RCB Vs SRH, IPL 2026: Defending Champions Begin Title Defence In Style With Kohli, Padikkal Leading Dominant 202 Chase

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) began their IPL 2026 campaign with a convincing win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the season opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. It turned out to be a high-scoring encounter, but RCB’s all-round performance ensured they stayed in control for most of the game.

SRH, after winning the toss, posted a competitive 201/9 in 20 overs. Their innings had a shaky start as they were reduced to 49/3 in the powerplay, largely due to an impressive spell from debutant Jacob Duffy. The New Zealand pacer removed key top-order batters early, putting RCB on top.

However, SRH recovered strongly through a partnership between Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen. Kishan played a brilliant knock of 80 off 38 balls, taking the attack to RCB bowlers and keeping the scoring rate high.

Klaasen supported him well before falling in a controversial dismissal near the boundary. Late contributions, including a quick cameo from Aniket Verma, helped SRH push past the 200-run mark and finish with momentum.

Chasing 202, RCB showed intent from the very beginning. Despite losing Phil Salt early, they maintained an aggressive approach. Devdutt Padikkal took charge in the powerplay, smashing a rapid 61 off 26 balls to put the pressure back on SRH. His innings ensured that the required rate never became a concern.

Virat Kohli then anchored the chase with a composed and unbeaten 69, controlling the innings while rotating strike effectively. Rajat Patidar also chipped in with a quick cameo, keeping the momentum intact. At one stage, RCB had raced ahead in the chase, with the game effectively sealed well before the final overs.

The SRH bowling attack struggled to contain runs on a batting-friendly surface, with little margin for error at Chinnaswamy. RCB eventually chased down the target in just 15.4 overs, winning the match by six wickets and making a strong start to their title defence.

The second match of the tournament will be played between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians on March 29.

Also Read: RCB Vs SRH, IPL 2026 Match 1 highlights

RCB Vs SRH, IPL 2026: Toss Update

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to field first against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 match 1.

RCB Vs SRH, IPL 2026: Playing XIs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy, Suyash Sharma

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan(w/c), Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Salil Arora, Harsh Dubey, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga