RCB Sold for Record $1.78 Billion: Vijay Mallya Reflects on Franchise's Journey
Vijay Mallya Celebrates RCB's Historic Sale
Vijay Mallya, the former owner of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), expressed his congratulations to the franchise following its record-breaking sale. The team was acquired by a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group for an astonishing $1.78 billion (over ₹16,000 crore). This consortium also includes Blackstone, Bolt Ventures, and the Times of India, making RCB the most expensive franchise in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Mallya reminisced about the skepticism he faced when he bought RCB for ₹450 crores in 2008, stating he is thrilled to witness the franchise's remarkable growth into a globally celebrated team. He shared his heartfelt wishes for the new owners, emphasizing the significance of RCB in his life and the memories associated with it, including the selection of Virat Kohli, who has become one of the world's top players. Mallya expressed gratitude to RCB fans for their support during his tenure and encouraged them to continue backing the team.
I would like to heartily congratulate the new owners of RCB. I wish them the very best and Godspeed with the most valuable IPL franchise. When I bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, most people laughed at me and criticised my investment as a vanity project. Behind my…
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) March 26, 2026
Challenges Ahead for RCB in IPL Title Defense
Can RCB Defend IPL Title?
After finally clinching their first IPL trophy in 2025, RCB faces the challenge of defending their title. However, concerns regarding their bowling lineup could hinder their chances. Historically, RCB's bowling has been a weak point, often overshadowed by a strong batting lineup.
In IPL 2025, they addressed some of these issues by acquiring players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya, who, alongside Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal, formed a formidable bowling attack. This season, while the batting remains robust, the bowling department raises some alarms. RCB has confirmed that Yash Dayal will not participate, and Josh Hazlewood is also expected to miss the early matches. This situation leaves RCB in a precarious position, as they lack a dependable bowler aside from Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Jacob Duffy is anticipated to step in for Hazlewood, but there are doubts about his effectiveness. Other potential bowlers like Suyash Sharma and Mangesh Yadav may also be considered, but their ability to deliver consistent match-winning performances remains uncertain.