Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL 2026 will begin with an exciting home match against the defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28, setting the tone for what promises to be another intense season. With 13 more league matches lined up across India, the schedule released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) offers a mix of opportunities and challenges. As part of the new strategic shift, RCB will enjoy the advantage of playing five matches at their stronghold, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, besides hosting two games in Raipur.
The initial phase of the tournament looks favorable for RCB, with three of their first five matches scheduled at home. This includes a blockbuster matchup Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Always an eye-catching fixture on April 5. Making the most of this home environment will be key to building early momentum and confidence. Interestingly, RCB will play two home matches against Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 10 and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 13 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. These matches could be crucial in shaping playoff hopes, especially as they come at a crucial stage of the tournament.
However, the road ahead will not be easy. After a tough initial home schedule, RCB face tough away matches. They travel to Dharamshala to take on Lucknow followed by Punjab Kings (PBKS) before taking on the Raipur leg on May 7. Their league campaign ends with an away game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22. Adding another layer of testing, RCB will also play two afternoon matches – Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 18 and Punjab Kings on May 17 – both starting at 3:30 pm IST. Adapting to different conditions, travel requirements and match timings will be key as RCB aim to successfully defend their title.
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RCB IPL 2026 Complete Schedule
- March 28 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Bengaluru – 7:30 PM IST
- April 5 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings – Bengaluru – 7:30 PM IST
- April 10 – Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Guwahati – 19:30 IST
- April 12 – Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Mumbai – 19:30 IST
- April 15 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants – Bengaluru – 19:30 IST
- April 18 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals – Bengaluru – 3:30 PM IST
- April 24 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans – Bengaluru – 19:30 IST
- April 27 – Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Delhi – 19:30 IST
- April 30 – Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Ahmedabad – 19:30 IST
- May 7 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Lucknow – 7:30 PM IST
- May 10 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians – Raipur – 19:30 IST
- May 13 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Raipur – 19:30 IST
- May 17 – Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Dharamshala – 3:30 PM IST
- May 22 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Hyderabad – 19:30 IST
Note: IST= GMT+5:30
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