RCB vs SRH IPL 2026 clash breaks all-time viewership record to create new jaw-dropping record

The opening game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru saw it breaking the all-time viewership record to record new and jaw-dropping number, which has been a great start for the competition.

There was a massive ticket rush that gathered pace ahead of the bookings for the game, as within minutes of the sale opening, a large section of the fans reported that tickets were already sold out, which reflected the craze and excitement of the event among the fans. The opening fixture had a seating capacity of approximately 40000.

RCB vs SRH IPL 2026 clash gains 434 million views

The IPL 2026 season opener between the defending champions and the winner of the 2016 edition of the competition became the most-watched clash on JioHotstar. It recorded a massive viewership of 434 million as the home side, under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, went on to win the clash by six wickets, largely driven by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 69 runs in just 38 balls.

The franchise has decided to permanently reserve 11 seats at the venue, as they have kept the vacant places during all the home matches of the IPL 2026. It has been done to show their respect and tribute to the 11 fans who passed away in a stampede case on June 04 last year, as the seats are a permanent memorial for the supporters who lost their lives during their celebration of the maiden trophy.

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The players also wore the black armbands and practiced with number 11 during the IPL 2026 opening game, as the opening ceremony was also cancelled for the incident.

RCB start IPL 2026 defense with six-wicket victory

Hyderabad lost the toss and were asked to bat first. The 2016 champions posted 201 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Ishan Kishan, their captain and wicket-keeper batter, smashed 80 runs in 38 balls with the help of eight boundaries and five sixes at a strike rate of 210.53. 

Heinrich Klassen drilled 31 runs in 22 balls while Aniket Verma claimed 43 runs in 18 balls, smashing four over boundaries and three boundaries. Jacob Duffy of RCB ended up with 3/22 in his four overs.

RCB completed the chase by six wickets in 15.4 overs. Apart from Kohli’s 69, Devdutt Padikkal blasted a fine knock of 61 runs in 26 balls with the help of seven fours and four sixes.