Explained: Why RCB players will wear black armbands against SRH in IPL 2026 opener

New Delhi: The IPL 2026 is about to begin with the opening match between defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad taking place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. RCB will be led by Rajat Patidar while Ishan Kishan will captain SRH.RCB will also wear black armbands during the match against SRH as a tribute to the fans who tragically lost their lives in the off-field stampede after the team’s historic title win last year.

A statement from RCB said, “Royal Challengers Bangalore will pay tribute to the 11 members of the RCB family who tragically lost their lives in the unfortunate incident on June 4.”“As a sign of respect, players will wear practice jerseys with the number 11 on them during warm-ups and black armbands during games.”“In lasting remembrance, 11 seats of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will remain vacant as a permanent tribute to the fans whose unwavering support will always be a part of the RCB family,” the statement concluded.During victory celebrations last year, a stampede broke out outside the stadium, killing 11 people and injuring many others.“Koli is very hungry”Virat Kohli Coach Andy Flower says he is hungry and at the “peak of his powers” as his IPL side RCB begin their title defense.Former captain Kohli has retired from Test matches and T20 internationals and has now only played 50-plus games for India.“Virat is in very good spirits,” Flower told reporters.“He was happy with himself but still very hungry and watching him hit the ball in training he saw the peak of his power.”“Of course it’s professionally satisfying for everyone, but it was a very exciting time at the end of last season for a variety of reasons,” Flower told reporters.“It’s done again, so it’s time to move on.”