Kohli opens IPL with 69
Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a season‑opening win over Sunrisers Hyderabad with an unbeaten 69 — a statement knock as RCB begin title defense in the IPL (season runs March 28–May 31). ( ).
Sunrisers Hyderabad posted 201 for 9 in their 20 overs before Royal Challengers Bengaluru reached 203 for 4 in 15.4 overs to win by six wickets with 26 balls remaining. (espncricinfo.com) The season opener was played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28, 2026, after RCB won the toss and elected to field. (iplt20.com) Ishan Kishan, wearing the Sunrisers captaincy, top-scored with 80 off 38 balls and Aniket Verma added a late 43 off 18 to propel SRH past 200. (espncricinfo.com) Devdutt Padikkal supplied a rapid 61 off 26 and combined with Kohli for a 101-run second-wicket stand that effectively ended the contest inside 16 overs. (newindianexpress.com) Jacob Duffy finished with 3 for 22 and was named Player of the Match after setting up early breakthroughs, while Romario Shepherd also took three wickets for SRH in a costly 3 for 54. (espncricinfo.com) RCB return to the Chinnaswamy to face Chennai Super Kings on April 5, 2026, while Sunrisers Hyderabad travel to take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their next league game on April 2, 2026. (espncricinfo.com) (sportstar.thehindu.com)
