Home / Sports / IPL 2026 Kicks Off: Defending Champs Face Hyderabad
IPL 2026 Kicks Off: Defending Champs Face Hyderabad
30 Mar
Summary
- IPL 2026 season commenced with Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- The points table is reset, with all teams starting from zero.
- The top 4 teams will qualify for the playoffs, with specific paths for each.
The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League, IPL 2026, has officially commenced with a high-voltage opening match between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This marks the beginning of an intense season featuring 10 franchises competing across 70 league matches.
The initial points table reflects a clean slate for all teams, emphasizing the immediate importance of every victory. As the league progresses, dramatic turnarounds and strategic plays are anticipated, all contributing to the dynamic reshaping of the standings.
Playoff qualification is set for the top four teams. The first and second-placed teams will compete in Qualifier 1, while the third and fourth-placed teams will face off in the Eliminator. A win earns two points, and Net Run Rate (NRR) will be critical in determining standings during ties.
