RCB vs SRH: The Countdown to IPL 2026 Starts Now! Full Schedule Inside

The IPL 2026 schedule is officially out! Defending champions RCB launch the season against SRH in Bengaluru on March 28. This first phase features 20 high-octane matches through April 12, including the massive RCB vs CSK clash on April 5. With a staggered rollout due to assembly elections, fans can also look forward to action in Guwahati and Mullanpur as the cricket carnival begins.

IPL 2026 Schedule Unveiled: RCB to Launch Title Defence Against SRH on March 28

The wait is finally over! The BCCI has officially pulled back the curtain on the first phase of Tata IPL 2026, and the opening fixtures promise a month of high-octane drama. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to ignite the season at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28, facing off against the explosive Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

This initial release covers the first 20 matches of the tournament, running until April 12. Due to the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam, the BCCI is adopting a staggered approach, with the remainder of the schedule to be finalised once polling dates are clear.

Blockbuster Matchups and Explosive Trades

The opening weekend is packed with rivalry. On Sunday, March 29, the Wankhede Stadium will witness a clash of titans as the Mumbai Indians host the Kolkata Knight Riders.

However, all eyes will be on the Monday night fixture in Guwahati. Rajasthan Royals will host Chennai Super Kings in a game charged with emotion. Following a sensational off-season trade involving Sam Curran, fans will see Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja face their former franchises for the first time in a high-stakes showdown.

Strategic Venues and "Home" Away from Home

The first phase highlights a unique geographical spread for several franchises:

Rajasthan Royals: Will play all three of their initial home games at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati before returning to Jaipur.

Punjab Kings: Will split their season, starting with four games in Mullanpur, followed by three in the picturesque Dharamsala.

RCB's Raipur Expansion: In a move to expand their massive fan base, the defending champs will play two of their home games in Raipur later this season.

The Bengaluru Factor: A Crucial Inspection

While the Chinnaswamy is ready for the March 28 opener, the BCCI noted that matches in Bengaluru are currently subject to a final nod from the Karnataka Government's Expert Committee. On March 13, 2026, a full-scale mock demonstration of match-day arrangements will be conducted. This inspection is a standard but vital safety protocol to ensure the stadium is 100% prepared for the "Red Army" to descend.

Key Dates for Your Calendar:

March 28: RCB vs SRH (The Opener)

March 29: MI vs KKR (Sunday Night Fever)

April 5: RCB vs CSK (The Southern Derby in Bengaluru)

April 12: MI vs RCB (Phase 1 Finale)

With double-headers scheduled for every weekend, the first 16 days of IPL 2026 are set to be a cricketing carnival. Can RCB maintain their crown, or will a new challenger emerge from the spring heat?

Tata IPL 2026 Schedule 1st Phase

Match No.	Date	Day	Kick-Off	Home Team	Away Team	City
1	28/03/26	Sat	Evening	Royal Challengers Bengaluru	Sunrisers Hyderabad	Bengaluru
2	29/03/26	Sun	Evening	Mumbai Indians	Kolkata Knight Riders	Mumbai
3	30/03/26	Mon	Evening	Rajasthan Royals	Chennai Super Kings	Guwahati
4	31/03/26	Tue	Evening	Punjab Kings	Gujarat Titans	Mullanpur
5	01/04/26	Wed	Evening	Lucknow Super Giants	Delhi Capitals	Lucknow
6	02/04/26	Thu	Evening	Kolkata Knight Riders	Sunrisers Hyderabad	Kolkata
7	03/04/26	Fri	Evening	Chennai Super Kings	Punjab Kings	Chennai
8	04/04/26	Sat	Afternoon	Delhi Capitals	Mumbai Indians	Delhi
9	04/04/26	Sat	Evening	Gujarat Titans	Rajasthan Royals	Ahmedabad
10	05/04/26	Sun	Afternoon	Sunrisers Hyderabad	Lucknow Super Giants	Hyderabad
11	05/04/26	Sun	Evening	Royal Challengers Bengaluru	Chennai Super Kings	Bengaluru
12	06/04/26	Mon	Evening	Kolkata Knight Riders	Punjab Kings	Kolkata
13	07/04/26	Tue	Evening	Rajasthan Royals	Mumbai Indians	Guwahati
14	08/04/26	Wed	Evening	Delhi Capitals	Gujarat Titans	Delhi
15	09/04/26	Thu	Evening	Kolkata Knight Riders	Lucknow Super Giants	Kolkata
16	10/04/26	Fri	Evening	Rajasthan Royals	Royal Challengers Bengaluru	Guwahati
17	11/04/26	Sat	Afternoon	Punjab Kings	Sunrisers Hyderabad	Mullanpur
18	11/04/26	Sat	Evening	Chennai Super Kings	Delhi Capitals	Chennai
19	12/04/26	Sun	Afternoon	Lucknow Super Giants	Gujarat Titans	Lucknow
20	12/04/26	Sun	Evening	Mumbai Indians	Royal Challengers Bengaluru	Mumbai

Also Read: IPL 2026 Schedule: First Phase Announcement Likely on March 12