RCB Kicks Off IPL 2026 with Record-Breaking Win Against SRH

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) commenced their IPL 2026 campaign with a remarkable six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). This match, held at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, saw RCB chase down a target of 202 runs in just 15.4 overs, setting a new record for the fastest 200-plus chase in IPL history. Captain Rajat Patidar dedicated the win to the 11 fans lost in a tragic incident last year. With standout performances from Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal, RCB's triumph was both emotional and historic. Read on for more details about this thrilling match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 29, 2026, 15:08 IST

RCB Starts IPL 2026 with a Bang

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the defending champions, launched their IPL 2026 season in spectacular style by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by six wickets during the season opener held at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

Victory Dedicated to Fallen Fans

RCB captain Rajat Patidar dedicated this significant win to the 11 fans who tragically lost their lives in a stampede incident last year. In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, Patidar expressed, "This victory is for the 11 fans we lost last year."

Historic Chase Achieved

In pursuit of a challenging target of 202 runs, RCB accomplished the chase in a mere 15.4 overs, marking the fastest 200-plus chase in IPL history, finishing with 26 balls remaining. Virat Kohli played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, while Devdutt Padikkal set the pace with a rapid 61 off just 26 balls.

Emotional Start and Fan Enthusiasm

Reflecting on the emotional beginning of the match, RCB's batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik remarked, "It was quite emotional at the start when we all stood in silence. Honoring the fans was important. The support from our fans is unparalleled; their passion motivates us immensely. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric, making it one of the happiest places to play."

Praise for Team's Performance

Patidar acknowledged the contributions of Kohli and Padikkal in establishing a solid foundation for the chase. He stated, "The way Devdutt and Virat began was crucial for us. We aimed to finish the game quickly, and the boys executed the chase phenomenally, while also bowling well."

SRH's Efforts Fall Short

Earlier, SRH managed to recover from a shaky start to post a total of 201/9. Ishan Kishan was the standout performer, scoring a dazzling 80 off 38 balls, supported by the middle order. However, IPL debutant Jacob Duffy made an impact early on, taking three wickets and reducing SRH to 29/3. He ended with impressive figures of 3/22, while Romario Shepherd also claimed three wickets.

RCB's head coach Andy Flower praised the team's performance, stating, "That was an incredible win. I believe it's the fastest chase of 200 in IPL history. A fantastic effort in our first game of 2026. Well done to the team!"