Watch: Royal Challengers Bengaluru release special video of Virat Kohli’s arrival ahead of Indian Premier League 2026

Virat Kohli has arrived in Bengaluru for IPL 2026 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru get ready to defend their title. The legendary cricketer played a very important role in RCB’s title-winning season last year. He scored 657 runs with a strong strike rate of 144.71 and an average of 54.75.

The star batter will now look to play at his best again as the franchsie aim to become only the third team to successfully defend an IPL title. The Bengaluru team won their first-ever IPL trophy last season under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, ending an 18-year wait.

This time, Kohli returns in a new way — as a champion defending his title. This is something RCB fans have never seen before. To make it special, RCB created a special video for his arrival. The video uses the popular theme music from the Kannada movie KGF, making it more exciting for fans.

Watch the special video here:

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Kohli Returns as RCB Aims for Title Defence

Last season was a very special time forVirat Kohli. He had already won his first T20 World Cup in 2024 and then retired from T20 internationals and Test cricket. Now, the IPL is one of the main places where fans can watch him play. Every match is important, and every season matters more.

The 'King' of cricket was retired from T20 internationals after the 2024 World Cup in Barbados. He also retired from Test cricket during IPL 2025. Now, he only plays ODI cricket. He has been in great form in recent ODI matches and will try to continue this form in IPL 2026.

At 37, Kohli is still playing at a very high level. His performance last season was strong by any standard. He is still one of the best batters and can play both slow and fast when needed. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, having him at the top order is very important. The legendary batter also has a strong connection with RCB. For him, it is not just a team, it is something personal.

Hazlewood Likely to Miss Early Matches

Amid the news of Virat Kohli’s return, there is some bad news for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The Red and Black brigade may miss Josh Hazlewood in the first two matches.

Reports say he is still recovering from injury. He first suffered a hamstring injury and later an Achilles injury. Because of this, he also missed the Ashes 2025–26. Last season, the Aussie pacer took 22 wickets and played an important role in helping RCB win the title.

Cricket Returns to Chinnaswamy Stadium

Cricket is finally returning to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. After RCB’s title win, a tragic stampede outside the stadium caused deaths and injuries. Because of this, matches were stopped, and the Ranji Trophy final was moved to another city.

Now, the government has allowed matches to happen again with strict safety rules. The stadium will have a limit of 35,000 people, and proper safety checks will be in place.

RCB IPL 2026 Fixtures

March 28: RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Bengaluru, 7:30 PM

April 5: RCB vs Chennai Super Kings – Bengaluru, 7:30 PM

April 10: Rajasthan Royals vs RCB – Guwahati, 7:30 PM

April 12: Mumbai Indians vs RCB – Mumbai, 7:30 PM