stay ahead in the early phase without taking big risks.
SRH move to 17/0 after 2 overs, with both openers looking settled at the crease.
Over 1 – SRH 7/0
A lively opening over at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as Sunrisers Hyderabad get off to a steady start against the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Jacob Duffy, making an early impression with the new ball, was taken on by Abhishek Sharma, who showed intent with a cracking six over deep backward point. Duffy also created a few nervous moments, beating the bat and testing the outside edge, but SRH managed to survive the probing spell.
Abhishek ends the over with a flourish, while Travis Head rotates strike as SRH look to build momentum early in the innings.
Playing XIs:
RCB XI: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy, Suyash Sharma.
SRH XI: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (c/wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Salil Arora, Harsh Dubey, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga.
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The wait is over as the Indian Premier League 2026 season gets underway at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Toss Update: In the opening clash, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Sunrisers Hyderabad.