The Royal Challengers Bengaluru opened their account in the 2026 season with a dominant six-wicket win over the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League.
Electing to field after winning the toss, Rajat Patidar’s men restricted the Sunrisers to 201/9 at the end of their 20 overs. Debutant Jacob Duffy picked up 3/22 in four overs in a brilliant display of hit-the-deck bowling. Ishan Kishan, continuing his rich vein of form, scored 80 off just 38 balls with wickets falling around him. A late cameo from Aniket Verma, who scored 43 off just 18 balls, took SRH past the 200-run mark.
In response, RCB started brilliantly, with Devdutt Padikkal taking the attack to the SRH bowlers. The southpaw fell for 61 off just 26 balls in a brilliant batting display. Captain Rajat Patidar scored a quickfire 31 off just 12 balls, continuing the momentum after Padikkal’s wicket. Virat Kohli, anchoring the chase, remained unbeaten on 69 off 38 balls, as they made it home with an impressive 4.2 overs to spare.
Talking points
1) Phil Salt’s catch, legitimate or not?
Phil Salt’s catch of Heinrich Klaasen was one filled with uncertainty. While the England player did well to keep control of the ball, inconclusive replays led to doubts whether his torso touched the boundary cushion. The decision given after review by the third umpire was met with displeasure from Klaasen, who was seen in a furious conversation with the fourth umpire.
2) Devdutt Padikkal’s form, a concern for Venkatesh Iyer
With a blistering 61 off just 28 balls, Devdutt Padikkal seems to have cemented his place at No. 3. A stroke-laden innings from him saw RCB take control of the chase early on. This does not bode well for high-profile batter Venkatesh Iyer, who was signed by the franchise for a substantial fee of INR 7 crore in the mini-auction.
3) Jacob Duffy compensates for Hazlewood’s absence
New Zealand fast-bowler Jacob Duffy, making his IPL debut, picked up brilliant figures of 3/22 in his four overs in a masterful display of hit-the-deck bowling in the powerplay. With the big wickets of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Nitish Kumar Reddy, he dented the SRH innings early on. Coming in as a backup for the absent Josh Hazlewood, he stepped up in a vital role. It remains to be seen what the future holds for him once the star Aussie quick is back.
Who said what?
Ishan Kishan, Sunrisers Hyderabad captain
I think definitely the wicket played well after the first 3-4 overs. You know, we lost a few early wickets, and we have to take care of that maybe next time because, looking at the wicket in the second innings, it was pretty much easier to bat on and the ball was coming on quite well. So yeah, we’ll have to be a little smart with the shot selection next time. But yeah, we did well after losing track, which gives a lot of confidence to us. You know, especially you have to give some credit to the batters as well, the way they batted, especially Virat Bhai while chasing. It’s very important to get his wicket as soon as possible. Otherwise, if he keeps on going, it’s hard to stop him. We’ll have to work a little hard. It’s the first game and these mistakes are acceptable for now. We’ll be a little more cautious with the bowling, areas where we need to execute, and we might be stronger from the next game. I actually enjoyed it a lot, you know, enjoyed every moment of it. It’s IPL, so sometimes nerves are there. But we’ll get better with this as a team. What else can I say about the captaincy? If we win the games coming ahead, it will be much easier for us going ahead in the tournament.
Rajat Patidar, Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain
The way boys played and everybody chipped in was a positive sign. Duffy was playing his first match and the way he bowled was the turning point for us. Not a policy but we’re assessing the wicket and the wicket was good to bat. The way Virat Kohli and Padikkal played was a good base. [Kohli] No words for him. Every time he goes in and when the team is chasing, he’s the number one batter and he was there at the end. It was a terrific catch by Phil Salt. I was surprised. But as we know he’s a terrific fielder. Was trying my best to create an impact in this match. Was a situation in which we could’ve finished it off quickly.
Jacob Duffy, Player of the Match
Awesome. Have heard a lot of good things about Bangalore and RCB. Hell of a way to start the campaign. Just keeping the big fella’s [Hazlewood] seat warm. We have identified that the new ball does a little bit in Bangalore. We talk a lot about things and what works here. Slightly different wicket. Haven’t seen a wicket with that kind of bounce in the last couple of months here. While the ball’s hard and new here, it’s the best time to bowl.
