Ishan Kishan and Virat Kohli (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)

BENGALURU: Until June 3, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru carried the tag of underachievers — a team that spent 17 previous seasons chasing an elusive trophy. On a muggy night in Ahmedabad, that narrative finally shifted. Built less on individual stardom and more on collective performances, RCB shed their long-standing baggage and got the monkey off their backs.When they return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday evening, they do so with a title to defend, a reputation to protect and expectations recalibrated. Against fellow southerners Sunrisers Hyderabad, RCB begin their campaign as defending champions — a feat only Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have managed to follow up with a successful title defence.

While it is a long season ahead, a strong start will be crucial. Chinnaswamy hasn’t always been a fortress for RCB, and against an SRH side packed with explosive batters, the challenge is immediate.On paper, the two teams share striking similarities. Both boast formidable batting units, both are without their premier Australian quicks, and they will rely on a blend of experienced Indian names and promising youngsters. The conditions only add to the intrigue. The last completed IPL game at the venue last season — RCB’s clash against CSK — saw a staggering 424 runs scored, with the hosts defending 215 by just two runs. If the surface stays true to its batting-friendly reputation, bowlers from both sides could be in for a long evening.RCB have largely retained the core that delivered their maiden title, using the mini-auction to plug specific gaps. The additions of Venkatesh Iyer and England’s Jordan Cox bring flexibility, while young Indian recruits like Mangesh Yadav and Vihaan Malhotra add depth and future promise.

Their batting remains their biggest strength. With Virat Kohli and Phil Salt expected to set the tone at the top, Jacob Bethell’s recent form adds another dynamic layer. The middle order is stacked with experience and firepower in Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Venkatesh Iyer. The team management, in fact, faces the enviable headache of narrowing down a balanced playing XI.However, the absence of Josh Hazlewood — their most impactful bowler last season — could be a significant setback. The Australian pacer, still working his way back from injury concerns, only rejoined the squad on Thursday and will sit out of the match. His absence puts the onus on Bhuvneshwar Kumar to lead the attack, especially in conditions that traditionally offer little margin for error. RCB are also without Sri Lankan quick Nuwan Thushara, who is yet to clear the fitness test in his home country. In Hazlewood’s absence, New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy could be handed an IPL debut. He is expected to slot into an otherwise Indian-heavy bowling unit, with youngsters Mangesh Yadav and Rasikh Dar pushing for inclusion. The spin department, featuring Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, will also have a key role in controlling the middle overs.SRH, meanwhile, look equally formidable with the bat. Led by Ishan Kishan, they have a destructive line-up comprising Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Reddy. However, their bowling appears relatively undercooked in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, even though they can call upon the experience of Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse and Jaydev Unadkat.Away from the on-field contest, it will be a sombre homecoming for RCB. The players will wear black armbands in memory of the 11 lives lost in the stampede during last year’s title celebrations — a tragedy that continues to cast a shadow over the team and the venue.

RCB full schedule (Agency Photo)

As the BCCI has announced the full schedule of IPL 2026, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will kick off their campaign on Saturday, March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at their home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The match will begin at 7:30 PM IST. Here is the full schedule of RCB’s IPL 2026 matches, along with their updated squad, match details, and venues.Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have retained a strong core of 17 players and made targeted additions during the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. For the first time in their history, RCB will enter an IPL season as defending champions.

RCB squad for IPL 2026:

Rajat Patidar(C), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Swapnil Singh, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Venkatesh Iyer, Satvik Deswal, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan, Jordan Cox, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Tushara, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy, Yash Dayal

RCB’s away matches

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s full schedule for IPL 2026

IPL Captains (Screengrab)

IPL 2026 is set for a blockbuster start this weekend, with the champion teams and star players kicking off the season in front of fans across the world. Here is the schedule for the opening weekend, along with match details and venues.RCB vs SRH: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru- March 28 (Saturday)Sunrisers Hyderabad will take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with the match starting 7:30 PM IST. The two sides last met at this venue in 2024, when SRH posted a record-breaking highest total of IPL 287/3. The match ended in SRH’s favor and also witnessed the highest aggregate in IPL history, with a combined 549 runs scored. At the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB and SRH have a competitive head-to-head record, with RCB holding an advantage with 5 wins in 8 matches, while SRH has secured 3 wins.RCB’s predicted playing XII: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Romario Shephard, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Jacob Duffy, Suyash Sharma (Impact Player) SRH’s predicted playing XII: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (C), Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Liam Livingston, Aniket Verma, Harsh Dubey, Harshal Patel, Eshan Malinga, Jaydev Unadkat Impact – Zeeshan AnsariMI vs KKR: Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai – March 29 (Sunday)Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders will face five-time champions Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, with the match starting 7:30 PM IST. The last time these two teams met in Mumbai, MI registered a dominant eight-wicket win on March 31, 2025. Debutant Ashwani Kumar starred with figures of 4/24 to bowl KKR out for 116, after which Ryan Rickelton’s unbeaten 62 off 41 balls helped MI chase down the target with 43 balls to spare, securing their first win of the 2025 season. Mumbai Indians (MI) dominate Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Wankhede Stadium, holding a 10-2 head-to-head record over 12 matches. MI’s predicted playing XII: Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock (WK), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Will Jacks, Hardik Pandya, Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Shardul Thakur (IMP)KKR’s predicted playing XII: Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Blessing Muzarabani, Umran Malik (Imp)

The BCCI has announced the full schedule for IPL 2026. The 19th edition of the tournament will begin on March 28, with the final scheduled to be played on May 31. The last league match will take place on May 24. A total of 74 matches will be played this season, with each team playing 14 games, seven at home and seven away. After the conclusion of the 70 league matches, the top four teams will qualify for the playoffs, which will include two Qualifiers, one Eliminator, and the final.Here’s a look at each team’s fixtures.Chennai Super Kings (CSK): First league match – 3 April vs Punjab Kings, Last league match – 21 May vs Gujarat Titans. Check CSK’s full schedule: Mar 30 – vs Rajasthan Royals (Guwahati) – 7:30 PMApr 03 – vs Punjab Kings (Chennai) – 7:30 PMApr 05 vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Bengaluru) – 7:30 PMApr 11 – vs Delhi Capitals (Chennai) – 7:30 PMApr 14 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Chennai) – 7:30 PMApr 18 – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Hyderabad) – 7:30 PMApr 23 – vs Mumbai Indians (Mumbai) – 7:30 PMApr 26 – vs Gujarat Titans (Ahmedabad) – 3:30 PMMay 02 – vs Mumbai Indians (Chennai) – 7:30 PMMay 05 – vs Delhi Capitals (Delhi) – 7:30 PMMay 10 – vs Lucknow Super Giants (Chennai) – 3:30 PMMay 15 – vs Lucknow Super Giants (Lucknow) – 7:30 PMMay 18 – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Chennai) – 7:30 PMMay 21 – vs Gujarat Titans (Chennai) – 7:30 PMRoyal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): First league match – 28 March vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Last league match – 22 May vs Sunrisers Hyderabad. Check RCB’s full schedule: Mar 28 – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Bengaluru) – 7:30 PMApr 05 – vs Chennai Super Kings (Bengaluru) – 7:30 PMApr 10 – vs Rajasthan Royals (Guwahati) – 7:30 PMApr 12 – vs Mumbai Indians (Mumbai) – 7:30 PMApr 15 – vs Lucknow Super Giants (Bengaluru) – 7:30 PMApr 18 – vs Delhi Capitals (Bengaluru) – 3:30 PMApr 24 – vs Gujarat Titans (Bengaluru) – 7:30 PMApr 27 – vs Delhi Capitals (Delhi) – 7:30 PMApr 30 – vs Gujarat Titans (Ahmedabad) – 7:30 PMMay 07 – vs Lucknow Super Giants (Lucknow) – 7:30 PMMay 10 – vs Mumbai Indians (Raipur) – 7:30 PMMay 13 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Raipur) – 7:30 PMMay 17 – vs Punjab Kings (Dharamsala) – 3:30 PMMay 22 – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Hyderabad) – 7:30 PMMumbai Indians (MI): First league match – 28 March vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Last league match – 22 May vs Sunrisers Hyderabad. Check MI’s full schedule: Mar 29 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Mumbai) – 7:30 PMApr 04 – vs Delhi Capitals (Delhi) – 3:30 PMApr 07 – vs Rajasthan Royals (Guwahati) – 7:30 PMApr 12 – vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Mumbai) – 7:30 PMApr 16 – vs Punjab Kings (Mumbai) – 7:30 PMApr 20 – vs Gujarat Titans (Ahmedabad) – 7:30 PMApr 23 – vs Chennai Super Kings (Mumbai) – 7:30 PMApr 29 – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Mumbai) – 7:30 PMMay 02 – vs Chennai Super Kings (Chennai) – 7:30 PMMay 04 – vs Lucknow Super Giants (Mumbai) – 7:30 PMMay 10 – vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Raipur) – 7:30 PMMay 14 – vs Punjab Kings (Dharamsala) – 7:30 PMMay 20 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Kolkata) – 7:30 PMMay 24 – vs Rajasthan Royals (Mumbai) – 3:30 PMKolkata Knight Riders (KKR): First league match – 29 March vs Mumbai Indians, Last league match – 24 May vs Delhi Capitals. Check KKR’s full schedule: Mar 29 – vs Mumbai Indians (Mumbai) – 7:30 PMApr 02 – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Kolkata) – 7:30 PMApr 06 – vs Punjab Kings (Kolkata) – 7:30 PMApr 09 – vs Lucknow Super Giants (Kolkata) – 7:30 PMApr 14 – vs Chennai Super Kings (Chennai) – 7:30 PMApr 17 – vs Gujarat Titans (Ahmedabad) – 7:30 PMApr 19 – vs Rajasthan Royals (Kolkata) – 3:30 PMApr 26 – vs Lucknow Super Giants (Lucknow) – 7:30 PMMay 03 – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Hyderabad) – 3:30 PMMay 08 – vs Delhi Capitals (Delhi) – 7:30 PMMay 13 – vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Raipur) – 7:30 PMMay 16 – vs Gujarat Titans (Kolkata) – 7:30 PMMay 20 – vs Mumbai Indians (Kolkata) – 7:30 PMMay 24 – vs Delhi Capitals (Kolkata) – 7:30 PMSunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): First league match – 28 March vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Last league match – 22 May vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Check SRH’s full schedule: Mar 28 – vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Bengaluru) – 7:30 PMApr 02 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Kolkata) – 7:30 PMApr 05 – vs Lucknow Super Giants (Hyderabad) – 3:30 PMApr 11 – vs Punjab Kings (New Chandigarh) – 3:30 PMApr 13 – vs Rajasthan Royals (Hyderabad) – 7:30 PMApr 18 – vs Chennai Super Kings (Hyderabad) – 7:30 PMApr 21 – vs Delhi Capitals (Hyderabad) – 7:30 PMApr 25 – vs Rajasthan Royals (Jaipur) – 7:30 PMApr 29 – vs Mumbai Indians (Mumbai) – 7:30 PMMay 03 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Hyderabad) – 3:30 PMMay 06 – vs Punjab Kings (Hyderabad) – 7:30 PMMay 12 – vs Gujarat Titans (Ahmedabad) – 7:30 PMMay 18 – vs Chennai Super Kings (Chennai) – 7:30 PMMay 22 – vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Hyderabad) – 7:30 PMRajasthan Royals (RR): First league match – 30 March vs Chennai Super Kings, Last league match – 24 May vs Mumbai Indians. Check RR’s full schedule: Apr 04 – vs Gujarat Titans (Ahmedabad) – 7:30 PMApr 07 – vs Mumbai Indians (Guwahati) – 7:30 PMApr 10 – vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Guwahati) – 7:30 PMApr 13 – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Hyderabad) – 7:30 PMApr 19 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Kolkata) – 3:30 PMApr 22 – vs Lucknow Super Giants (Lucknow) – 7:30 PMApr 25 – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Jaipur) – 7:30 PMApr 29 – vs Punjab Kings (New Chandigarh) – 7:30 PMMay 01 – vs Delhi Capitals (Jaipur) – 7:30 PMMay 04 – vs Gujarat Titans (Jaipur) – 7:30 PMMay 10 – vs Lucknow Super Giants (Jaipur) – 7:30 PMMay 17 – vs Delhi Capitals (Delhi) – 7:30 PMMay 24 – vs Mumbai Indians (Mumbai) – 3:30 PMDelhi Capitals (DC): First league match – 1 April vs Lucknow Super Giants, Last league match – 24 May vs Kolkata Knight Riders. Check DC’s full schedule: Apr 01 – vs Lucknow Super Giants (Lucknow) – 7:30 PMApr 04 – vs Mumbai Indians (New Delhi) – 3:30 PMApr 08 – vs Gujarat Titans (New Delhi) – 7:30 PMApr 11 – vs Chennai Super Kings (Chennai) – 7:30 PMApr 18 – vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Bengaluru) – 3:30 PMApr 21 – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Hyderabad) – 7:30 PMApr 25 – vs Punjab Kings (New Delhi) – 3:30 PMApr 27 – vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (New Delhi) – 7:30 PMMay 01 – vs Rajasthan Royals (Jaipur) – 7:30 PMMay 05 – vs Chennai Super Kings (New Delhi) – 7:30 PMMay 08 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (New Delhi) – 7:30 PMMay 11 – vs Punjab Kings (Dharamsala) – 7:30 PMMay 17 – vs Rajasthan Royals (New Delhi) – 7:30 PMMay 24 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Kolkata) – 7:30 PMLucknow Super Giants (LSG): First league match – 1 April vs Delhi Capitals, Last league match – 23 May vs Punjab Kings. Check LSG’s full schedule: Apr 01 – vs Delhi Capitals (Lucknow) – 7:30 PMApr 05 – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Hyderabad) – 3:30 PMApr 09 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Kolkata) – 7:30 PMApr 12 – vs Gujarat Titans (Lucknow) – 3:30 PMApr 15 – vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Bengaluru) – 7:30 PMApr 19 – vs Punjab Kings (New Chandigarh) – 7:30 PMApr 22 – vs Rajasthan Royals (Lucknow) – 7:30 PMApr 26 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Lucknow) – 7:30 PMMay 04 – vs Mumbai Indians (Mumbai) – 7:30 PMMay 07 – vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Lucknow) – 7:30 PMMay 10 – vs Chennai Super Kings (Chennai) – 3:30 PMMay 15 – vs Chennai Super Kings (Lucknow) – 7:30 PMMay 19 – vs Rajasthan Royals (Jaipur) – 7:30 PMMay 23 – vs Punjab Kings (Lucknow) – 7:30 PMPunjab Kings (PBKS): First league match – 31 March vs Gujarat Titans, Last league match – 23 May vs Lucknow Super Giants. Check PBKS’ full schedule: Mar 31 – vs Gujarat Titans (New Chandigarh) – 7:30 PMApr 03 – vs Chennai Super Kings (Chennai) – 7:30 PMApr 06 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Kolkata) – 7:30 PMApr 11 – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (New Chandigarh) – 3:30 PMApr 16 – vs Mumbai Indians (Mumbai) – 7:30 PMApr 19 – vs Lucknow Super Giants (New Chandigarh) – 7:30 PMApr 25 – vs Delhi Capitals (Delhi) – 3:30 PMApr 28 – vs Rajasthan Royals (New Chandigarh) – 7:30 PMMay 03 – vs Gujarat Titans (Ahmedabad) – 7:30 PMMay 06 – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Hyderabad) – 7:30 PMMay 11 – vs Delhi Capitals (Dharamsala) – 7:30 PMMay 14 – vs Mumbai Indians (Dharamsala) – 7:30 PMMay 17 – vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Dharamsala) – 3:30 PMMay 23 – vs Lucknow Super Giants (Lucknow) – 7:30 PMGujarat Titans (GT): First league match – 31 March vs Punjab Kings, Last league match – 23 May vs Lucknow Super Giants. Check PBKS’ full schedule: Mar 31 – vs PBKS (Mullanpur) – 7:30 PMApr 4 – vs RR (Ahmedabad) – 7:30 PMApr 8 – vs DC (Delhi) – 7:30 PMApr 12 – vs LSG (Lucknow) – 3:30 PM/Apr 17 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Ahmedabad) – 7:30 PMApr 20 – vs Mumbai Indians (Ahmedabad) – 7:30 PMApr 24 – vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Bengaluru) – 7:30 PMApr 26 – vs Chennai Super Kings (Ahmedabad) – 3:30 PMApr 30 – vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Ahmedabad) – 7:30 PMMay 03 – vs Punjab Kings (Ahmedabad) – 7:30 PMMay 09 – vs Rajasthan Royals (Jaipur) – 7:30 PMMay 12 – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Ahmedabad) – 7:30 PMMay 16 – vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Kolkata) – 7:30 PMMay 21 – vs Chennai Super Kings (Chennai) – 7:30 PM

Nuwan Thushara of RCB celebrates (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

Sri Lanka pacer Nuwan Thushara is set to miss the upcoming Indian Premier League after being denied a No Objection Certificate by Sri Lanka Cricket, following the introduction of a strict new fitness policy. As part of the revised guidelines, the board has made it compulsory for players to meet newly established physical performance benchmarks before receiving clearance to feature in overseas franchise leagues, including the IPL and the PSL. Thushara’s participation hinged on clearing these fitness tests, but reports suggest he fell short of the required standards. According to Newswire Sri Lanka, the board’s decision to withhold the NOC could result in the pacer losing his contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which is believed to be worth around INR 1.6 crore. The development adds to a challenging period for Thushara. After playing a key role in Sri Lanka’s 2025 Asia Cup campaign, he was later sidelined ahead of the T20 World Cup, even as the team dealt with multiple injuries in the pace department. His absence from selection raised concerns about his standing within the national setup. While Thushara is reportedly not dealing with any injury and remains fit to bowl, questions over his overall fitness levels appear to have influenced the selectors’ decision under the new policy framework. The board has taken a firm stance, granting NOCs only to players who meet the prescribed fitness criteria. Several Sri Lankan players, including Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis, have cleared the benchmarks and secured approval to participate in the IPL. In contrast, Kusal Janith Perera has been allowed to feature in the PSL without undergoing the fitness tests, with the board clarifying that he is not currently in contention for national selection. At RCB, Thushara had a realistic chance of breaking into the playing XI. With lead overseas pacer Josh Hazlewood ruled out at the start of the season and Yash Dayal also unavailable, the franchise was left with limited options. Alongside New Zealand seamer Jacob Duffy, Thushara was among the frontrunners, especially given his prior IPL experience. He was part of RCB in 2025, where he featured in one match and returned figures of 1 for 26 from four overs. The previous season, he represented Mumbai Indians, claiming eight wickets at an average of 32.12.