How to watch RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: live stream the 2026 IPL opener from anywhere

Ishan Kishan of Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL action
(Image credit: Pankaj Nangia via Getty Images)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2026 IPL opener, with the reigning champions out to make the most of SRH skipper Pat Cummins' absence. Ishan Kishan has taken up captaincy duties, and the Indian wicket-keeper batsman has his work cut out leading a relatively thin new-look side that's undergone heavier surgery than most.

RCB, by contrast, retained 17 players and made eight new signings, the most notable being Venkatesh Iyer. However, he comes into a squad so loaded with talent, even accounting for the sidelined Josh Hazlewood, that he'll have to be content with a supporting role. The same goes for Jacob Bethell, who impressed when called upon last season, and has since come of age on the international stage.

If Hyderabad are to stand any chance at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which has undergone renovations after 11 people lost their lives during RCB's title celebrationslast June, they need to get more from Travis Head. He played a key role in getting them to the final two years ago, but has barely made any discernable impact since. There's no question that the man everyone wants to see is the in-form and well-rested Virat Kohli, at last an IPL champion.

Read on for our guide on where to watch RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad live streams online and on TV from anywhere.

Can I watch RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad for free?

Sadly, there are no dedicated RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad free streams, but there is a free trial option if you live in Australia.

Kayo Sports comes with a 7-day free trial, after which a subscription starts at AU$30/month.

You'll need a VPN to stop you getting geoblocked if you're not Down Under right now. We recommend NordVPN.

How to watch any RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad stream using a VPN

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How to watch RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in the US

In the US, dedicated cricket streaming service Willow TV is the place to watch RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – and the IPL in its entirety.

If you don't have it as part of your cable package, you can watch Willow's coverage through your choice of Sling TV's Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex plans, starting from $10 per month.

Not in the US right now? Use NordVPN to watch your regular cricket stream. For a limited time, customers in the US can get 4 months for free, a $50 Amazon Gift Card and 77% off, with prices starting at $2.91.

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Cricket fans in the US need look no further than Sling TV for Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad coverage. The Desi Binge Plus, Dakshin Flex and Urdu plans all include Willow. Prices start from only $10 per month or $50 for six months.

How to watch RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in the UK

RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad is being shown on Sky Sports, which is the exclusive UK broadcaster of the 2026 IPL. The game will be on the Cricket and Main Event channels.

Sky Sports plans start from £35/month or £20 if you're an existing Sky subscriber. Alternatively, grab a Now Sports subscription from £14.99/day or £34.99/month.

Outside the UK right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred coverage of the cricket. For a limited time, customers in the UK can get up to 77% off the usual price, plus four months for free and a $50 Amazon Gift Card, with prices starting at £2.22.

How to watch RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in India

In India, RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad is being shown on the Star Sports Network, with live streaming available via JioHotstar.

JioHotstar prices start at Rs. 299 ($3.49) per month, rising to Rs. 899 ($10.50 USD) per year.

If you're currently out of India but want to watch an IPL 2026 live stream, you'll need to get yourself a VPN, as per the instructions above.

How to watch RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in Australia

RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, along with every IPL 2026 game, is being shown on Fox Cricket via Foxtel in Australia, with live streaming available via Kayo Sports.

Kayo Sports starts at AU$30 per month after a 7-day free trial. Or you can get your first month for AU$1.

Outside Australia right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad coverage.

What are the RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad squads?

RCB squad: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jordan Cox, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Swapnil Singh, Jacob Duffy, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh, Mangesh Yadav, Phil Salt, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra

SRH squad: Ishan Kishan (c), Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Aniket Verma, R. Smaran, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Kamindu Mendis, Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, Zeeshan Ansari, Salil Arora, Shivang Kumar, Sakib Hussain, Onkar Tarmale, Krains Fuletra, Praful Hinge, Amit Kumar, Shivam Mavi, Liam Livingstone, Jack Edwards

How did RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad perform last season?

RCB won nine and lost four of their league phase fixtures to finish second in the standings, behind Punjab Kings. However, they beat PBKS twice in the postseason to win the IPL title for the first time.

SRH won six and lost seven of their league phase fixtures to end up in sixth place.

Can I watch RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad on my mobile?

Yes, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone's browser.

You can also stay up to date with all the action through the Indian Premier League official social media channels: @iplt20 on Instagram, @IPL on X and the IPL Facebook page.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Aatif Sulleyman

Aatif is a freelance copywriter and journalist based in the UK. He’s written about technology, science and politics for publications including Gizmodo, The Independent, Trusted Reviews and Newsweek, but focuses on streaming at Future, an arrangement that combines two of his greatest passions: sport and penny-pinching.

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