RCB vs SRH, IPL 2026: Champs coast to opening win after Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli's classy chase – Action in Images

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are off to just the start they wanted in the IPL 2026 season, marking the season opener with a comfortable win vs SRH.

Updated on: Mar 28, 2026 11:58 PM IST

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Published on Mar 28, 2026 11:58 PM

Royal Challengers Bengaluru got their title defence off to a sterling start, hardly breaking a sweat as they chased down 202 in 15.4 overs. The bowling contained the dangerous SRH batting, before Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal ensured the chase was easy work for a win in the IPL opener. (AP)

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On debut, it was Jacob Duffy who put his hand up and said no Hazlewood, no problem. Four overs in a go from the Kiwi, taking 3 wickets, including both Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head – finishing with 3/22 in his spell. (ANI Photo)

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After SRH were down to 29/3, it was captain Ishan Kishan who took over responsibility to rebuild alongside Heinrich Klaasen. After taking time to get set, they exploded through the middle overs, as Kishan became the sixth IPL player to score fifty on captaincy debut. (PTI)

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Kishan scored 80(38), continuing his strong touch with five sixes and eight fours. It took a sensational Phil Salt catch in the deep, a one-handed spectacular that could win catch of the tournament already, to end his carnage. (AP)

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Aniket Verma came in late and added the finishing touches, hammering 43(18) and getting his second series off to a terrific start with a strong hitting display. His effort was enough to push SRH to 201/9 at the end of their innings. (PTI)

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Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal took over the chase after an early Phil Salt wicket, and it was fireworks from the off. The pair put up 101 runs in their stand, and only took 45 deliveries to do so – settling the chase soon after the powerplay. (ANI Photo)

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Padikkal looked in sensational touch during an unbelievable innings of 61(26). It was all touch, timing, and class, as he never lost his shape and played some incredible cricket while still stroking four sixes and seven fours. His remarkable run of form domestically bleeds over. (ANI Photo)

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RCB skipper Rajat Patidar came in and played a blazing cameo of 31(12) with three sixes, making quick work of the remainder of the chase after Padikkal's wicket. (PTI)

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Even in his 19th IPL season, Virat Kohli remains a class apart. Without ever really exerting himself too much or needing to take too many risks, he scored 69*, including a late flurry of boundaries to finish the match off in style. Starting the season how he means to continue – another high-scoring year in the making? (PTI)