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IPL 2026 Opener: RCB vs SRH on March 28, Full First Phase Schedule

The Indian Premier League 2026 will begin with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28. The first phase schedule, covering 20 matches, features high-profile clashes like Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals. The schedule includes several double-header days and matches across venues like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Guwahati. The full fixture list is set to be announced officially on the Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.

Key Points: IPL 2026 Schedule: RCB vs SRH Opener, First Phase Fixtures

  • RCB to host SRH in season opener
  • MI faces KKR at Wankhede
  • CSK vs RR in Guwahati
  • First 20 matches announced
2 min read

RCB to host SRH in IPL 2026 opener on March 28: Report

IPL 2026 season opener is RCB vs SRH on March 28. See the first phase schedule with MI vs KKR, CSK vs RR, and other key matchups.

"The opening phase promises several exciting contests as teams aim to gain early momentum - The Indian Express"

New Delhi, March 11

The first phase of the Indian Premier League 2026 will see defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the season opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28, a report said.

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians will start their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on March 29. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings will open their season against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. This matchup adds an early highlight to the schedule as two of the league's most popular teams go head-to-head.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the league has released the fixtures for the first 20 matches. The rest of the schedule is expected to be announced later. The opening phase promises several exciting contests as teams aim to gain early momentum in their quest for the playoffs.

Last season's runner ups, Punjab Kings, will begin their campaign against Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur. Lucknow Super Giants will host Delhi Capitals in Lucknow on April 1. The first phase also includes several key matchups, such as Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Chennai Super Kings on April 5 in Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 12 in Mumbai.

The schedule features double-header days, with two matches set for April 4, April 5, April 11, and April 12, which will give fans multiple games to enjoy on those dates. Teams will travel to various venues, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, Kolkata, Lucknow, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mullanpur during the tournament's opening phase.

The schedule also features several high-profile matchups. Bengaluru will host Chennai on April 5, and Mumbai will welcome Bengaluru on April 12. The first phase schedule of the IPL 2026 will be announced on Wednesday at 7:00 PM IST on the Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, the most exciting part is CSK vs RR in Guwahati. Taking the IPL to the Northeast is a brilliant move. The atmosphere there is going to be electric!
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Priyanka N
Good schedule, but releasing it in phases is a bit annoying. Why can't they announce the full thing at once? Makes planning match-viewing parties with friends very difficult.
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Rahul R
MI vs KKR at Wankhede on March 29th is the real blockbuster for me. The rivalry, the star power... can't wait! Hope the pitches are good for batting this season.
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Aman W
Double-headers on weekends are perfect! April 4th and 5th are going to be pure entertainment. Just need to stock up on snacks and make sure the wifi is working. 😅
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Kriti O
As a Hyderabad fan, a bit nervous about facing the defending champions right away. But SRH has a good record against RCB sometimes. Let's see what the new team combination brings.

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