Virat Kohli arrives in Bengaluru as RCB gear up to defend IPL title – WATCH

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New Delhi: Virat Kohli has arrived in Bengaluru for the IPL 2026 as the RCB gear up to defend their title. Kohli played a crucial role in RCB’s title-winning campaign last season, scoring 657 runs at a stunning strike rate of 144.71 and an average of 54.75.

The star batter will be eager to return to his best as RCB look to become the third team to successfully defend the IPL title. The Bengaluru-based franchise ended an 18-year wait to win its first-ever IPL title last season under the leadership of Rajat Patidar.

Kohli had announced retirement from T20 international after winning the 2024 World Cup in Barbados. He also announced his retirement from Test cricket during the IPL 2025 and will only play the ODI format. He has been in sensational form in the recent ODI series and will look to continue the same performance in the 19th edition of the IPL.

Josh Hazlewood unlikely for early IPL 2026 games

RCB will open their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28. The Bengaluru-based franchise will start its tournament without star bowler Josh Hazlewood.

According to a Cricbuzz report, Hazlewood is likely to miss the opening two matches of the season, as the pacer is still recovering from injury due to which he was ruled out of the Ashes 2025-26.

He first suffered a hamstring injury before picking up an Achilles injury during his recovery. He also played an important role in RCB’s title-winning campaign, taking 22 wickets.

RCB’s IPL 2026 fixtures

March 28: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Bengaluru – 7:30 PM (IST)

April 5: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings, Bengaluru – 7:30 PM (IST)

April 10: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Guwahati – 7:30 PM (IST)

April 12: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai – 7:30 PM (IST)