RCB vs SRH (Match 1, IPL 2026): Pitch, weather, likely playing XI, when and where to watch
The wait is finally over as the Indian Premier League returns for its 2026 edition. In a mouth-watering season opener, the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) tonight at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Having secured their maiden title in 2025 with a clinical victory over Punjab Kings, RCB enter the arena with the heavy mantle of expectations. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, the Bengaluru outfit boasts a balanced squad featuring the legendary Virat Kohli, the explosive Tim David, and the seasoned swing of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
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Pitch report & weather conditions
The Chinnaswamy surface remains a nightmare for bowlers and a paradise for those with bat in hand. After a year-long hiatus from IPL action, the pitch is expected to offer its trademark true bounce and lightning-fast outfield. With notoriously short boundaries, fans should brace for a high-scoring encounter where any lapse in bowling discipline will be ruthlessly punished.
The forecast suggests a perfect evening for cricket, with clear skies and temperatures hovering between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius throughout the match. With humidity at approximately 60 per cent and the chance of precipitation remaining under 5 per cent, the threat of rain is virtually non-existent.
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Head-to-head & match details
History slightly favours the visitors; in 26 previous meetings, SRH have emerged victorious on 13 occasions compared to RCB’s 11, with one match ending in a tie. Their most recent clash in May 2025 also went the way of the Sunrisers.
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Watch: Star Sports (TV) or stream via JioHotstar.
Predicted playing XIs
SRH, led by Ishan Kishan, will feel the absence of talismanic seamer Pat Cummins but remain dangerous with the likes of Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen.
RCB: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy. (Impact: Mangesh Yadav)
SRH: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (C/WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Brydon Carse, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat. (Impact: Salil Arora) (With inputs from Agencies)