Now, as they return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for their IPL 2026 opener, the context has completely shifted. RCB walk in not as hopeful contenders but as defending champions, with expectations higher and scrutiny sharper. Their first test comes against Sunrisers Hyderabad, as they look to emulate the rare feat achieved only by Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians by successfully defending the title.
Rajat Patidar leads RCB. For SRH, Ishan Kishan is the interim captain as Pat Cummins is ruled out of the early games due to a lumbar bone stress injury.
The campaign is long, but the importance of a strong start is undeniable. Chinnaswamy has not always been a stronghold for RCB, and with SRH bringing a powerful batting unit, the challenge presents itself straightaway.
On paper, the two teams mirror each other in several ways. Both sides possess deep and aggressive batting line-ups, both are missing their frontline Australian fast bowlers, and both depend on a mix of experienced Indian players and emerging talent. The conditions further heighten the contest. The last completed IPL game at this venue, RCB’s clash against CSK last season, produced 424 runs, with the hosts narrowly defending 215. If the pitch behaves similarly, it could once again turn into a high-scoring affair with little assistance for bowlers.
RCB have retained the core group that delivered their historic triumph, while making targeted additions in the mini-auction. The arrivals of Venkatesh Iyer and Jordan Cox offer added flexibility, while youngsters like Mangesh Yadav and Vihaan Malhotra strengthen the squad for the future.
Batting continues to be their biggest strength. With Virat Kohli and Phil Salt likely to open, and Jacob Bethell in good touch, the top order looks solid. The middle order, featuring Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Venkatesh Iyer, offers both experience and firepower. Selecting the final XI, in fact, could be one of the team management’s toughest tasks.
However, their bowling attack faces immediate concerns. Josh Hazlewood, their most effective bowler last season, has only recently rejoined the squad and will not feature in the opening match as he continues his recovery. His absence shifts responsibility onto Bhuvneshwar Kumar to lead the attack in conditions that rarely forgive errors.
RCB will also be without Nuwan Thushara, who is yet to clear fitness tests. In Hazlewood’s absence, New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy could be handed a debut, while young Indian bowlers like Mangesh Yadav and Rasikh Dar are also in contention. The spin duo of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma will be crucial in managing the middle overs.
SRH, meanwhile, arrive with an equally dangerous batting line-up. Under the leadership of Ishan Kishan, they boast match-winners like Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy. However, their bowling unit looks slightly unsettled without regular captain Pat Cummins, even though experienced names like Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse and Jaydev Unadkat are available.
Beyond the cricket, the occasion will carry an emotional undertone for RCB. The team will wear black armbands in remembrance of the 11 lives lost in the stampede during last year’s title celebrations, a tragedy that continues to linger over the franchise and its home ground.
