Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

RCB vs LSG IPL 2026 began with Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar winning the toss and choosing to bowl first against Lucknow Super Giants at Ekana Stadium.

The match matters for both teams, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru able to move top of the standings with a win, while Lucknow Super Giants remain stuck near the bottom of the table.

For more match context, read RCB vs LSG IPL 2026: Defending Champions Face Tricky Lucknow Test, while official tournament updates are available on the Indian Premier League website.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Stay Unchanged

Royal Challengers Bengaluru named an unchanged side, keeping Jacob Bethell at the top of the order with Virat Kohli.

Phil Salt has returned home for scans on an injured finger and could come back later in the tournament.

Patidar’s side will rely on Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar and Suyash Sharma with the ball as they try to strike early on a surface expected to offer runs.

Lucknow Super Giants Forced Into Changes

Lucknow Super Giants made several changes due to injuries and niggles, with Arshin Kulkarni replacing Josh Inglis at the top for his first match of the season.

Mohsin Khan and Avesh Khan dropped out of the starting XI, while Shahbaz Ahmed and Digvesh Rathi came in to add spin options.

Rishabh Pant said the pitch looked like a "180-190 wicket" and felt it was "better [red-soil wicket] than most of the other games."

"We know we're a top team, but the main thing is clarity," Pant said. "We have a few changes in the batting order. Having a stable environment is needed, but we need to make changes at times."

Match Situation

Lucknow Super Giants will bat first with Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram and Pant forming the core of their order.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have Tim David and Jordan Cox among their Impact Player options if they need batting power later.