RCB and Punjab Kings not to face each other in 1st match of IPL 2026 [Source: AFP]In a significant development, a massive revelation surrounding the IPL 2026 schedule has emerged days before the start of the marquee event. As it has already been reported, the IPL 2026 kicks off on March 28, with the high-voltage final likely to take place on May 31. Although we are only 17-odd days away from the commencement of the tournament, the IPL 2026 schedule has yet to be unveiled. According to the BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, the Indian cricket board will officially announce the fixtures for the first 20 days on either March 12 or 13. As the Indian cricket fans passionately await the IPL 2026 schedule, a report has claimed that RCB and Punjab Kings won't face each other in the curtain-raiser. RCB and Punjab Kings to begin IPL 2026 campaign on different daysGenerally, the finalists from the preceding edition cross swords against each other in the inaugural IPL encounter every season. Therefore, as RCB and Punjab Kings played the final of the IPL 2025, these two teams were supposed to lock horns in the first match of the upcoming edition. Also read: IPL 2026 To Move Out Of India? USA-Iran War Brings Trouble For BCCIHowever, Cricbuzz has reported that the IPL 2026 schedule will be slightly different this time around. Both these teams will begin their campaigns on different days, and hence won't face each other in the curtain-raiser, scheduled on March 28.Punjab Kings to take on Gujarat Titans in their 1st IPL matchThe report claims that Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings will face the Gujarat Titans in their IPL season opener. As per the IPL 2026 schedule, the high-stakes encounter will be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, on March 29. Interestingly, the Shreyas Iyer-led outfit kick-started its IPL 2025 campaign against Gujarat Titans. It was a high-scoring contest, which Punjab Kings won by a bare margin of eleven runs. This was their only face-off against Shubman Gill's Titans in the tournament. So, as Gujarat ended up losing that contest, they would be desperate for a payback in the IPL 2026 season. RCB to face CSK in 1st match of IPL 2026The Cricbuzz report states that RCB will likely face the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK in the first match of IPL 2026. These two teams are part of the holy trinity, also comprising the Mumbai Indians, when it comes to popularity, fan following and brand value in the IPL. Both RCB and CSK have some high-profile names to watch out for. While legendary Virat Kohli is the biggest name from the Royal Challengers, India's three-time ICC trophy-winning captain MS Dhoni is an all-time great from the Super Kings camp. RCB and CSK have shared a fierce rivalry over the years. While the camaraderie between Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni will be a major talking point, the first match of IPL 2026 will also witness a cracking contest between bat and ball in Bengaluru. CSK have a decisive lead over RCB in head-to-head matchups, having won 21 of 35 IPL meetings. However, interestingly, the Royal Challengers emerged victorious on both occasions last year, setting the stage for a fascinating contest in this year's season opener.Also read: Legends League Cricket 2026 Squads, Schedule, Time Table, Live Streaming, Teams, Venue
