The Indian Premier League 2026 season began in Bengaluru with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl first, setting the tone for a high-energy clash in front of a packed home crowd.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by Ishan Kishan in the absence of Pat Cummins, looked to make a strong start against the defending champions.
The opener also carried an emotional tribute, with RCB players wearing black armbands and 11 seats left vacant in memory of fans who died in last year’s stampede.
The 2026 IPL season will feature 70 matches, running until May 24, with teams vying for supremacy in the world’s most popular cricket league.
