As the excitement builds for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which kicks off on March 28, the opening match promises to be thrilling, featuring the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan shared his insights, highlighting that Virat Kohli is poised to enter this season with the same drive and enthusiasm he showed during the ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand.
“Kohli has demonstrated a desire to leave a mark in every match he plays for India. I believe he will bring that same intensity to the IPL, aiming to lift the trophy once more,” Pathan remarked.
Pathan also emphasized the significant role of Devdutt Padikkal in RCB’s strategy for the upcoming season. “Devdutt Padikkal is set to be a key player for RCB in IPL 2026. He has been racking up runs consistently in domestic cricket across formats. He has transformed into a more confident player since overcoming his earlier struggles with timing,” he added.
The former cricketer further stated that RCB boasts a roster filled with match-winners, including bowlers like Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy, who can step up should star pacer Josh Hazlewood encounter fitness issues.
“What stands out about RCB now is their shift from relying solely on legends like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle. Their entire playing XI is packed with talent capable of winning matches. As we approach IPL 2026, concerns about Hazlewood’s fitness remain, but the presence of solid backups like Thushara and Duffy fortifies RCB’s lineup,” Pathan concluded.
In stadium news, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Secretary, Santosh Menon, announced that M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host five of RCB’s home games this season, along with one playoff and the title match. However, two home matches will take place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Cricket at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been on hold since last June after a tragic incident during RCB’s victory celebrations, which led to 11 fatalities and numerous injuries in a stampede.