Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will kick off their IPL 2026 title defence with an exciting home clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28, setting the tone for what promises to be another intense season. With 13 more league matches lined up across different 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 enjoy the advantage of playing five matches at their fortress, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, while also hosting two games in Raipur as part of a new strategic shift.

The early phase of the tournament looks favourable for RCB, with three of their first five matches scheduled at home. This includes a blockbuster encounter against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 5, a fixture that always draws massive attention. Making the most of these home conditions will be key for building 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 as they come during a decisive phase of the tournament.

However, the road ahead won’t be easy. After their initial home-heavy schedule, RCB face a demanding stretch of away fixtures. They travel to Lucknow on May 7 before entering the Raipur leg, followed by a trip to Dharamshala to take on Punjab Kings (PBKS). Their league campaign concludes with an away game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22. Adding another layer of challenge, RCB will also feature 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 varying conditions, travel demands, and match timings will be key as RCB aim to defend their title successfully.

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RCB IPL 2026 Full Schedule

• March 28 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Bengaluru – 7:30PM IST
• April 5 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings – Bengaluru – 7:30PM IST
• April 10 – Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Guwahati – 7:30PM IST
• April 12 – Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Mumbai – 7:30PM IST
• April 15 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants – Bengaluru – 7:30PM IST
• April 18 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals – Bengaluru – 3:30PM IST
• April 24 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans – Bengaluru – 7:30PM IST
• April 27 – Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Delhi – 7:30PM IST
• April 30 – Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Ahmedabad – 7:30PM IST
• May 7 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Lucknow – 7:30PM IST
• May 10 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians – Raipur – 7:30PM IST
• May 13 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Raipur – 7:30PM IST
• May 17 – Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Dharamshala – 3:30PM IST
• May 22 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Hyderabad – 7:30PM IST

Note: IST= GMT+ 5:30 hrs

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