The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially released the schedule for the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. As the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will feature in the tournament’s opening match.
The season starts on March 28, 2026, with RCB taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad at their home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Phase 1: RCB Match List
The BCCI has currently announced the first 20 matches of the tournament. The rest of the schedule will be shared later, once the dates for state elections are confirmed.
Here are the confirmed matches for RCB in the first phase:
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 28 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| April 5 | Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| April 10 | Rajasthan Royals | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| April 12 | Mumbai Indians | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
Key Points for Fans
- The Season Opener: RCB starts the tournament at home. This is a special moment for fans as the team returns to the Chinnaswamy Stadium as the reigning champions.
- Safety Clearances: While matches are scheduled for Bengaluru, the BCCI has noted that final approval depends on a safety inspection by an expert committee on March 13.
- Raipur Venue: Later in the season, RCB is expected to play two of its “home” matches in Raipur, while five will be held in Bengaluru.
- The Southern Derby: One of the most awaited matches against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is set for Sunday, April 5.
Why Only 20 Matches?
The full schedule is being released in parts because of upcoming assembly elections in states like Assam and Tamil Nadu. To ensure security and smooth travel, the BCCI is waiting for the official election dates before locking in the second half of the tournament.
