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RCB Roars in IPL 2026 Opener as Kohli Stars in Emotional Tribute Match

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru began their IPL 2026 campaign with a commanding six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Virat Kohli, returning to T20 cricket after ten months, anchored the chase with an unbeaten 69. The match was preceded by a solemn tribute to eleven supporters who died in a stampede during RCB's title celebrations last year. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia expressed excitement for the new season, calling the opener "electrifying action."

Key Points: IPL 2026 Opener: RCB Wins, Kohli Shines in Tribute Game

  • RCB wins high-scoring IPL 2026 opener
  • Virat Kohli stars in T20 return
  • Match honors fans lost in stampede
  • Devdutt Padikkal provides explosive start
2 min read

The wait is over...': BCCI chief Saikia cherishes 'electrifying action' of IPL 2026 opener

RCB starts IPL 2026 with a win over SRH. Virat Kohli returns with a brilliant 69*, and the match honors fans lost in a stampede.

"The wait is over... it's time for IPL2026! - Devajit Saikia"

New Delhi, March 29

As countdown to the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League has ended with defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru beating Sunrisers Hyderabad, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia expressed his excitement for what promises to be another thrilling season of the tournament.

Saikia was in attendance at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium along with ICC chair Jay Shah, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal and other BCCI officials. Veteran Telugu actor Venkatesh Daggubati was also present during the high-octane IPL encounter.

"The wait is over... it's time for IPL2026! The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League kicks off with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru beginning their campaign in a high-voltage opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru, setting the tone for an action-packed season ahead," Saikia shared pictures from the stadium on X.

RCB began their IPL 2026 campaign in commanding fashion, chasing down a stiff target of 202 to defeat SRH by six wickets with 26 balls to spare.

It was batting talisman Virat Kohli, who returned to playing T20 cricket after ten months, enthralled the home crowd with an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, laced with five fours and five sixes, after Devdutt Padikkal set the tone with a rollicking 61 off 26 balls, studded with seven fours and four sixes.

Ahead of the match, payers, officials and fans observed a minute's silence at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in memory of eleven supporters who died in a stampede during RCB's title celebrations last year.

Both teams took the field wearing black armbands as a mark of respect. In a symbolic gesture, 11 seats inside the stadium have been permanently reserved at the stadium to honour those who lost their lives.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The tribute to the fans who passed away was very moving and respectful. It's important to remember that behind all the glamour, cricket is about the people. Well done to the organizers for honoring them.
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Priya S
Padikkal was on fire! 61 off 26 is just insane. The opening partnership set the perfect platform. As an RCB fan, this is the kind of start we've been dreaming of for years. Hope they keep this momentum.
R
Rahul R
Great match, but can we talk about the ticket prices? It's becoming harder for the average fan to experience this "electrifying action" live in the stadium. BCCI should look into more affordable options.
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Anjali F
The atmosphere must have been electric! Chinnaswamy is always special. IPL is not just cricket, it's a festival that unites the entire country. Two months of pure entertainment have begun!
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Michael C
Chasing 202 with so many balls to spare is a statement. SRH's bowling looked completely flat. They have a lot to think about. But credit where it's due, RCB's batting was phenomenal.

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