RCB vs CSK Live Score, IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) posted the highest total of the IPL season to finish on 250 after a slow start. Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal rebuilt with a strong stand before Padikkal fell. Tim David then takes over, smashing eight sixes while Rajat Patidar provides solid support. After clearing the pitch, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are now facing a steep chase of 251 at 12.55 per over.
RCB will look to continue their strong title defense when they face struggling CSK in a high-stakes IPL 2026 clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
CSK won the toss and decided to play first against RCB in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.
RCB look well-balanced and confident at the start of the season after a dominant win against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Their opening match showcased both bowling discipline and batting firepower. Jacob Duffy and Romario Shepherd led the bowling effort with three wickets each to restrict SRH to 201. In response, Devdutt Padikkal’s 26-ball 61 set the tone, while Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 69 ensured a comfortable chase with overs to spare.
On the other hand, ČSK is looking for answers after two defeats in a row. Despite posting a strong 209 in their last outing, they were unable to defend the total, exposing a vulnerability in the bowling attack. The pressure is on as they look to avoid a third straight loss.
Apart from the match itself, the RCB-CSK rivalry brings unparalleled intensity. Kohli had earlier pointed out how CSK fans flood the Bengaluru Stadium, creating a rare mixed atmosphere full of noise, banter and competitive energy.
RCB vice-captain Jitesh Sharma made it clear that the team is not focusing on past records or opposition matches but sticking to their own preparation and strengths. This clear approach was key to their early success.
Adding another layer of intrigue, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is on the brink of history. Just one wicket away from 200 IPL scalps, he could become the first fast bowler to reach the milestone, underscoring his longevity and development in T20 cricket.
With RCB holding on to recent dominance and CSK desperate to bounce back, this encounter promises drama, intensity and potentially decisive moments in the early stages of IPL 2026.
Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Sanju Samson (w), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed
Chennai Super Kings Impact Subs: Matthew Short, Akeal Hosein, Kartik Sharma, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Gurjapneet Singh
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Impact Subs: Suyash Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Rasikh Salam Dar, Kanishk Chouhan, Venkatesh Iyer
platoons:
Chennai Super Kings Squad: Sanju Samson(w), Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Rampneet Charish, Matthew Akja Short, Hosein, MS Dhoni, Shreyas Gopal, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary, Urvil Patel, Aman Khan, Dewald Brevis. Zakary Foulkes
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Rasikh V., Sal. Hazlewood, Mangesh Yadav, Vihaan Malhotra, Vicky Ostwal, Jordan Cox, Swapnil Singh, Satvik Deswal.
