Bengalur, Mar 18 : Virat Kohli has arrived in Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026, stepping into a season where he leads Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a reigning champion a first in the franchise’s history.
The star batter played a pivotal role in last year’s title-winning campaign, scoring 657 runs with remarkable consistency and aggression. His performances powered RCB to their maiden IPL trophy after an 18-year wait, with skipper Rajat Patidar emerging as a key figure in the historic triumph.
Heading into the new season, the focus shifts to sustaining that success. With Kohli anchoring the batting order, RCB will look to achieve the rare feat of defending their title in a highly competitive league.
At 37, Kohli continues to remain at the peak of his powers. Following his T20 World Cup triumph in 2024 and retirement from T20 internationals and Test cricket, the IPL has become a primary stage for fans to witness his game. His recent form underlines both longevity and adaptability, making him central to RCB’s ambitions.
The campaign begins on March 28, when Bengaluru hosts the opener against SunRisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The return of cricket to the venue comes after a temporary suspension of matches following a tragic crowd incident last year.
Authorities have since implemented enhanced safety measures, including a reduced spectator capacity and multi-agency monitoring, paving the way for the tournament’s return to the iconic ground.
With renewed energy, heightened expectations and a proven match-winner at the helm, RCB enter IPL 2026 determined to build on their breakthrough season.