Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their IPL 2026 title defense against Sunrisers Hyderabad, wearing black armbands to honor eleven fans who tragically died in a stampede following last year's victory. Coach Andy Flower stated that Virat Kohli is in excellent form and "peak of his powers" for the upcoming season.source https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/explained-why-rcb-will-wear-black-armbands-against-srh-in-ipl-2026-opener/articleshow/129862696.cms