RCB vs SRH Playing 11: The RCB team is currently the reigning champion of the IPL. After a long wait of nearly 17 years, the team finally claimed the trophy last year. Now, the team is all set to take the field for the opening match of IPL 2026. The first day will feature a clash between RCB and SRH.
RCB vs SRH, Match 1, IPL 2026: Bengaluru and Hyderabad Probable Playing XI
The first match of IPL 2026 is scheduled to be played in Bengaluru on March 28. Let's begin by discussing RCB's probable Playing XI, given that this match is taking place on their home ground. The team's opening pair is all but confirmed; there is hardly any doubt that Virat Kohli and Phil Salt will walk out to open the innings. Following them, Devdutt Padikkal is likely to come in at number three.
Captain Rajat Patidar could come out to bat next. He will be followed by Krunal Pandya, and then it will be Jitesh Sharma's turn. Tim David and Venkatesh Iyer will come in later, taking on the responsibility of scoring runs in the final overs. As far as the bowling department is concerned, the responsibility is likely to rest with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, and Jacob Duffy. As you know, the batting order during the middle overs can be flexible, depending largely on how the match unfolds.
These Could Be the Four Overseas Players:
The team's Playing XI could feature Phil Salt, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood, and Jacob Duffy as the four overseas players. Meanwhile, spinner Suyash Sharma might be given a spot in the squad as the 'Impact Player.' If the team decides to give an opportunity to an additional fast bowler, Rasikh Dar could be included in the lineup.
SRH's Probable Playing XI:
Now, let's turn our attention to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). This team's opening pair is also settled; Travis Head will open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma. Captain Ishan Kishan is set to bat at number three. Following him, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, and Nitish Kumar Reddy are likely to be given a chance. Kamindu Mendis could also be seen in action during the first match. The team's bowling attack will be spearheaded by Harshal Patel, Shivam Mavi, and Jaydev Unadkat, along with Zeeshan Ansari.
Who Will Be the Four Overseas Players and the 'Impact Player'?
The four overseas players in Sunrisers Hyderabad's Playing XI could be Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, and Kamindu Mendis. For the 'Impact Player' slot, the team has two options; depending on the pitch conditions and the requirements of the match, either Aniket Sharma or Harsh Dubey could be included in the squad.
RCB's Probable Playing 11: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy.
- Impact Player: Suyash Sharma (Spinner)
SRH's Probable Playing 11: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (Captain), Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kamindu Mendis, Harshal Patel, Shivam Mavi, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari.
- Impact Player: Aniket Verma / Harsh Dubey
