IPL 2026: RCB to kick off title defence against SRH

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will open IPL 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28. The schedule for the first phase of the tournament—comprising 20 matches until April 12—was unveiled on Wednesday. The itinerary for the remainder of the season will be finalised after election dates are announced for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam.

On March 29, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders will face off at the Wankhede Stadium. Rajasthan Royals will then host Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on March 30, a clash featuring Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja against their former franchises following an off-season trade.

The next two weekends will feature double-headers on both Saturday and Sunday. RCB takes on CSK in Bengaluru on April 5, and Mumbai Indians host RCB on April 12.

Rajasthan Royals will play their first three home matches at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati before moving to Jaipur. Punjab Kings will play four home games in Mullanpur and three in Dharamsala. RCB will play two home games in Raipur.

Matches scheduled in Bengaluru are subject to clearance from an Expert Committee constituted by the Government of Karnataka. The committee will inspect the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 13, 2026, and conduct a mock demonstration of match-day arrangements.