IPL 2026: RCB vs SRH encounter attracts record views
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
The RCB vs SRH, match 1 of IPL 2026, took place on March 28.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 commenced on March 28 with the opening game between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In the high-scoring clash, RCB outplayed SRH by six wickets to start the tournament on a high.
RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl first. SRH lost both openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head cheaply. However, captain Ishan Kishan led the batting from the front, smacking quickfire 80 runs off 38 deliveries. A strong finish by Aniket Verma (43) in the end took the scoreboard to 201/9 in the first innings.
However, it was not enough for victory as RCB chased down the target like a walk in the park. After they lost opener Phil Salt cheaply, Devdutt Padikkal scored a 26-ball 61 to take the game away from SRH. Virat Kohli added an unbeaten 69 runs off 38 deliveries, driving the team to victory by six wickets within just 16 overs.
RCB vs SRH match attracts 40 million views on Jio Hotstar
The RCB vs SRH game attracted 40 million views on Jio Hotstar, which is the official live streaming partner for IPL 2026. It is also the most-watched game so far.
Notably, the match also witnessed the return of Kohli to the field after two months. Kohli, who only plays in the 50-over format for India, last played in the ODI series against New Zealand in January.
Kohli played a crucial role in RCB’s victory in the opening game; however, pacer Jacob Duffy was adjudged Player of the Match. Making his IPL debut in the clash, he clinched a three-wicket haul.
Meanwhile, with the victory in the opening game, RCB grab the second spot in IPL 2026 points table with two points. They follow Rajasthan Royals (RR), who occupy the top spot with two points and a better Net Run Rate (NRR). SRH take the ninth spot and are followed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in last place.
Now, Sunrisers will clash with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their next match on April 2 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. RCB will take on CSK in their next game in Bengaluru on April 5.
Who won the RCB vs SRH match 1 of IPL 2026?
RCB defeated SRH by eight wickets in the clash.
Who is captaining RCB in IPL 2026?
Rajat Patidar is the captain of RCB in the tournament.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.