RCB vs SRH toss time: When is the toss for IPL 2026 opener?

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will aim to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign on a strong note when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the tournament opener at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

Rajat Patidar will lead RCB, while Ishan Kishan will captain SRH in the absence of Australia skipper Pat Cummins, who is still recovering full fitness.

Fresh off their maiden IPL title triumph in 2025, RCB will look to build on that momentum. SRH, on the other hand, will be keen to bounce back after a disappointing campaign last season, where they finished sixth.

Injury concerns for both teams

RCB will be without key pacers Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal, both instrumental in their 2025 title run. Hazlewood is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Australia and is expected to join later, while Dayal has been ruled out for the season.

In their absence, RCB’s bowling attack will depend on experienced campaigners like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, alongside Krunal Pandya, Suyash Sharma and young pacer Mangesh Yadav.

SRH will also miss Cummins in the early stages, with Kishan stepping up as captain. Their bowling unit — featuring Brydon Carse, Jaydev Unadkat, Harshal Patel and Harsh Dubey — could face a stern test on batting-friendly pitches.

Batting firepower in focus

With both sides having some vulnerabilities in their bowling departments, the spotlight will be on their strong batting line-ups.

RCB will rely on the likes of Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Patidar, Tim David, Jacob Bethell and Romario Shepherd.

SRH, meanwhile, boast explosive options in Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen.

RCB vs SRH IPL 2026: Match details

• Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium
• Date: Saturday, March 28
• Match time: 7:30 PM IST
• Toss: 7:00 PM IST