New Delhi, March 18 -- India's T20 World Cup 2026 victory celebration is barely over, but the IPL is already calling. The new season begins on 28 March at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will host Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match.

Ahead of this 19th season, Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene has pinpointed a major hurdle for the five-time champions: their opening-day "jinx."

One of the most successful franchises in IPL history, the Mumbai Indians have struggled to get over the line in their opening game of the season. Ahead of IPL 2026, Jayawardene acknowledged the issue, saying the team's focus is on starting well this time.

"The elephant in the room is the first game for...