Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will kick off their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The clash marks RCB’s first match since their historic title win in IPL 2025, when the franchise lifted its maiden trophy after years of near misses. Led by captain Rajat Patidar and featuring star batter Virat Kohli, the team will aim to begin the new season on a strong note in front of their home crowd.
Chinnaswamy Hosting Under Security Scrutiny
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has not hosted a major match since June 2025, when a tragic stampede during RCB’s title-winning celebrations nearby resulted in the deaths of 11 people.
As a result, matches scheduled in Bengaluru for IPL 2026 are subject to clearance by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The governing body is expected to review security arrangements before granting final approval on March 13.
RCB IPL 2026 Schedule (First Matches)
Here is the confirmed schedule for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the early part of IPL 2026:
- RCB vs SRH – March 28, 7:30 PM IST – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- RCB vs CSK – April 5, 7:30 PM IST – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- RR vs RCB – April 10, 7:30 PM IST – Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Assam
- MI vs RCB – April 12, 7:30 PM IST – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
These fixtures include high-profile clashes with rivals such as Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
RCB Full Squad for IPL 2026
The Bengaluru franchise heads into the season with a strong squad combining experienced internationals and emerging talents.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad:
- Rajat Patidar (Captain)
- Virat Kohli
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Phil Salt
- Jitesh Sharma
- Krunal Pandya
- Swapnil Singh
- Tim David
- Romario Shepherd
- Jacob Bethell
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Nuwan Thushara
- Rasikh Salam
- Abhinandan Singh
- Suyash Sharma
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Mangesh Yadav
- Jacob Duffy
- Satwik Deswal
- Jordan Cox
- Vihaan Malhotra
- Kanishk Chouhan
- Vicky Ostwal
RCB Aim to Build on Historic IPL 2025 Triumph
After finally ending their title drought in 2025, expectations are high for RCB as they begin their title defence in IPL 2026. With experienced players like Virat Kohli, strong overseas additions and captain Rajat Patidar at the helm, the franchise will hope to establish itself as a dominant force in the league.