The countdown to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has begun, with the tournament set to start in just two weeks. One of the biggest sporting spectacles in the world, the IPL will kick off on March 28, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the opening match.

The highly anticipated season opener will take place at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with the match scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST. Known for its vibrant crowd and high-scoring games, the Bengaluru venue is expected to witness a packed stadium as fans gather to watch the opening clash of the new season.

The upcoming edition marks the 19th season of the IPL, and the tournament is expected to feature 84 matches across several cities in India. Each host city will stage at least two matches during the season, giving fans across the country an opportunity to watch their favourite teams live in action.

Where to buy tickets for RCB vs SRH

Fans planning to attend the IPL 2026 opening match can purchase tickets through official ticketing platforms once bookings go live. Tickets will be available on:

  • BookMyShow
  • Paytm Insider
  • Official team websites such as rcb.in and sunrisershyderabad.in

These platforms will allow fans to choose their preferred seating categories and complete their booking online.

Since the opening match involves the defending champions and will be played at RCB’s home ground, demand for tickets is expected to be very high. Fans are therefore advised to book their tickets as soon as they become available.

IPL 2026 ticket prices

Ticket prices for RCB’s home matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium are expected to start at around ₹2,300 to ₹2,800 for basic seating sections. Mid-range seating options typically cost between ₹3,500 and ₹7,500, depending on the stand and the view from the seat.

Premium seating categories such as pavilion or terrace seats may range between ₹8,000 and ₹15,000. Meanwhile, fans looking for an exclusive experience can opt for corporate hospitality boxes, where ticket prices can exceed ₹30,000 per person.

With the M Chinnaswamy Stadium’s seating capacity of around 35,000, tickets for high-profile games like the season opener usually sell out quickly. In some cases, tickets may later appear on resale platforms at significantly higher prices.

Steps to book RCB vs SRH tickets online

Fans can follow these steps to book their tickets once sales begin:

  • Step 1: Visit an official ticketing platform such as BookMyShow or Paytm Insider.
  • Step 2: Search for the RCB vs SRH IPL 2026 opening match.
  • Step 3: Select your preferred seating category and the number of tickets you want to purchase.
  • Step 4: Complete the payment using UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking.

After the payment is successful, the ticket confirmation and digital pass will be sent to the registered mobile number or email ID.