The 2026 season has witnessed immense digital engagement, with high-scoring games contributing to record-breaking concurrent viewers on Jio Hotstar reported a combined reach of over 515 million across digital and linear TV. The IPL 2026 season on JioHotstar (JioStar) has seen record-breaking viewership, with multiple matches exceeding 400 million viewers, largely driven by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) matches. The opener, RCB vs SRH, drew over 430 million, with other high-viewership matches including RCB vs RR, reflecting massive engagement for Virat Kohli and RCB.

RCB fans are considered the most loyal in the IPL, frequently supporting the team through heartbreaking, close-call losses, rather than being "glory hunters". A massive portion of the fanbase is devoted to legends who played for the team, specifically Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, often following the team due to their association.

Top Viewership Matches IPL 2026-

  • RCB vs SRH (Opening match): Over 430 million viewers.

  • RCB vs RR : 410+ million viewers.

  • RCB vs CSK : 361 million viewers.

RCB with first loss of the season against RR

RCB had an unbroken streak in IPL 2026 till last night’s game against RR. The defending champions are somewhat having a balanced and dominating season .Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer’s Impact innings were not enough for RCB last night as 15 year old kid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s scintillating innings and Jurel’s calculated chase took RR to the victorious side.

With this win, RR have 4 victories in 4 matches and 8 points. Their Net Run Rate stands at +2.055, showing how strongly they have performed in all games. This result helped them stay at the top of the IPL 2026 Points Table and create a small lead over the other teams.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, however, missed a key chance to move up. They now have 2 wins and 1 loss in 3 matches, with 4 points. Their Net Run Rate of +1.231 is still strong, but this defeat slowed their progress and affected their position slightly.