IPL 2026 Match 1 — M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Match: RCB vs SRH — IPL 2026 Match 1
Date: March 28, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Live TV: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD
Live Streaming: JioHotstar (App & Web)
International: Willow TV (USA), Sky Sports (UK)
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium is one of the most batting-friendly venues in T20 cricket. With short square boundaries and a flat, true surface, batters can play attacking shots right from ball one. The average first innings total here exceeds 180, and with key bowlers missing from both sides tonight, scores could push even higher.
During the powerplay, fast bowlers may generate slight movement with the new ball, but that assistance fades quickly. As the innings progresses, the surface stays true and pace becomes easier to hit. Spinners traditionally struggle here due to the short boundaries — even dot balls can go for six if the batter gets under one.
One important factor for tonight: this is among the first major matches at Chinnaswamy after a long gap. Pitch curators may have prepared a fresh surface, which can sometimes offer more movement early on before it settles into a batting pitch. In evening matches, dew sets in heavily from the 12th over onwards, making the ball difficult to grip and giving chasing teams a clear advantage.
Both captains will strongly favour bowling first tonight. Historical data at Chinnaswamy shows chasing teams win approximately 60% of matches, and with heavy dew expected in the second innings, the bowling side will find it very difficult to grip the ball.
In the last 5 IPL matches at this venue, 4 out of 5 toss-winning captains chose to field first. With Ishan Kishan captaining SRH for the first time and Rajat Patidar leading RCB at home, expect both to back chasing if they win the toss.
Based on squad selection and team news. Will be updated when official XIs are confirmed at toss.
Impact players: Jacob Bethell, Rasikh Salam
Impact players: Eshan Malinga, Jaydev Unadkat
RCB start as slight favourites thanks to home advantage at Chinnaswamy, a strong batting lineup anchored by Kohli and Salt, and familiarity with the surface. However, SRH are dangerous — Head and Klaasen can chase any total on this ground. The absence of Hazlewood weakens RCB's bowling significantly, which could cost them if SRH bat first.
This is an editorial prediction based on pitch conditions, squad news and historical data. It does not guarantee any outcome.
Given the flat pitch, short boundaries, and both teams missing key bowlers, expect a high-scoring match tonight.
Match starts at 7:30 PM IST | 3:00 PM BST | 10:00 AM EDT on March 28, 2026.
Who will win RCB vs SRH today?
Based on home advantage and pitch conditions, RCB are slight favourites (55%). However, SRH's batting lineup makes them dangerous in a chase.
Will there be dew in this match?
Yes. Dew is expected to set in heavily from around the 14th over of the second innings. This makes chasing significantly easier at Chinnaswamy.
What is the expected score in RCB vs SRH?
The expected 1st innings total is 190–215. With both teams missing key bowlers, high scores are likely.
Who is the best fantasy captain for RCB vs SRH today?
Virat Kohli is the safest captain choice — 236 runs in his last 4 matches vs SRH, and excellent form at Chinnaswamy. Heinrich Klaasen is the best vice-captain option.
Is Hazlewood playing today?
No. Josh Hazlewood is ruled out with a hamstring injury and will miss RCB's opening matches of IPL 2026.