'The real difference': SRH head coach weighs in on turning point after loss against RCB in IPL 2026 opener
Virat Kohli shares recipe behind sheer consistency, registers 17th 50+ total in last 33 IPL matches
RCB create history with commanding win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026 opener
Phil Salt grabs one-handed stunner to end Ishan Kishan's stay in IPL 2026 opener | Watch
Will Jasprit Bumrah play in Mumbai Indians' IPL 2026 opener vs KKR? Head coach shares update
Why are RCB players wearing black armbands in IPL 2026 opener vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru?
Josh Hazlewood misses Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 opener vs Sunrisers Hyderabad as he isn’t match-fit at the moment. Coach Andy Flower confirmed the development, stating that he needs time to get into shape.
Pat Cummins will miss SRH’s IPL 2026 opener vs RCB as he recovers from a lumbar stress injury. Though back to light bowling, he’s following a phased rehab plan and may return mid-season. Ishan Kishan captains vs Bengaluru.
Mitchell Starc dismissed speculation over his IPL delay, confirming shoulder and elbow injuries. The Delhi Capitals pacer said he is rehabbing and remains committed to joining the squad, while staying in regular touch with team management.
Bangladesh has eased its stance on IPL broadcasts, allowing channels to apply for telecast rights after earlier restrictions. The move follows improved ties with the BCCI after tensions over Mustafizur Rahman and Bangladesh’s withdrawal from the 2026 T20 World Cup.
With IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026 all set to kick off on March 28, let us have a look at the head-to-head record between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad as the two sides kick off the new season.
Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin took centre stage and talked about the upcoming season opener of the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28.
SRH coach Daniel Vettori confirmed Pat Cummins is fit and could return within 10–12 days, though bowling workload remains a concern. Meanwhile, uncapped batters Smaran and Salil Arora are pushing for IPL debuts amid tough team selection calls.
Jasprit Bumrah has joined Mumbai Indians ahead of their IPL 2026 opener vs KKR, while Mitchell Santner and Will Jacks are yet to link up. Meanwhile, Angkrish Raghuvanshi continues wicketkeeping drills for KKR. Meanwhile, MI aim to end their long-standing opening-match jinx.
Aakash Chopra believes Virat Kohli could outshine Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni in IPL 2026, citing his fitness and consistency. While Rohit eyes a comeback to runs in IPL and Dhoni faces a tough role, Kohli’s form and fitness at 37 give him an extra edge.
SRH enter IPL 2026 with a formidable batting line-up but a thin bowling attack. With Pat Cummins sidelined and fitness doubts over Ehsan Malinga, the team may rely on Harshal Patel, David Payne and Shivam Mavi to lead the pace, while spin options remain inexperienced.
