The IPL 2026 season is set to begin on March 28, and while the full schedule is yet to be officially released, the opening matches are starting to become clearer. Earlier trends suggested that the defending champions RCB would meet the runners-up PBKS in the season opener, but the latest report suggests a change in the tradition.

According to a Cricbuzz report, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and runners-up Punjab Kings from last year’s final are both playing in the first two days, but not against each other.

The IPL curtain-raiser almost always involves a big game and the defending champions are usually part of it. This year, RCB got that spot, but their opening opponent is not the team they beat in last year’s final.

Punjab Kings play Gujarat Titans at their home ground in Mullanpur on March 29, meaning the two teams that contested the 2025 final start the new season on separate days against different opponents. RCB will most probably face Chennai Super Kings on the opening night.

The report further stated that, according to Brand Finance and Duff and Phelps, CSK, RCB, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are the four marquee franchises in the competition, and a first night fixture between RCB and CSK is the kind of opening game the broadcasters and the fans want.

Two of the biggest supported teams in Indian cricket, a packed house in Bengaluru, and the defending champions at home against their most familiar rivals. The IPL has opened with this game before, and it always delivers.

Captains and coaches meet in Mumbai before the IPL 2026 season begins

The BCCI has also been in touch with franchises about the days leading up to March 28. The annual meeting with all captains and coaches is confirmed for Mumbai on March 25, three days before the opener. The agenda will come out closer to the date, but changes planned for the new season are usually on the table at this meeting, and it has always been one of the more useful pre-season gatherings on the calendar.

Captains get clarity on new rules, coaches align on what is expected and everyone goes into the season on the same page. The BCCI has also confirmed the captains’ shoot will be in New Delhi on March 15, the same day as the NAMAN awards ceremony, where five ICC trophy-winning Indian teams are being honoured. For the players attending both, it will be a full day in the capital before the final two weeks leading into March 28 begin.