Virat Kohli has officially kicked off his preparations for the upcoming IPL 2026 season, offering fans an early glimpse of his form as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru gear up for another high-pressure campaign. The veteran batter shared short clips from his training sessions on March 10, showing him back in the nets and working on his trademark shots ahead of the new season.
The 37-year-old star, who was retained by RCB for ₹21 crore, posted videos from an indoor training facility in London with a simple caption: “IPL 2026.” The clips quickly gained traction online, showing Kohli playing crisp drives and powerful pull shots during intense net sessions.
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Kohli Back in the Nets
The training sessions were conducted under the guidance of Naeem Amin, assistant coach of Gujarat Titans. Observers noted Kohli’s sharp timing and familiar rhythm with the bat — a reassuring sign for RCB supporters ahead of the tournament.
Kohli’s preparations come after a brief stint abroad. He returned to India in early February and was spotted at Mumbai Airport before linking up with the franchise’s pre-season build-up.
RCB’s Pre-Season Camp Underway
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have already begun their training camp at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The camp, which reportedly started around February 10, has seen several key players participate in practice sessions.
Players such as Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya and Venkatesh Iyer have been involved in the early preparations as the team builds momentum for its title defense. Kohli is expected to officially join the squad on March 15.
Defending Champions Enter With Confidence
RCB head into IPL 2026 riding high after winning their maiden IPL title in 2025 — a long-awaited achievement for the franchise and its loyal fan base. The victory ended years of near misses and cemented Kohli’s legacy with the team.
For the upcoming season, the franchise is scheduled to play five home matches at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, due to ongoing renovations and logistical considerations, a few home games could be shifted to alternative venues, including Raipur.
Even with venue changes, Kohli’s return to the Chinnaswamy crowd remains one of the most anticipated moments of the season.
‘Forever Icon’ of RCB
RCB director Mo Bobat recently described Kohli as the “forever icon and hero” of the franchise, highlighting his extraordinary contribution over nearly two decades.
Kohli has been one of the league’s most consistent performers, with multiple Orange Cap wins and several match-defining knocks across seasons. His leadership and performances were also central to RCB’s historic 2025 title run.
As IPL 2026 approaches, the early training glimpses suggest one thing clearly — Kohli is already locked in for another big season.
With preparations underway and the squad assembling soon, RCB fans will be hoping their talismanic batter once again leads the charge.
