Virat Kohli in new RCB jersey Few franchises in the Indian Premier League have built a brand as strong and enduring as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). At the heart of this rise is Virat Kohli, whose association with the team since 2008 has defined its identity.Kohli’s loyalty to the franchise, never representing another IPL team, has made him synonymous with RCB. His intensity, aggression and in-your-face approach kept the fans emotionally invested and turned RCB matches into must-watch events. This connection is not only built on personality, but also on performance. Kohli remains the franchise’s leading run-scorer, amassing 8,661 runs and setting benchmarks that have elevated the team’s stature over the years.
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RCB’s big changes ahead of IPL: New rules, tribute and squad updateWhile his tenure as captain did not deliver an IPL title, Kohli’s individual brilliance and consistency ensured that RCB remained relevant in the league’s competitive landscape. His presence alone added credibility and star power and helped the franchise attract global attention and commercial interest.The growth of the brand was also strengthened by its women’s team. The presence of global stars such as Ellyse Perry and Smriti Mandhana further increased RCB’s appeal and contributed to a wider fan base. For example, during the IPL 2025 final against the Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, fans wearing Virat Kohli’s jersey filled the stands. With Kohli in their ranks, even away matches feel like home for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they continue to enjoy massive support wherever they play. Success in the Women’s Premier League has only added to this momentum and strengthened the franchise’s image as a multi-dimensional sporting brand.Off the field, RCB are equally proactive in building a lifestyle identity. Initiatives like the RCB Bar and Cafe in Bengaluru keep the franchise connected with fans throughout the year. Designed with a cricket theme, the space combines sport and leisure to offer a unique experience that goes beyond match days.The franchise has also tapped into the growing fitness culture, an area closely associated with Kohli himself. Through its ‘Hustle by RCB’ platform, the team offers structured fitness and nutrition programs that allow fans to engage with the brand in a more personal and ambitious way. This initiative reflects RCB’s intention to position itself not just as a cricket team but as a lifestyle ecosystem.As the defending champions heading into the 2026 season, RCB’s success on the field now complements its strength off the field. With Kohli still central to its narrative and a growing portfolio of fan engagement initiatives, the franchise continues to set the benchmark for how a sports team can evolve into a global brand.
