[WATCH] Virat Kohli arrives in Bengaluru before RCB’s IPL 2026 title defense

With just under 10 days left before the IPL 2026 season, the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru got a major boost as Virat Kohli arrived in Bengaluru. Virat arrived in Bengaluru on Wednesday, March 18, as the last time he played was in the ODI matches against New Zealand in January.

In the videos that are going viral on social media, Virat is seen coming out of the airport with tight security around him. Virat was looking simple and stylish in his blue sweatshirt, black track pants, and cap. RCB shared Instagram post hinting at the arrival of Virat Kohli, as they said, “You don’t have to see him… to know he’s coming!”

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru Founded: 2008

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is a major franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but they have yet to win the tournament.

The IPL 2026 matches are about to start, and the fans are eagerly waiting to see Virat Kohli in the ground. Kohli is expected to have a great role to play in the title retention of RCB. Kohli played a significant role in the title retention of RCB in 2025. He scored 657 runs with a good strike rate and average. This helped the team win the title after a long wait.

The GOAT is here !! 🐐 pic.twitter.com/BDRXC5gc84

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) March 18, 2026

However, now Kohli is playing only ODI matches. Hence, the role of Kohli in IPL becomes all the more important. RCB is going to start their IPL 2026 journey on March 28 at home against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

You don’t have to see him… to know he’s coming! Check the calendar. There will be signs… ✨❤️#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/qv8tA5ZCrA

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 18, 2026

Then, their next match is against Chennai Super Kings on April 5. After that, RCB is scheduled to play two matches away from home against Rajasthan Royals on April 10 and Mumbai Indians on April 12.

IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad

Rajat Patidar (Captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Jordan Cox, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Venkatesh Iyer, Satvik Deswal, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanish Chouhan, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy, Yash Dayal

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