Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Will begin their IPL 2026 title defense with a thrilling home encounter Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28, setting the tone for what promises to be another intense season. With 13 more league matches taking place across various venues in India, the schedule released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) offers a mix of opportunities and challenges. RCB will have the advantage of playing five matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in its home base Bengaluru, while Raipur will also host two matches in a new strategic change.
The initial phase of the tournament looks favorable for RCB, with three of its first five matches being played at home. It also includes a blockbuster encounter against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) On April 5, an event that always attracts massive attention. Making the most of these home conditions will be important to build early momentum and confidence. Interestingly, RCB will also play two home matches at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur – against Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 10 and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 13. These matches could prove crucial in shaping their playoff hopes, especially when they come during the decisive phase of the tournament.
However, the road ahead will not be easy. After their initial home-heavy schedule, RCB are facing a tough challenge in the away fixtures. They will travel to Lucknow on May 7 before entering the Raipur leg, followed by Dharamshala to take on Punjab Kings (PBKS). Their league campaign will conclude with an away match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22. Adding another layer of challenge, RCB will also take part in two afternoon matches – against Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 18 and Punjab Kings on May 17 – both starting at 3:30 PM IST. Adapting to the different conditions, travel demands and match timings will be important as RCB aim to successfully defend their title.
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rcb ipl 2026 full schedule
- March 28 – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Bengaluru – 7:30 PM IST
- April 5 – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings – Bengaluru – 7:30 PM IST
- April 10 – Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – Guwahati – 7:30 PM IST
- April 12 – Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – Mumbai – 7:30 PM IST
- April 15 – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Lucknow Super Giants – Bengaluru – 7:30 PM IST
- April 18 – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Delhi Capitals – Bengaluru – 3:30 PM IST
- April 24 – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans – Bengaluru – 7:30 PM IST
- April 27 – Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – Delhi – 7:30 PM IST
- April 30 – Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – Ahmedabad – 7:30 PM IST
- May 7 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – Lucknow – 7:30 PM IST
- May 10 – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians – Raipur – 7:30 PM IST
- May 13 – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Raipur – 7:30 PM IST
- May 17 – Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – Dharamshala – 3:30 PM IST
- May 22 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – Hyderabad – 7:30 PM IST
Note: IST = GMT+5:30
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