Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2026 Full Schedule: RCB Fixtures, Dates, Timings and Venues

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will enter the upcoming Indian Premier League season as defending champions for the first time. Rajat Patidar’s side will begin their title defence against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the opening clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28.

RCB lifted their maiden trophy after defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final last year. The defending champions will aim to replicate that dominant performance throughout the upcoming 10-team tournament and will hope to become only the third franchise to successfully defend their title in the IPL.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2026 Full Schedule

Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2026 Venue Details

Bengaluru will travel across India during their IPL 2026 campaign. While the M Chinnaswamy Stadium remains their home ground, the defending champions will play across multiple challenging venues throughout the tournament.

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RCB are scheduled to compete at key venues in Guwahati, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Raipur, Dharamshala, and Hyderabad. It is worth mentioning that the franchise will play two of their home matches in Raipur.

The venues for the playoffs have not been decided yet, but Bengaluru might host Qualifier 1 and the final. Notably, the defending champions could get the chance to play in Bengaluru again if they qualify for the playoffs.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2026 Home and Away Matches

The Royal Challengers will enjoy a strong home advantage early in IPL 2026. They will play five of their first seven matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. They are also scheduled to play two more home fixtures at a neutral venue in Raipur.

Meanwhile, RCB will face a challenging away schedule, taking on opponents in Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. These tough conditions will test their skills as they aim to defend their title successfully.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Full Squad IPL 2026

The Royal Challengers retained their core team while securing backups during the recent auction. The franchise management purchased key players like Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, and New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy.

Batters: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David

All-Rounders: Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Swapnil Singh, Mangesh Yadav, Kanishk Chouhan, Vihaan Malhotra, Jacob Bethell, Satvik Deswal

Wicketkeepers: Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Jordan Cox

Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Duffy, Abhinandan Singh, Vicky Ostwal

Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2026 Captain and Coaching Staff

Rajat Patidar returns to lead RCB following his success last year. Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, along with head coach Andy Flower, continues to guide the team. Dinesh Karthik serves as the batting mentor, while Omkar Salvi manages the pace bowling department.

Captain: Rajat Patidar

Head Coach: Andy Flower

Batting Coach: Dinesh Karthik

Bowling Coach: Omkar Salvi

Assistant Coach: Richard Halsall

Scout: M. Rangarajan

Also read: “KL Rahul is a classy player I’m fascinated by…” – Ian Bell ahead of IPL 2026