The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 The season started with a high-octane clash as the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)took over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) On Saturday, March 28 at the famous M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Although the atmosphere was filled with the home team celebrating their status as reigning kings, a somber tone touched the opening ceremony. as Rajat Patidar After winning the toss and picking up the trophy, the fans leading their side onto the field were quick to spot the black armbands of the RCB players, a touching gesture that transcended the boundaries of the sport.
Why are RCB players wearing black armbands against Sunrisers Hyderabad?
The reason behind the black wristbands is deeply emotional and serves to commemorate the tragic events that took place on June 4, 2025. After RCB won their historic first IPL title last year, there were unprecedented celebrations in the city of Bangaloo. Unfortunately, the large crowd resulted in a deadly stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, claiming the lives of 11 loyal fans.
To honor these individuals, the RCB management and players have decided to make the opening of the 2026 season a day of remembrance. At the beginning of the day, the team did their pre-game warm-ups wearing jersey number 11. During the match itself, black armbands served as a sign of respect. Furthermore, the franchise has made a permanent gesture by leaving 11 seats empty in the stadium, ensuring that these fans remain an iconic part of the RCB family forever. Captain Patidar remarked during the toss that they carry the memory of their supporters in their hearts as they look at the second star on their jerseys.
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Starting XIs and tactical changes from both sides in the season opener
The 2026 launch also marked a new era of leadership for both franchises. with Pat Cummins sidelined with a back injury, Ishan Kishi He stepped up as interim captain of SRH, fresh off their T20 World Cup campaign. For RCB, Patidar officially took over as full-time captain looking to repeat the magic of 2025.
The match marks an important homecoming Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Philip Salt In RCB colours, SRH showed faith in young talent like Salil Arora, whom Kisha described as one to watch. Despite the lack of any front line Josh Hazlewood (RCB) and Cummins (SRH), the clash remains a heavyweight battle at the fresh Chinnaswamy track.
11th place for both teams
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy, Suyash Sharma.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (wk/c), Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Salil Arora, Harsh Dubey, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga.
Also READ: Salaries of all team captains participating in IPL 2026
