Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has begun preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, with videos of the former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain practicing in the nets going viral on social media platforms.
In a recent Instagram reel, the 37-year-old was seen intensely focused during a batting session, signaling his readiness for the new IPL campaign. Fans quickly responded, flooding the comments with enthusiasm and anticipation ahead of the tournament.
Kohli, one of the most prolific batsmen in IPL history, has scored 8,661 runs across 267 matches and 259 innings, maintaining an average of 39.54 and a strike rate of 132.85. He has hit eight centuries and 63 half-centuries in the tournament.
In IPL 2025, Kohli played a pivotal role in RCB’s historic first title victory, amassing 657 runs in 15 matches at an impressive average of 54.75, including eight half-centuries and a strike rate of 144.71.
The IPL 2026 season is set to commence on March 28, as confirmed by broadcaster Star Sports. However, the complete fixture list has yet to be announced.
RCB are entering the new season as reigning champions, having defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in the 2025 final held in Ahmedabad.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has announced that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host five of RCB’s home games, including the final and one playoff match. The remaining two home fixtures will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Notably, cricket at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been suspended since June last year following a tragic stampede during RCB’s IPL 2025 celebration that resulted in 11 fatalities and several injuries. The venue has also not hosted any ICC Women’s World Cup matches or recent ICC T20 World Cup fixtures, impacting domestic and franchise tournaments held there.
As Kohli continues his preparations, fans await more updates on IPL 2026 and their favorite team’s quest to defend their title.