As the IPL 2026 opener approaches, former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his prediction, backing Sunrisers Hyderabad to continue their recent dominance over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The two teams face off on March 28, and recent history suggests SRH may hold the edge. Although both sides have been evenly matched over the past few seasons, winning three games each since 2022, the momentum has slightly shifted towards Hyderabad.
They have won two of the last three encounters, including a record-breaking performance in IPL 2024 when they posted the highest total in league history in Bengaluru. Ravichandran Ashwin believes that this recent success could once again influence the outcome of the opening clash.
“SRH have got the better of RCB in the recent past and they will follow in this game also. I feel that this game will also follow that trend, for strange reasons that RCB are without Hazlewood,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
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He also reflected on past encounters where key absences made a difference.
“In that game in Lucknow last year, as well, Hazlewood wasn’t there, if I am not wrong. For this game, I have a little prediction. RCB could have it tough, but RCB will find their rhythm,” he added. Ravichandran Ashwin, however, remained firm on his overall call for the opener. “I have a feeling that SRH will once again dominate this game because SRH, in the recent past, have got the better of RCB,” he stated.
A key concern for RCB heading into IPL 2026 is their weakened bowling attack. The absence of Josh Hazlewood leaves a significant gap, particularly in the death overs — an area where matches are often decided in T20 cricket.
In their last meeting during IPL 2025, SRH secured a commanding 42-run win, with Ishan Kishan smashing an unbeaten 94. Stand-in pacer Lungi Ngidi struggled to contain runs, highlighting RCB’s bowling issues. With captain Rajat Patidar likely to depend on relatively inexperienced bowlers, Ashwin pointed out a critical weakness in the side.
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“Apart from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, RCB don’t have much strength to control in the end. In RCB, we always have to remember that death overs bleed. If wickets are in hand, then it isn’t only difficult to stop runs in the death overs, it’s impossible,” Ravichandran Ashwin explained. Given these factors, SRH appear better equipped heading into the season opener, especially if their batting unit clicks once again.
