Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium will host a total of 7 matches, including 2 knockout games and 5 home matches for RCB. This is expected to boost RCB’s confidence after the incidents that happened last year following their victory. As the defending champions, RCB will take the field to defend their title.
Here are list of 7 matches –
Match 1 – 28 March – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – 7:30 PM
Match 11 – 5 April – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings – 7:30 PM
Match 23 – 15 April – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants – 7:30 PM
Match 26 – 18 April – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals – 3:30 PM
Match 34 – 24 April – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans – 7:30 PM
Match 71 – 26 May* – Qualifier 1 / Eliminator (TBD) – 7:30 PM
Match 74 – 31 May – IPL 2026 Final – 7:30 PM
Opening Encounter of IPL – RCB vs SRH – 28 March
The opening clash of the IPL between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad promises high-intensity action. The aggressive trio of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Ishan Kishan will test RCB’s bowling, especially in the absence of Josh Hazlewood and Nuwan Thushara, even with the experience of Bhuvneshwar Kumar ( former SRH player).Meanwhile, Virat Kohli will be one to watch, as SRH lack their strike bowler and regular skipper Pat Cummins. Will their bowlers have enough capability to stop RCB’s strong batting lineup?
One last time? RCB – CSK – 5 April
Mark your calendar because the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, taking on five-time winners Chennai Super Kings at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 5 is a marquee clash to watch. This rivalry in Bengaluru always brings an electric atmosphere, and the strong bond between Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni adds an emotional edge to the contest. With this being their only meeting this IPL season, the stakes are even higher. Coming early in the tournament, the match could play a key role in shaping both teams’ momentum and title ambitions.
Two Knock – out matches including Final
Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium will also host two knockout matches this season, which means the excitement will be even higher with two more big games. If Royal Challengers Bengaluru finish at the top and make it to the knockouts again, it could be a huge boost for them, especially with the final also set to be played here. It’s a big opportunity for Bengaluru, and the fans will be dreaming once again Ee Sala Cup Namde.
Virat Kohli’s form will be one of the most closely watched storylines of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s campaign. He scored 657 runs in IPL 2025 at an average of 54.75 and played a key role in their maiden title win. With Rajat Patidar also in form, and new additions like Venkatesh Iyer boosting the lineup, the batting looks strong. Jacob Bethell’s recent T20 World Cup performances, especially against India, add further excitement. However, the focus will also be on bowling without Josh Hazlewood, can they defend their title?