The buzz in Bengaluru reached fever pitch as Virat Kohli stepped off the plane on Wednesday, marking his official reunion with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2026. The star batsman, whose arrival was long anticipated, brings renewed vigor to a team determined to defend their hard-earned crown.
Kohli’s pre-arrival training stint in London was documented via a social media snapshot, swiftly reposted by RCB’s official channels. This move signals the ramp-up in preparations, with Kohli’s presence expected to elevate practice drills to championship levels.
RCB’s 2025 IPL victory over Punjab Kings in the final ended years of heartbreak, securing their first title. Kohli was instrumental, smashing 657 runs across 15 games with an average of 54.75, a blistering 144.71 strike rate, eight fifties, 66 boundaries, and 19 maximums. His top-order stability was the bedrock of the campaign.
For a successful defense in 2026, RCB’s management eyes Kohli’s unwavering form. A fixture since day one, he consistently tops scoring charts and boasts IPL’s highest run tally of 8,661 from 267 matches, including 8 tons and 63 half-tons. As captain from 2013-2021, he guided RCB to the 2016 final.
Rajat Patidar, who skippered the 2025 winners, retains the helm, drawing scrutiny on his batting and leadership. The season opener against SRH on March 28 promises fireworks, with Kohli poised to reignite RCB’s fire.