"Virat is an iconic player" – new RCB co-owner excited to work with Virat Kohli

Just before the beginning of the IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have got the new owners, who are impressed with the Indian legendary batter and former captain. RCB's new owners are excited to work with Kohli, while one of the co-owners has expressed it openly. 

RCB finally got their trophy luck in the last IPL season (2025), when they won their first title after beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Final of the tournament. While they previously finished as runners-up three times, IPL 2025 finally brought their trophy luck. 

Just a few days ago, RCB got the new owners, as Aditya Birla Group (ABG), The Times of India Group (ToI), Bolt Ventures (Bolt), and Blackstone's perpetual private equity strategy (BXPE, Blackstone) jointly bought the franchise for USD 1.78 billion, approximately INR 16,700 crore. 

Virat Kohli is a legendary cricketer, and he has played an important role for the franchise for all 18 years. The former Indian and RCB captain is a hero for many cricket fans, while the RCB co-owner Satyan Gajwani has opened up about how they are excited to work with him. 

RCB Vice-Chairman Gajwani, the Times Internet Chairman, recently told PTI, "Virat is an iconic player, we are grateful to be able to partner with him - when the deal finally gets completed, I am sure we will have close conversations with him & his team to understand their goals & objectives - how we can collaboratively drive success for all involved."

RCB ready to start IPL 2026 as defending champions

IPL 2026 is set to begin tomorrow, as the RCB will play the tournament opener against SunRisers Hyderabad at Bengaluru. Although some key overseas and Indian names are missing from the squad, the Rajat Patidar-led side is ready to defend their title. 

RCB co-owner clarified about franchise name's future

While the RCB have got new owners, there is a question whether the new owners will change the name of the team to rebrand it. Especially, we have experienced it in many cases of franchise cricket, including for IPL teams SunRisers Hyderabad (replaced Deccan Chargers) and Delhi Capitals (previously known as Delhi Daredevils). Caribbean Premier League (Barbados Royals, Saint Lucia Kings, and Trinbago Knight Riders) and The Hundred from England (Manchester Super Giants, Sunrisers Leeds, MI London) have also experienced similar rebranding.

However, the RCB co-owners have already clarified that they have no intention to change the name of the franchise. Satyan Gajwani has also cleared it, as the RCB fans do not need to worry about it. 

Gajwani said, “Our attitude today is that the franchise, its brand, its performance – both on the pitch and off – have been extremely strong, and so our default position is to support the team, its vision, its approach, and its execution as they’ve done to date."