RCB Begin IPL 2026 Title Defence with Fresh Mindset Against SRH

RCB Opt to Bowl, Hand Debuts to Abhinandan Singh & Jacob Duffy in IPL 2026 Opener

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

Head coach Andy Flower stressed that despite last season’s success, the team is approaching this edition with a fresh mindset. He highlighted changing conditions, evolving opponents, and a slightly different squad as key challenges. Flower praised captain Rajat Patidar’s calm leadership and Jitesh Sharma’s tactical support. He also expressed confidence in Virat Kohli, who looks in peak form during training.

RCB have worked on lessons from last year’s early home losses and aim to use their familiarity with conditions.

Sahir Usman

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