CSK vs RCB - (Source: AFP)
The focus has now shifted to the IPL, which will get underway on March 28. The upcoming edition is less than three weeks away, but the board is yet to release the fixtures. Notably, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia cited upcoming state elections as the reason behind the delay and assured fans that March 12 is the day when the schedule will be made public.
In the latest events, Cricbuzz reported that the board is looking to bank on the popularity of the four most followed teams - CSK, MI, KKR, and RCB and have locked in RCB vs CSK as the opening game of IPL 2026. There is no official confirmation, but defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will square off against five-time winners Chennai Super Kings at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
IPL’s Opening Day History - Who has fared better - CSK or RCB?
It is worth noting that the two teams have headlined the opening game of IPL twice. Both teams squared off in the first game of the cash-studded league, 2019 and 2024. The CSK fans will be happy to hear this news because history shows that the Super Kings have emerged victorious on both occasions.
CSK Humiliate RCB in IPL 2019 Opener
The first time these two teams met in the season opener was in 2019, when the then Virat Kohli-led side was humiliated. The match took place at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. The Challengers, batting first, tumbled for just 70 runs.
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In reply, Chennai Super Kings lost three wickets but chased the target comfortably in 17.4 overs. Suresh Raina scripted history that day as he became the first player in the league to complete 5000 IPL runs.
CSK Humble RCB Again In IPL 2024
The two teams again met in 2024 in the opening game, where the five-time winners humbled the defending champions. Again, the game was played in Chepauk Stadium. RCB, batting first, were restricted to 173/4 in 20 overs, courtesy Mustafizur Rahman’s four-wicket haul.
In reply, CSK chased down the target in 18.4 overs, and Rachin Ravindra was the star with the bat and amassed 37 (15) to start the campaign on a high for the Super Kings.
Present Scenario Favour Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Despite the history, the present scenario favours RCB. Notably, the Challengers brought down the Chepauk fortress last season and won both their games against the five-time winners. Also, it will be the first time in history that RCB and CSK will lock horns against each other at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Talking about the last encounter at Chinnaswamy Stadium between the two teams, RCB registered a massive 50 run win. The defending champions, batting first, put 196 runs on the board. In reply, CSK just tumbled for 146 runs. Rajat Patidar won the player of the match for his fifty.
