The match marks RCB’s first appearance at the stadium since the tragic stampede during their title celebrations in June 2025, which claimed 11 lives.
Sunrisers Hyderabad's Ishan Kishan during a training session ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday, March 27, 2026. (Photo: IANS)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will kick off their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, in what promises to be an emotionally charged return to the venue.
The match marks RCB’s first appearance at the stadium since the tragic stampede during their title celebrations in June 2025, which claimed 11 lives. As a mark of respect, players will wear black armbands during the game, while 11 seats inside the stadium will remain unoccupied in tribute to the fans who lost their lives.
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After months of uncertainty and safety concerns, cricket returns to the Chinnaswamy following extensive infrastructure upgrades and clearance from state authorities, setting the stage for a high-profile clash.
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While RCB begin their title defence after a historic 2025 triumph, SRH have been dealt an early setback, with captain Pat Cummins ruled out of the opening matches due to injury. In his absence, Ishan Kishan is set to lead the side.
IPL 2026 RCB vs SRH: Match Details
What time will the RCB vs SRH IPL 2026 match start?
The match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad will begin at 7:30 PM IST.
What time will the toss take place?
The toss is scheduled to take place at 7:00 PM IST, around 30 minutes before the start of the match. Chasing is likely to be preferred, with dew expected to play a role in the second innings.
Where is the RCB vs SRH match being played?
The match will be held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Where can you watch the RCB vs SRH IPL 2026 match live on TV?
The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India.
Where can you live stream the RCB vs SRH match?
Fans can live stream the match on the JioHotstar app and website.
Matches: 26
RCB wins: 11
SRH wins: 13
Tied: 1
Last meeting: May 2025 (SRH won)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy
Impact Player: Mangesh Yadav
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (c & wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Brydon Carse, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat
RCB vs SRH IPL 2026: Pitch & Conditions
The Chinnaswamy surface is expected to favour batters, with a par score in the 190–210 range. Short boundaries and a flat track could result in a high-scoring contest.
Team News & Injuries
RCB: Josh Hazlewood and Nuwan Thushara unavailable; pace attack slightly weakened.
SRH: Pat Cummins out; Jack Edwards ruled out for the season.
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