Abhishek Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ishan Kishan (Image Agency) As Royal Challengers Bengaluru return to the Chinnaswamy Stadium as defending champions, their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad promises to be a high-scoring, high-pressure game. With both sides loaded with explosive batters and conditions expected to be favorable for runs, individual brilliance could make the difference.Here are five players who could influence the outcome of tonight’s match:
1. Virat Kohli
There is never a match where Kohli is not in the limelight and this one is no different. The former RCB captain enters the season after another prolific year, scoring 657 runs from 15 matches in IPL 2025 at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71. At home, Kohli will once again bear the responsibility of setting the tone. With expectations higher than ever after winning the title last season, all eyes will be on how they start this campaign.
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2. Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek’s recent form has been a mixture of struggle and redemption. After a quiet T20 World Cup, he bounced back with a crucial half-century in the final. That knock could be the turning point he needed. In IPL 2025, he scored 439 runs in 14 matches, including an amazing 141 against Punjab Kings at 193.39. SRH will be hoping to carry that attacking intent into the new season and provide an early boost.
3. Ishan Kishan
Fresh from an impressive T20 World Cup campaign where he finished as India’s second-highest run-scorer behind Sanju Samson, Ishan enters IPL 2026 with a greater responsibility. The SRH skipper in the absence of Pat Cummins will be the focal point of their batting and leadership. Last season, he scored 354 runs in 14 matches at an average of 35.40 and a strike rate of 152.59. A strong start could set the tone for his captaincy.
4. Travis Head
One of the most dangerous openers in T20 cricket, Head brings aggression from ball one. The Australian left-hander scored 374 runs in 13 matches for SRH last season and maintained a strike rate of 162.60. On a batting-friendly surface like Chinnaswamy, his ability to dominate the power play could have put RCB under immediate pressure.
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5. Phil Salt
Salt’s form coming into the IPL has raised questions after a disappointing T20 World Cup, but the league is offering him a chance to reset. He was a key figure in RCB’s title-winning campaign last season, scoring 403 runs in 13 innings at a whopping 175.98, including four fifties. If he finds a rhythm early, RCB could once again start flying at the top.With both teams boasting strong batting units and key bowlers missing, this contest could turn into a run-fest. For RCB, it’s all about starting as the defending champions.
