RCB Set to Begin IPL 2026 Title Defense Against Sunrisers Hyderabad

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to defend their IPL title in the opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28. This game marks their first appearance since winning the 2025 title and is significant for the city following last year's tragic events. Captain Rajat Patidar leads a team that has retained its core while making strategic signings. However, the bowling department faces challenges with star bowler Josh Hazlewood injured. Discover the likely lineup and the team's preparations for this crucial match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 18, 2026, 14:47 IST

RCB's Opening Match Details

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are gearing up to commence their title defense in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) with a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 (Saturday) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This game will be significant as it marks RCB's first appearance since clinching the 2025 IPL title and the first professional cricket match in Bengaluru in nearly a year following last year's unfortunate stampede incident. The champions have retained their core team that led them to victory last season, despite entering the auction with limited funds. They made strategic signings to enhance their squad.

Rajat Patidar will continue as captain after leading the team to victory in his inaugural season. He is expected to bat at number four and aims for a standout season after dealing with a thumb injury during the latter part of last year's campaign. The successful opening partnership of Phil Salt and Virat Kohli is likely to remain unchanged, meaning Jacob Bethell will have to wait for his opportunity. At number three, Devdutt Padikkal is anticipated to keep his place after a strong performance in 2025, despite his injury. This suggests that Venkatesh Iyer, who was signed for Rs. 7 crore, may not start the season.

The middle and lower order appears solid, featuring Tim David, Romario Shepherd, and Jitesh Sharma, all of whom excelled in their roles last season. Krunal Pandya, a key player in RCB's previous campaign, is also expected to retain his position.

Bowling Challenges for RCB

RCB Faces Dilemma in Bowling Department

However, RCB's bowling lineup faces challenges as star bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the season's start due to injury. New recruit Jacob Duffy or Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Tushara is likely to step in for the opening match. Duffy's recent performances may give him an edge. Meanwhile, Yash Dayal's situation remains uncertain, as he has not participated in professional cricket since the 2025 final due to legal issues stemming from an FIR against him in Jaipur under the POSCO Act.

Rasikh Salman Dar, who was acquired by RCB for Rs. 6 crore in 2025, and Mangesh Yadav, who joined this year for Rs. 5.2 crore, are options for Patidar. While Rasikh has more experience with RCB, Mangesh could debut as a left-arm pacer and a useful lower-order batter. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the pace attack, with Suyash Sharma as the sole specialist spinner. This lineup will see three changes from last year's final, with Liam Livingstone, Yash Dayal, and Mayank Agarwal released, and Hazlewood unavailable.

RCB Likely XI For IPL 2026 Clash VS SRH (Batting First): Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Mangesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy. Impact Player - Suyash Sharma