The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) commenced on March 28, 2026, at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 6 wickets with 26 balls remaining, breaking the record for the fastest 200-plus chase in IPL history. In a historic first for the tournament, all 10 IPL teams will be led by Indian captains this season. The second match of IPL 2026 features Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai on March 29. Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is expected to join the Mumbai Indians squad shortly after completing his bowling fitness programme at the Centre of Excellence. Defending champions RCB were sold to new owners in a landmark deal worth $1.78 billion (₹16,706 crore), making it one of the biggest transactions in cricket history.
IPL 2026 Kicks Off: RCB Beat SRH in Record Chase, All 10 Teams Led by Indian Captains
IPL 2026 started March 28 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium; RCB beat SRH in record 200+ chase (6 wkts, 26 balls remaining). First time all 10 teams led by Indian captains.
Key facts
- IPL 2026 (19th edition) commenced on March 28, 2026, at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru
- Defending champions RCB defeated SRH by 6 wickets with 26 balls remaining, breaking the record for fastest 200-plus chase in IPL history
- For the first time in IPL history, all 10 teams are led by Indian captains
- RCB were sold to new owners in a landmark deal worth $1.78 billion (₹16,706 crore)
- Jasprit Bumrah expected to join Mumbai Indians after completing bowling fitness programme at Centre of Excellence
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Source: ESPNCricinfo
Frequently asked questions
When did IPL 2026 start and which teams played the opening match?
**IPL 2026** (the 19th edition) commenced on **March 28, 2026**, at **M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru**. The opening match featured defending champions **Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)** against **Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)**. RCB won by **6 wickets with 26 balls remaining**.
What IPL record did RCB break in the opening match of IPL 2026?
RCB broke the record for the **fastest 200-plus chase in IPL history**, completing the chase with **26 balls remaining**. This was the first match of **IPL 2026** held at **M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru**, and RCB won by **6 wickets**.
Which historic milestone did IPL 2026 achieve regarding captains?
For the **first time in IPL history**, all **10 IPL teams** in the **2026 season** are led by **Indian captains**. This is a landmark moment for Indian cricket, reflecting the depth of home-grown leadership talent in the tournament.
For how much was RCB sold to new owners and what makes it significant?
**RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)** were sold to new owners in a landmark deal worth **$1.78 billion (₹16,706 crore)**, making it **one of the biggest transactions in cricket history**. The sale underscores the massive commercial growth of the IPL franchise ecosystem.
When is Jasprit Bumrah expected to join Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026?
Star pacer **Jasprit Bumrah** is expected to join the **Mumbai Indians** squad shortly after completing his **bowling fitness programme at the Centre of Excellence**. The second match of IPL 2026, featuring **Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders**, was scheduled in **Mumbai on March 29, 2026**.
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