New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart Virat Kohli has started practice for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The 19th edition of the cash-rich league will begin on March 28, with the culmination on May 31.
On Wednesday, photos and videos of the former Indian skipper went viral on social media where he was seen training in the nets. Kohli shared a reel on social media handle Instagram were he was seen involved in an intensive practice session, focusing on defending the title for his franchise. The clip quickly went viral drawing attention from the fans as they gear to witness their star player perform.
In the 2025 edition of the cash-rich tournament, the right-handed batter smashed a total of 657 runs as RCB raced to their maiden title victory in style. Their title celebrations, though, were marred by chaos as few people lost their lives and many were injured during the celebrations at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy stadium.
Watch the video
VIRAT KOHLI’S INSTAGRAM POST. 🔥
– The King is ready for IPL 2026. pic.twitter.com/8ih74DCmDx
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 11, 2026
Kohli’s flawless performance in IPL 2025
In a total of 15 matches, Kohli scored more that 650 runs playing a key role in helping Bengaluru lifting their maiden IPL title. In the tournament, he smashed eight half-centuries with a strike rate of almost 145. Overall, the right-handed batter has amassed 8661 runs in 267 matches and 259 innings in IPL history.
It is to be noted that the fixtures of the IPL 2026 edition are yet to be announced but are expected in the next few days. Meanwhile earlier in the month, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Secretary confirmed that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host five of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB). This development comes after the stadium was banned from hosting any matches after the tragic incident last year.