IPL 2026: RCB vs CSK; Check Bengaluru Weather Update And Squads For The Match

New Delhi: Well-rested after a resounding win in their first match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will lock horn with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.

RCB will look to secure their second consecutive win in the IPL match against CSK. Sanju Samson's form and a weak bowling department are concerns for CSK. 

A total of 36 matches have been played between the two teams in the IPL so far, in which RCB has won 13 and CSK 22. One match ended in no result. 

How is the RCB team?

RCB, well-rested after their 6-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28, will be refreshed and ready to take the field. Besides the mental and physical freshness, RCB now appears to be a much better team than its rivals. RCB boasts a formidable top-order led by Virat Kohli. Kohli's unmatched skills have kept him relevant in this era of power-hitting.

Devdutt Padikkal has unleashed his true inner batsman, evident in his blistering 61 off 26 balls against Sunrisers. Rajat Patidar is effectively handling the dual role of captaining the team and strengthening RCB's middle order. RCB has significantly improved its bowling. Once considered a weak point, it has completely transformed it by adding some talented players. RCB was expected to suffer significantly due to the absence of Josh Hazlewood, but Jacob Duffy replaced him with ease and demolished the Sunrisers' top order, taking three wickets.

How is the CSK team?

As for CSK, their bowlers need to perform well. They conceded 338 runs in 30.5 overs for just seven wickets in the first two matches. Their spinners, Noor Ahmed and Rahul Chahar, flopped badly against Punjab Kings on Friday. Despite no dew at Chepauk, they conceded 84 runs in eight overs.

Fast bowlers Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed, and Anshul Kamboj have also failed to perform as expected. Chennai's batting also has some shortcomings that need to be addressed, starting with Samson's form. Samson, who played a key role in India's T20 World Cup title, has scored only six and seven runs in two matches so far.

What impact will the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch have?

The match between the two teams will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. The pitch here favors batsmen. It is expected to be flat, allowing scores of 180 to 220 to be easily achieved. Dew is also expected in the second innings, which could make things difficult for bowlers. Spinners can showcase their skills in the middle overs on this pitch . 

How will the weather be in Bengaluru?

The average temperature in Bengaluru will be between 22 and 34 degrees Celsius throughout the day. During the match, temperatures are expected to be between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius, with a humidity of 47 per cent. There is no chance of rain. 

Who are the playing 11 of Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans?

Royal Challengers Bangalore:  Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Duffy

Impact Player: Devdutt Padikkal

Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Matthew Short, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed.

Impact Player: Sarfaraz Khan/Rahul Chahar

The match will start at 7:30 pm