Ipl 2026: RCB Predicted XI vs SRH as Hazlewood Sits Out at Chinnaswamy
Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match of ipl 2026 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, with defending champions forced into selection reshuffles because Josh Hazlewood will sit out the early part of the season. The match marks the first top-flight return to the Chinnaswamy since May 17, 2025, and comes amid stadium changes and a sombre tribute by RCB players. Bowling depth — or the lack of it — is the decisive storyline going into the opener.
Ipl 2026 Match Preview: Bowling Questions and Batting Firepower
RCB begin ipl 2026 short of experienced seam options after Hazlewood’s absence and the season-long loss of Yash Dayal, leaving Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the only seasoned quick in the set-up. Jacob Duffy is in contention to replace Hazlewood but would make his first IPL appearance; young Indian pacers Mangesh Yadav and Rasikh Salam remain inexperienced at this level. On the other side, Sunrisers Hyderabad also enter with concerns over genuine fast-bowling depth: Jaydev Unadkat is expected to lead an attack that can include Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse and Eshan Malinga.
Unadkat’s recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy form is prominent, having taken 12 wickets in seven games, while Harshal’s recent numbers were less convincing, with eight wickets at an economy of 9. 69. Those figures frame the contest: high-scoring potential against relatively light seam attacks. RCB batters, with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt noted as looking sharp in the nets, could exploit what both head coaches described as a belter of a pitch at Chinnaswamy.
Predicted RCB XI and Selection Dilemmas
The RCB overseas mix is a selection puzzle. Phil Salt and Romario Shepherd look likely starters; Jacob Bethell’s recent form — a century against India in the T20 World Cup — and extended practice sessions suggest he may be in the XI. Tim David, one of last season’s standouts, has not batted much in the final nets, and Krunal Pandya has been scarcely visible in practice. Those training-room signals shape the predicted XI conversation for ipl 2026 and create real selection dilemmas for the opening clash.
Stadium Return, Tribute and What’s Next
The match is emotionally charged: it is the first top-flight game at the Chinnaswamy since May 17, 2025, after the venue was closed following a stampede during RCB’s title celebrations on June 4 that resulted in 11 deaths. The stadium has undergone changes and RCB will wear black armbands as a mark of respect. Preparations, local modifications and team selections will all be watched closely as the season begins.
What’s next: team-sheet confirmations and the toss will finalise line-ups, and attention will turn to how inexperienced pace options cope with the expected run-fest. Expect last-minute confirmation of Jacob Duffy’s role and the final overseas mix to dominate headlines through the opening hours of ipl 2026 as both sides seek early momentum.
