Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have chosen to take a break from the hard work of IPL 2026, at least for a little while. The defending champions have flown to the Maldives for a mid-season break because they have a rare week off in their schedule. They want to recharge before the tournament’s business end kicks off. Considering the start they have had in the IPL 2026, having won six of their nine matches, RCB surely deserve a cool-off period.
Rajat Patidar’s team is comfortably placed in the top two and well on track for a playoff spot. A fantastic pattern hsa been in their campaign, where they have won two games before a loss and then repeated it. The Maldives trip came to light after New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy shared a glimpse from the island nation on social media. While the franchise hasn’t officially announced the trip, it is understood to be a short break aimed at keeping players mentally fresh during a long tournament.
Mid-season break becoming an IPL trend?
RCB are not the first team to take this route. In recent seasons, franchises have leaned towards short getaways to break the monotony of travel, training and matches. Mumbai Indians, for instance, took a similar break during a tough phase in 2024 and again in 2026 to Jamnagar. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) also headed to the Maldives in 2025, while Delhi Capitals’ mentor Kevin Pietersen had opted for a mid-season escape last year.
The timing is perfect for RCB. Their last game was on April 30 against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. Their next game is on May 7 against the Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow. That gap has given them the freedom to leave without affecting their plans.
RCB recent results and upcoming fixtures
| Date | Match | Result/Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 24 | vs Gujarat Titans | Won by 5 wkts (Bengaluru) |
| Apr 27 | vs Delhi Capitals | Won by 9 wkts (Delhi) |
| Apr 30 | vs Gujarat Titans | Lost by 4 wkts (Ahmedabad) |
| May 7 | vs Lucknow Super Giants | Lucknow |
| May 10 | vs Mumbai Indians | Raipur |
| May 13 | vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Raipur |
| May 17 | vs Punjab Kings | Dharamsala |
| May 22 | vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Hyderabad |
The challenge now will be to ensure that the break does not disrupt their momentum. With the race to the playoffs heating up, consistency will matter more than ever.
Cricket
Predicted SRH Playing XI vs KKR: Pat Cummins to bench Praful Hinge for Shivang Kumar?
