IPL 2026, RCB vs SRH: IPL 2026 is going to start from March 28. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will defend their success from last season and face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The match will start at 7:30 pm at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. RCB will be eyeing to start with a win, but the team has suffered an initial setback. An important player of the team will not be able to play in the opening match.

Big shock to RCB before the opening match

Royal Challengers Bangalore fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will not be able to play in the opening match. His fitness has not fully recovered yet. Josh Hazlewood reached Bengaluru on Thursday, but due to fitness he will not be available for tomorrow's match. RCB head coach Andy Flower said that the bowlers are not ready to take the field tomorrow. He said, 'We are keeping an eye on his fitness.'

The Myth. The Legend. The𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗚𝗢𝗗.

Back in Red, Blue, and Gold. Back to BLR. Just where he truly belongs.

Bengaluru, our has returned. #PlayBold #নমমRCB #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/hgoBrGboJq

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 26, 2026

Hazlewood has been struggling with an Achilles heel injury for some time. This injury has troubled Hazlewood a lot. Due to which he not only lost the Ashes series, but also could not be a part of the Australian team in the T20 World Cup 2026. He is away from cricket since November 2025. Hamstring and Achilles tendon problems have kept him out of the field for a long time.

RCB made champion

RCB has created history by winning the IPL trophy for the first time last season. Hazlewood plays an important role in the bowling line-up of RCB. In his absence, the team will have to depend more on other fast bowlers. Last season, Hazlewood played 12 matches and took 22 wickets. His economy was also 8.77, which was quite economical compared to other bowlers.