RCB Welcomes Virat Kohli and Stars Ahead of IPL 2026
RCB Gears Up for IPL 2026
Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Devdutt Padikkal have rejoined the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as they prepare for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The team will kick off their title defense against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. With the women's team currently holding the Women's Premier League (WPL) title, the men's squad is eager to continue this winning momentum.
RCB's Dual Championship Status
RCB stands out as the first franchise to simultaneously hold both the IPL and WPL trophies, marking a significant achievement in Indian cricket. The team announced Kohli's arrival on social media, stating, "You don't have to see him... to know he's coming! Check the calendar. There will be signs... #PlayBold RCB #IPL2026."
'King' Kohli's Anticipated Return
Signs of Kohli's return were evident, with his jersey number 18 spotted at a traffic signal, and fans eagerly seeking selfies with him. As the IPL's leading run-scorer, Kohli is set to play with renewed confidence after winning the trophy last season against Punjab Kings (PBKS). Currently, he has amassed 8,661 runs in 267 matches, including eight centuries and 63 fifties, and aims to be the first player to surpass 9,000 runs in IPL history.
Chasing Milestones
Kohli has scored 9,085 runs for RCB across IPL and the now-defunct Champions League T20, putting him on track to become the first player to reach 10,000 runs for a single IPL team in T20 cricket. With a total of 13,543 runs in 414 T20Is, he is also looking to join the elite 14,000-run club alongside cricketing greats like Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Impactful Return
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, known as the 'Swing King', has also rejoined RCB, with the team expressing excitement about his return. Last season, he was the third-highest wicket-taker for RCB, claiming 17 wickets in 14 matches. With 198 wickets in 190 matches, he is close to becoming the second bowler to achieve 200 wickets in IPL history.
Devdutt Padikkal's Comeback
Devdutt Padikkal, who played a vital role last season, is back and ready to 'control the game'. After missing part of the previous season due to injury, he contributed significantly with 247 runs in 10 innings. His impressive domestic season includes scoring 543 runs in six matches and 725 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, showcasing his potential as a key player for RCB.
Padikkal's Stellar Domestic Performance
In the domestic circuit, Padikkal's performance has been remarkable, with standout innings including a 232-run knock in the Ranji Trophy semifinal. He also excelled in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 309 runs in six matches, further solidifying his status as a promising talent.