The Royal Challengers Bengaluru picked up right where they left off, delivering a statement performance against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match of IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Batting first, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a competitive total of 201 runs in their 20 overs, but their innings never quite reached its full potential. Stand-in captain Ishan Kishan was the standout performer, playing a scintillating knock of 80 off just 38 deliveries. His innings, laced with eight boundaries and five towering sixes, gave SRH the momentum they needed. However, the lack of support from the other end hurt them significantly, as wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Despite crossing the 200-run mark, losing nine wickets meant they left a few runs on the table.

For RCB, it was a debut to remember for Jacob Duffy. The Kiwi pacer was exceptional with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 22 in his four overs. His ability to pick up crucial wickets at key moments ensured that SRH couldn’t fully capitalize on Kishan’s explosive innings.

Virat Kohli played shot of the night 

Chasing 201 on a batting-friendly Bengaluru pitch, RCB looked confident from the outset. Although Phil Salt departed early for just 8 off 7 balls, it didn’t dent their momentum. The chase was anchored brilliantly by Virat Kohli, who once again showcased why he remains one of the best in the business. Kohli played a composed yet aggressive knock of 69 off 38 balls, striking five fours and five sixes at an impressive strike rate of 181. He paced his innings perfectly, ensuring RCB stayed in control throughout the chase.

Complementing Kohli’s brilliance was Devdutt Padikkal, who played a match-defining innings. Padikkal’s 61 off just 26 balls was a display of clean hitting and confidence, featuring seven boundaries and four sixes. His aggressive approach took the pressure off Kohli and tilted the game decisively in RCB’s favor.

In the end, Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down the target comfortably, sending a strong message to the rest of the teams. With contributions from both their experienced stars and new faces, RCB look like a well-balanced unit this season. If this opening performance is anything to go by, they are set to be a dominant force once again in IPL 2026.