King is back! Virat Kohli joins RCB in Bengaluru to launch IPL 2026 title defence
Published - 18 Mar 2026, 12:11 PM | Updated - 18 Mar 2026, 12:15 PM
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‘King Kohli’ has arrived. This is what the hot topic is among the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans' reaction when the batting maestro, Virat Kohli, arrived in the city ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
This will be the first time in the history of the Indian Premier League that RCB will play to defend their title. Last season, in IPL 2025, they finally claimed their maiden IPL trophy, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the grand finale. Virat Kohli was one of the main forces to guide the team to the trophy.
All eyes will be on Virat Kohli in the IPL 2026 season
In the upcoming IPL season, all eyes again will be on the star batter, who will put all of his efforts to keep the trophy intact with the team for the second consecutive season. RCB, as the defending champions, will play the opening match of the season on March 28. The inaugural match of the IPL 2026 will be between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Kohli is expected to feature in the match.
At the age of 37, Virat Kohli shows no signs of slowing down. Last time he featured for Team India, he looked as hungry as before for the runs. On January 18, against New Zealand in Indore, the former captain registered a 124-run knock in the 3rd of the 3-match ODI series. In the first match, he missed another ton by only 7 runs.
The batter was in stunning form against South Africa, scoring two centuries and a half-century. His swift form continued for the Delhi cricket team as well. Virat played a couple of Vijay Hazare Trophy games for the state cricket team- first against Andhra Pradesh, and next against Gujarat. Against Andhra, the top-order batsman smashed 131 and 77 against Gujarat.
The 'king' arrived in Bengaluru this morning
RCB fans will keep their fingers crossed to see the batter carry the same form in the 2026 Indian Premier League as well. The franchise shared a cinematic video to capture the moment of Virat Kohli’s arrival in Bengaluru. According to the media reports, he reached Bengaluru on Wednesday morning. There was a good crowd outside the airport, only to welcome their ‘King’ in the town. To keep the security protocols tight, the modern-day cricket icon was surrounded by security.
You don’t have to see him… to know he’s coming! Check the calendar. There will be signs… ✨❤️#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/qv8tA5ZCrA
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 18, 2026
The Delhi-born was instrumental in RCB’s historic campaign. Virat Kohli scored 657 runs at a blistering strike rate of 144.71 and an average of 54.75, with eight half-centuries to his name.
To protect the title, the franchise keeps its core untouched. They have made only a few changes in the team to add more strength in every department. Star Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer and England batter Jordan Cox are among the key additions in the team.
RCB full schedule for IPL 2026 (Phase 1):
March 28: RCB vs SRH (Bengaluru) – 3:30 PM
April 5: RCB vs CSK (Bengaluru) – 7:30 PM
April 10: Rajasthan Royals vs RCB (Guwahati) – 7:30 PM IST
April 12: Mumbai Indians vs RCB (Mumbai) -7:30 PM
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