Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) enter IPL 2026 with a schedule that offers both symmetry and serious challenges. Their campaign begins with a top-flight clash against the champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Bengaluru on March 28 and accordingly, their league tour will also conclude against the same opposition in Hyderabad on May 22. This storyline from the opener to the final gives SRH a unique story arc that can potentially gauge their progress throughout the tournament against one of the strongest teams in the league.
However, the season doesn’t start on the easiest note for SRH. They will be without their captain Pat Cummins for the opening stages as he continues to recover from a back strain. In his absence, Ishan Kishi will take responsibility by stepping into a leadership role at a crucial time. The first matches, especially the away games against RCB on March 28 and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 2, will test the depth and strength of the squad. These matches could set the tone for their campaign, especially as they look to continue to compete without their regular captain.
The good news for SRH is the strong home advantage they have enjoyed this season. They will play seven matches at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, where they have traditionally performed well. The main stage comes in mid-April, they will play a couple of consecutive home games against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on 13th April, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on 18th April and Delhi Capitals (DC) on 21st April. This stage could be decisive in shaping their playoff chances. IPL.
Another positive for SRH is their relatively balanced travel schedule. Unlike some teams that deal with multiple secondary venues, SRH’s facilities are spread across familiar cricketing hubs like Bengaluru, Kolkata, Jaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Chennai. This consistency in travel reduces fatigue and allows the team to focus more on performance. Additionally, SRH will have two afternoon matches – both Sundays – against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 5 and Kolkata Knight Riders on May 3 starting at 3:30 PM IST. These games will require adjustments to different pitch conditions and the challenge of playing in the afternoon heat.
Also READ: SWOT analysis of Sunrisers Hyderabad – SRH’s report card ahead of IPL 2026
SRH Complete IPL 2026 Schedule
- March 28 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Bengaluru – 7:30 PM IST
- April 2 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Kolkata – 7:30 PM IST
- April 5 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants – Hyderabad – 3:30 PM IST
- April 11 – Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Mullanpur – 3:30 PM IST
- April 13 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals – Hyderabad – 19:30 IST
- April 18 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings – Hyderabad – 19:30 IST
- April 21 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals – Hyderabad – 19:30 IST
- April 25 – Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Jaipur – 19:30 IST
- April 29 – Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Mumbai – 19:30 IST
- May 2 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Hyderabad – 7:30 PM IST
- May 6 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings – Hyderabad – 7:30 PM IST
- May 12 – Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Ahmedabad – 7:30 PM IST
- May 18 – Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Chennai – 19:30 IST
- May 22 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Hyderabad – 19:30 IST
Note: IST= GMT+5:30
Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin Names Playing XI for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for IPL 2026
