Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Star cricketer Virat Kohli welcomed back with a heart-touching social media post ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season. The defending champions will begin their title defense with a home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, March 28, as Kohli returns to action at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
Kohli has been with RCB since the first IPL season in 2008. The 37-year-old returns to the franchise for the 19th consecutive season. During his career with the Bengaluru-based franchise, the former captain has scored 8,661 runs in the IPL at an average of 39.54, the most by any batsman.
“He's heard this call before. From the city. From the stands. From you. And every time… he's answered. After 18 seasons, nothing has changed. When Bengaluru calls, the King comes home. Still, the King, the GOAT, Virat Kohli is back home for the 19th season of the IPL,” RCB wrote in Kohli's caption. Welcome post to X (formerly known as Twitter).
Check out RCB's post below for Virat Kohli's arrival ahead of IPL 2026
He has heard this call before. 🗣️
from the city. From the stand. from you. ❤️And every time…he is answered. 😮💨
After 18 seasons, nothing has changed.
Raja comes home when Bengaluru calls. 👑And then, the king, the goat, Virat Kohli is back home for the 19th season… pic.twitter.com/PD2nLWwgWR
– Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) 18 March 2026
For the first time in his IPL career, Kohli has entered an IPL season as the defending champion. This right-handed batsman played an important role in helping his team win its first title by scoring 657 runs at an average of 54.75. This included a handy innings of 43 runs off 35 balls in the grand finale against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Since Kohli has retired from Tests and T20Is, the 2025 IPL was the last time he played professionally in the shortest format of the game. However, the top-order star has been in great form for India in ODIs and the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi. In his last 10 innings, the former India captain has recorded four centuries and one score in the 90s.
RCB will largely depend on Kohli's form during the 2026 season. He was one of the best opening combinations last time with England's Phil Salt and the same is expected to continue this time too.
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