RCB vs SRH 1st Match | RCB won by 6 wickets

IPL 2026: Kohli Leads RCB to Dominant Chase Against SRH

Short Scorecard

SRH: 201/9 (20 overs)
RCB: 203/4 (15.4 overs)
Result: RCB won by 6 wickets

Virat Kohli once again underlined his reputation as one of the finest chasers in T20 cricket, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a commanding victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Chasing a stiff target of 202, RCB showed complete control throughout the innings, with Kohli anchoring the chase to perfection. His approach was a blend of composure and calculated aggression, as he assessed the conditions early before shifting gears at the right moment. Kohli’s ability to read the game and pace his innings stood out, especially as he accelerated towards the end, finishing the match in style with a series of boundaries that brought the Bengaluru crowd to life.

The foundation for this dominant chase, however, was laid by Devdutt Padikkal, who played a sensational knock at the top. From the very beginning, Padikkal took the attack to the SRH bowlers, displaying fearless strokeplay and excellent timing. His aggressive intent during the powerplay put immediate pressure on the opposition and allowed RCB to stay ahead of the required run rate. The partnership between Padikkal and Kohli proved to be the turning point of the match, as the duo stitched together a century stand that effectively took the game away from SRH. While Padikkal provided the early momentum, Kohli ensured there were no hiccups in the chase by rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries.

SRH, despite posting a strong total earlier in the evening, struggled to find answers with the ball. Their bowlers lacked consistency and failed to execute plans effectively, especially during the middle overs where the game slipped away rapidly. The absence of control and inability to break partnerships hurt them badly, as RCB capitalised on every scoring opportunity. Even when SRH managed to pick a couple of wickets, the target was already well within reach for the hosts.

In the end, it was a clinical performance from RCB, who chased down the total with more than four overs to spare, sending a strong message to the rest of the teams in the tournament. Kohli’s masterclass not only highlighted his enduring class but also set the tone for RCB’s campaign, while Padikkal’s explosive innings showcased the depth and firepower in their batting lineup.

--Cric-Mate