Now, as they return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for their IPL 2026 opener, the context has changed completely. RCB go in not as hopeful contenders but as defending champions, with high expectations and intense scrutiny. Their first Test is against Sunrisers Hyderabad, as they only want to emulate the rare feat achieved by Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians by successfully defending the title.
Rajat Patidar is leading RCB. For SRH, Ishan Kishan is the interim captain as Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the opening games due to a back strain injury.
The campaign is long, but the importance of a strong start is undeniable. Chinnaswamy has not always been a stronghold for RCB, and with SRH bringing in a powerful batting unit, the challenge presents itself immediately.
On paper, the two teams mirror each other in many ways. Both sides possess deep and aggressive batting line-ups, both are missing their front-line Australian fast bowlers, and both rely on a mix of experienced Indian players and emerging talent. Conditions intensify the competition. The last full IPL game at the venue, RCB’s clash against CSK last season, scored 424, with the hosts defending a short 215.
RCB have retained the core group that led to their historic victory, while making targeted increases in the mini-auction. The arrivals of Venkatesh Iyer and Jordan Cox offer more flexibility, while youngsters like Mangesh Yadav and Vihan Malhotra strengthen the squad for the future.
Batting remains his greatest strength. With Virat Kohli and Phil Salt likely to open, and Jacob Bethel in good touch, the top order looks solid. The middle order, which includes Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikal, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Venkatesh Iyer, offers both experience and firepower. Selecting the final XI can indeed be one of the most difficult tasks of team management.
However, their bowling attack faces immediate concerns. Josh Hazlewood, their most effective bowler from last season, has recently rejoined the squad and will not feature in the opening match as he continues his recovery. His absence puts the onus on Bhuvneshwar Kumar to lead the attack in conditions that rarely forgive mistakes.
RCB will also be without Nuvan Thishara, who is yet to clear the fitness test. In Hazlewood’s absence, New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy could make his debut, while young Indian bowlers like Mangesh Yadav and Rashikh Dar are also in contention. The spin duo of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma will be crucial in handling the middle overs.
SRH, meanwhile, arrives with an equally dangerous batting line-up. Led by Ishan Kishan, they boast match-winners like Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Henrik Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy. However, their bowling unit looks a bit shaky without regular skipper Pat Cummins, although experienced names like Harshal Patel, Brayden Carus and Jaydev Unaddict are available.
Apart from cricket, the occasion will be an emotional one for RCB. The team will wear black armbands in memory of the 11 lives lost in the stampede during last year’s title celebrations, a tragedy that continues to haunt the franchise and its home ground.
