Virat Kohli Back in Bengaluru for IPL 2026 (X.com & AFP)
Virat Kohli is back in Bengaluru, this time to defend his crown in the IPL 2026. On Wednesday, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) shared a video of the King across their social media platforms.
Kohli was a cornerstone in RCB’s title-winning campaign in IPL 2025. He amassed 657 runs at an impressive strike rate of 144.71 and an average of 54.75, with eight half-centuries to his name.
Virat Kohli returns to Bengaluru for IPL 2026, Video goes viral
Kohli will be looking to carry that form forward as Bengaluru aim to become the first team in recent memory to defend their IPL crown. RCB shared a video, captioning “You don’t have to see him… to know he’s coming! Check the calendar. There will be signs… ✨❤️”
Watch Virat Kohli’s video here:
Virat Kohli’s 19-year-long loyalty to RCB
For nearly two decades, Virat Kohli has carried the weight of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s expectations on his shoulders. On a historic night in Ahmedabad in his 18th season with the franchise, that burden finally turned into triumph, when RCB finally won their first-ever IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final.
It is worth noting that through the highs and lows, Kohli has stayed with the Bengaluru-based team, and the victory only reaffirmed his commitment to the team.
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“This is the team I’m going to play for till the last day I play the IPL,” he reaffirmed after the title win. “As a sportsman, when you grind for something this hard in such a high-intensity tournament, it matters more. Tonight, I’m going to sleep like a baby.”
While Kohli’s personal story grabbed headlines, he made it clear the win was about the collective.
“This group of players, this management - they’ve been outstanding,” Kohli noted. “People questioned our auction tactics, but by day two, we knew we had something special. Match-winners, people who take the game on.”
“I don’t want to stand here and talk about myself,” Kohli added. “This win is for Bengaluru. For every player, every family member, every member of the support staff. It wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
It is safe to say that RCB’s resurgence in IPL 2025 wasn’t built solely on star power, but on a squad that functioned as a unit under pressure. Kohli credited the support staff for maintaining belief during tough phases and ensuring the environment remained positive.
Cricket returns to Chinnaswamy after the unfortunate stampede post IPL 2025
On March 28, defending champions RCB will feature in the season opener against the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. It is worth noting that the game carries extra significance, given the uncertainty that once hung over the venue.
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium last hosted a competitive match on May 3, 2025, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru played Chennai Super Kings. Following a fatal crowd stampede on June 4, 2025, during RCB's victory celebrations, the stadium was barred from hosting matches.
Following RCB’s historic title win, a tragic event outside the stadium claimed 11 lives and left over 40 injured. Cricketing activities were suspended. The venue was stripped of the Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir, which was moved to Hubballi amid safety enhancement works.
But with cricket back at RCB’s home ground, a new season, a familiar stage, the champions of the previous season will step in, to prove their mettle again. Moreover, IPL 2026 will be extra special for Virat Kohli, as he will be stepping on the field for the 1st time in his IPL career as a champion.
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