Virat Kohli is back in Bengaluru. And this time, it will arrive as something Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans have never seen before. A champion defending his crown.
Kohli was instrumental in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s winning campaign last season. He amassed 657 runs at a lightning rate of 144.71 and an average of 54.75, with eight half-centuries to his credit. The batting icon will be eager to pick up where he left off RCB look set to become the first side in recent memory to successfully defend the IPL title.
Read the full article
The Bengaluru-based franchise ended an 18-year wait to win their first ever IPL title last season. Rajat Patidar proved to be an unlikely hero who led them to the promised land. The task now is to do it all again.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
THE KING IN THE BEST YEARS
Last season was the latest chapter of a remarkable purple patch for Kohli. He won his first T20 World Cup title as early as 2024 before retiring from international T20 and Test cricket competitions. The IPL is now one of the last stages where fans can regularly watch him in action. Every look counts. Each season is more important than the last.
At 37, Kohli shows no signs of slowing down. His numbers last season weren’t just good for his age. They were good in every way. He remains one of the most complete batsmen in the format, capable of anchoring an innings or batting at will. For a side looking to defend the title, having Kohli at the top of the order is as reassuring as it gets.
The hunger also seems unquenchable. Kohli has been open about what the franchise means to him. RCB is not just the team he plays for. It’s personal.
CRICKET RETURNS TO CHINNASWAMY
And what a stage it promises to be. On On March 28, RCB will make their season opener against SunRisers Hyderabad at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The match is of particular importance given the uncertainty that once hung over the venue.
After RCB’s historic title win, the tragic stampede outside the stadium left 11 dead and over 40 injured. Cricket activities were suspended. The venue was stripped of the Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir, which was shifted to Hubballi amid security enhancement work.
But cricket is coming back. The Karnataka Cabinet has given its nod for the resumption of IPL matches on the ground. A strict capacity limit of 35,000 seats is in place with multi-departmental oversight ensuring the venue meets the highest safety standards.
A new season, a familiar stage and a champion who has something to prove. IPL 2026 starts on March 28. And Kohli will be ready.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
March 18, 2026 10:15 AM IST
