“Never easy to beat RCB” – David Warner’s message for SRH fans goes viral after IPL 2026 opener

Former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain and Australian opener David Warner shared a heartfelt message for Hyderabad fans as the IPL 2026 season begins.

Warner is currently playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, leading the Karachi Kings franchise.

He posted a photo on Instagram of himself lifting the IPL trophy, remembering SRH’s 2016 victory under his captaincy. The post came ahead of the season opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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Also read -David Warner and Jonny Bairstow: Memories of an Unforgettable SRH Partnership

David Warner shares special post following SRH’s loss to RCB

The Karachi Kings skipper led Sunrisers Hyderabad for many years and shared a post on social media, saying, "As the IPL starts a new year, I wish the loyal fans of Hyderabad all the best."

The Australian opener has always shared a strong bond with Hyderabad fans. His message showed that even though he is not playing in the IPL this season, he still remembers and values their support.

Warner also remembered the tough competition in the league. He said, "It's never easy to beat RCB at home. Ten years on, and it will never get old." This line brought back memories of his past matches against RCB.

In his post, he added: "As the IPL starts a new year, I wish the ever-so-loyal fans of Hyderabad all the best. It’s never easy to beat RCB at home. Ten years on, and it will never get old." #India #IPL #Cricket #FYP

RCB vs SRH clash highlights tough contest in IPL 2026 opener

Royal Challengers Bengaluru began their IPL 2026 campaign with a commanding six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, March 28. Virat Kohli led the chase with an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, while Devdutt Padikkal contributed a quick 61, and Rajat Patidar added a cameo 31 off 12 balls to guide the defending champions home in 15.4 overs.

Sunrisers Hyderabad had set a challenging target of 202 for nine. Stand-in captain Ishan Kishan scored a resilient 80 off 38 balls to rescue his team from 29 for three in the fifth over. Ankit Verma provided valuable support with 43 off just 18 deliveries.

Debutant Jacob Duffy starred with the ball for RCB, delivering a disciplined spell of four overs for 22 runs and picking up three crucial wickets, including the top-order pair of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. His early breakthroughs set the tone for a comfortable chase.

Brief scores:

Sunrisers Hyderabad: 201/9 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 80, Ankit Verma 43; Jacob Duffy 3/22). 
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 203/4 in 15.4 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 61, Virat Kohli 69 not out).
Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 6 wickets with 26 balls remaining