Virat Kohli [Source: X.com]Virat Kohli is all set to make an impact in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). The excitement is building as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match of the 19th season on Saturday, March 28. Notably, RCB are entering the season with confidence after winning the title last year. The team has already begun preparations, and players are actively training in the nets ahead of the big opener. Virat Kohli remains a central figure in the squad, and expectations are high for another strong performance from him.Virat Kohli gives special message to fansLast season, Virat Kohli delivered outstanding results. The former Indian captain scored 657 runs with a strike rate of 144.71 and an average of 54.75. In addition, he recorded eight half-centuries, showing consistency and dominance. Therefore, RCB are seen as strong contenders once again, and Kohliโs role will be crucial in their campaign.In a video shared on the official X account of RCB, Kohli spoke about his excitement for the new season. He said, โEvery time I wear this jersey, Iโm all in. Ready for another special chase,โ Kohli said in the video that was captioned, โTime passed. Seasons changed. And our love for the ๐ข๐ป๐น๐ ๐ง๐ฟ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด, only grows stronger by the day. Our Virat Kohli returns to where he belongs, his home, Bengaluru, for a new story. So, 12th Man Army! We ready for No. 1๏ธโฃ8๏ธโฃโs Season 1๏ธโฃ9๏ธโฃ?โ.Royal Challengers Bengaluru @RCBTweets Time passed. Seasons changed. But this city? Still his. โค๏ธ This throne? Still his. ๐ And our love for the ๐ข๐ป๐น๐ ๐ง๐ฟ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด, only grows stronger by the day. ๐ฅน Our Virat Kohli returns to where he belongs, his home, Bengaluru, for a new story. โค๏ธโ๐ฅ So, 12th Man Army! Mar 19, 2026, 9:00 AM Virat Kohli enters IPL 2026 as defending championsFor the first time in his IPL career, Kohli enters the tournament as a defending champion. He played a key role in helping RCB win their first-ever title. His contribution included a solid 43 runs off 35 balls in the final against the Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.Also Read: 3 RCB Players Who Can Be Top Run-Getters In IPL 2026Since retiring from Test and T20I formats, Kohli has focused on other competitions. He has shown excellent form in ODIs and domestic cricket. In his last 10 innings, he has scored four centuries along with one score in the 90s. Notably, this form adds to the confidence surrounding his performance in IPL 2026.Virat Kohliโs legacy with RCBVirat Kohli has been a part of RCB since the very beginning of the IPL. Over 267 matches, he has scored 8661 runs at an average of 39.54 and a strike rate of 132. His best season came in 2016 when he scored 973 runs and hit four centuries. Overall, he has registered eight centuries and 63 half-centuries in the league.Looking ahead, RCB will begin their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. After that, they will face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 5 at the same venue. The team will then travel to Guwahati to play against Rajasthan Royals on April 10. Finally, they will conclude the first phase with a match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on April 12.Also Read: Delhi Capitals Add New Member To IPL 2026 Setup; Ireland Great Roped In
