RCB vs CSK, MI vs KKR & More: 5 IPL 2026 Matches Fans Shouldn’t Miss Early in the Season

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5 Mouthwatering Clashes To Watch in IPL 2026: The opening phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 promises a series of blockbuster clashes as the tournament kicks off on March 28. With ten teams battling it out across the first 20 matches between March 28 and April 12, fans can expect intense rivalries, high-scoring contests and early momentum shifts that could shape the season.

Several marquee fixtures stand out in this initial phase, featuring historic rivalries and high-profile teams such as Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders. Here are five must-watch matches from the first 20 fixtures of IPL 2026.

1. RCB vs SRH - March 28 (Bengaluru)

The tournament opener with a southern derby between the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad is set to kick off IPL 2026 in style at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Opening matches often carry added excitement, and RCB fans will hope their team begins the season with a strong performance at home.

Rajat Patidar-led RCB started their campaign on a winning note in their tournament opener against KKR at Eden Gardens on a dominant note and carried the momentum forward to lift their maiden IPL title. They will be eager to begin this season with a bang.

Meanwhile Pat Cummins' SRH - who are loaded with the current World No.1 and 2 T20I batters in Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who guided India to their third World T20 title, along with Travis Head and others - will be eager to start the new season with a bang. With explosive batters on both sides, the clash promises fireworks.

2. MI vs KKR - March 29 (Mumbai)

Two of the league's most successful and popular franchises, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders, face off in the second match of the season at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai's strong home record at the Wankhede Stadium adds another dimension to the contest, while KKR will look to assert themselves early in the tournament. India's T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav will return to action along with his champion teammates Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah.

Under the leadership of rockstar Hardik Pandya, MI will take on compatriots Rinku Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy - who were also part of the victorious Indian side at Narendra Modi Stadium against New Zealand on March 8th.

3. RR vs CSK - March 30 (Guwahati)

The battle between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings is another intriguing contest as it will be the first time when Sanju Samson - the former captain of the Pink Brigade - will be playing against them in the Super Kings' Yellow jersey. It will be an emotional moment for several Rajasthan Royals' fans who had been rooting for their beloved Sanju for so many years and now he will be in their opposition.

Similarly for millions of CSK fans, their beloved 'Thalapathy' Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, who were traded to RR before the IPL 2026 auction, will now be donning Royals' Pink jersey, and certainly the loyalties of passionate CSK fans will be divided as the former skipper will be up against them.

CSK's experience and tactical discipline have often been decisive in IPL campaigns, while Rajasthan Royals boast an exciting mix of young and international stars. The ACA Stadium, Barsapara in Guwahati also adds a fresh element to the rivalry.

4. RCB vs CSK - April 5 (Bengaluru)

Few rivalries in the IPL generate as much buzz as the match between southern rivals RCB and CSK. The clash at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium - which was given the permission to host the IPL very late in the wake of the horrific stampede last year - is expected to be one of the biggest matches of the early season. Packed crowds, star players and a fierce contest between two popular franchises make this fixture a highlight of the opening phase.

5. MI vs RCB - April 12 (Mumbai)

The first meeting between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru comes on April 12 at the Wankhede Stadium. This encounter often produces thrilling finishes and standout individual performances. Mumbai fans will get to see two of their their favourite superstars i.e. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in this game making efforts to help their respective teams win. With both teams aiming to gain early momentum, this fixture could be crucial in shaping the early points table.

Exciting Start to IPL 2026

The first 20 matches of IPL 2026 feature a mix of classic rivalries and competitive matchups across venues such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow and Hyderabad. With teams eager to secure early victories and build confidence, the opening phase of the tournament is expected to deliver plenty of drama and memorable moments.

Fans can expect packed stadiums, electric atmospheres and some of the best T20 cricket as IPL 2026 gets underway.