Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Preview & Prediction | IPL 2026 | League Stage

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

For the first time in IPL history, Royal Challengers Bengaluru begin a new season as defending champions, hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2026 curtain-raiser.

Date & time:

Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, India

Weather: Sunny at the start of play with light winds and temperatures in the late twenties.

How to watch: USA – Willow TV / UK – Sky Sports & Sky Go

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad prediction

After missing the play-offs for the fourth time in five years, Sunrisers Hyderabad have made notable changes to their squad for 2026. They recorded the signing of Liam Livingstone in the auction, buying the hard-hitting English all-rounder for ₹12.96 crore. Domestic bowler Shivam Mavi was also a notable addition for ₹75 lakh, whilst several names were released. Sunrisers also traded away Mohammed Shami, a notable deal when taking into account his experience.

But the visitors begin the 2026 IPL on the back foot with Pat Cummins ruled out of the early stages through injury. The Australian captain is a big loss and Ishan Kishan is tasked to lead the side in his absence. This immediately gives Royal Challengers Bengaluru an advantage as the defending champions return home to what will be a raucous crowd at the Chinnaswamy.

The core of RCB remains strong with Virat Kohli still very much the face of their franchise. Rajat Patidar has proven a brilliant leader, whilst Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were all retained. They also boast budding England start Jacob Bethell, who lit up the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India with a sparkling 105 against the host nation. All the pieces are in place for an extended spell of contention and it’s well worth backing the reigning champions to start on a winning note.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad tip: Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win