The IPL 2026 begins with a blockbuster clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Royal Challengers will be aiming to defend their maiden title against the Hyderabad side. Both teams face key player absences in this opener.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will miss Josh Hazlewood and Tim David, while Sunrisers Hyderabad will be without regular captain Pat Cummins, with Ishan Kishan leading the side.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will depend on Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, and Phil Salt.
Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad will rely on their explosive top order, including Ishan Kishan, Travis Head, and Abhishek Sharma, to make a strong start.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Predicted Playing XI And Impact Options
Playing XI: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jacob Bethell, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Duffy Impact Player Options: Rasikh Salam, Mangesh Yadav
Sunrisers Hyderabad Predicted Playing XI And Impact Options
Playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (c & wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Aniket Verma, Liam Livingstone, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, Harsh Dubey Impact Player Options: Shivang Kumar, Salil Arora, Zeeshan Ansari
Key Player Battles To Watch
Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Travis Head
Bhuvneshwar Kumar will have a key role with the new ball, especially in Josh Hazlewood’s absence. His ability to swing the ball early could trouble Travis Head, who likes to attack from the start. If Bhuvneshwar gets movement, he can break SRH’s strong opening stand in the powerplay.Virat Kohli vs Jaydev Unadkat
Virat Kohli’s contest against left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat will be important at the top. Kohli has shown some vulnerability against this angle in the past, and SRH may use Unadkat early to keep him quiet. If Kohli survives this phase, he can anchor a big innings.Krunal Pandya vs Heinrich Klaasen
This middle-overs battle could be decisive. Krunal Pandya is known for his tight lines and control, while Heinrich Klaasen is one of the best hitters of spin. If Klaasen attacks successfully, SRH can dominate the middle overs, but Krunal can shift momentum with disciplined bowling.Match Prediction
Both teams have strong batting units, but RCB’s bowling looks slightly weakened without Hazlewood. SRH’s top order gives them a slight edge, especially on a batting-friendly Bengaluru pitch. Prediction: Sunrisers Hyderabad hold a slight advantage, but the contest remains evenly balanced.Also read: No place for Jacob Bethell! Aakash Chopra reveals RCB’s predicted XI For IPL 2026