New Delhi: With IPL 2026 just moments away, the opening match between defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. RCB will be led by Rajat Patidar while Ishan Kishan will lead SRH.RCB will also wear black armbands during their match against SRH to pay tribute to the fans who tragically lost their lives in the stampede outside the venue after the team’s historic title win last year.
“Royal Challengers Bengaluru will pay tribute to the eleven members of the RCB family who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident on June 4,” a statement from RCB said.“As a mark of respect, players will wear the number 11 practice jersey during warm-ups, followed by black armbands during the match.”“In a lasting gesture of remembrance, eleven seats will remain empty at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, a permanent tribute to the fans whose unwavering support will always be part of the RCB family,” the statement concluded.Last year, 11 people were killed and many injured in a stampede outside the stadium during the victory celebrations.‘Kohli is incredibly hungry’Virat Kohli Hungry and at the “peak of his powers”, coach Andy Flower said his IPL side RCB are set to begin their title defense.Former captain Kohli, who has retired from Tests and T20 Internationals, now represents India only in the 50-over format.“Virat is in a really good place mentally,” Flower told reporters.“He’s very comfortable with himself but still incredibly hungry, and watching him hit the ball in training, he sees the peak of his powers.”“It was very satisfying professionally for everyone, of course, but at the end of last season was a really emotional time for all kinds of reasons,” Flower told reporters.“It’s another time, so it’s time to move on.”
