RCB vs SRH: Defending Champions Start with a Bang! Kohli & Padikkal Crush SRH in IPL 2026 Opener

The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), proved exactly why they wear the crown, kicking off their IPL 2026 campaign with a dominant 6-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In a high-octane season opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the "Men in Royal Blue" chased down a formidable target of 202 with 26 balls to spare.

MAXIMUM Entertainment 🍿@devdpd07 🤝 @imVkohli doing it in style 🔥#RCB 76/1 after 6 overs in the chase.

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/Eo5z0jh4K4 #TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #RCBvSRH | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/2A0mt3ktlB

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 28, 2026

​Match Highlights: A Power-Packed Chase ​After winning the toss and opting to bowl, RCB’s debutant Jacob Duffy set the tone with a brilliant 3/22. Despite a valiant 80 off 38 balls from SRH’s stand-in captain Ishan Kishan, the Hyderabad side finished at 201/9. ​The chase was a masterclass in aggressive batting: ​Virat Kohli: 69* (38 balls) – A classic "Chase Master" knock to seal the win. ​Devdutt Padikkal: 61 (26 balls) – Providing the explosive start RCB needed.

Picking up exactly where they left off! ❤️

Defending champions #RCB kick off their #TATAIPL 2026 campaign with a clinical, comprehensive victory over #SRH 👏

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/Eo5z0jh4K4 #KhelBindaas | #RCBvSRH | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/q3IAaMP3LK

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 28, 2026

​Rajat Patidar: 31 (12 balls) – A quickfire captain’s cameo to keep the momentum Result: RCB won by 6 wickets. Player of the Match: Jacob Duffy (3/22)