'When Bengaluru calls, the King comes home' - RCB welcome Virat Kohli in grand fashion for IPL 2026

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have welcomed the return of star cricketer Virat Kohli with an heartwarming social media post ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season. The defending champions kickstart their title defence with a home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, March 28, as Kohli will return in action at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

Kohli has been with RCB since the very first IPL season back in 2008. The 37-year-old therefore returns to the franchise for a 19th consecutive season. Over the course of his career with the Bengaluru-based franchise, the former captain has scored 8,661 runs in IPL, the most by any batter, at an average of 39.54. 

“He’s heard this call before. From the city. From the stands. From you. And every time… he’s answered. 18 seasons later, nothing’s changed. When Bengaluru calls, the King comes home. ನಮ್ಮ ಮಣ್ಣಿನ ಮಗ, King, the GOAT, Virat Kohli is back home for the 19th Season of IPL,” RCB captioned Kohli's welcome post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Check RCB's post for Virat Kohli's arrival ahead of IPL 2026 below

For the first time in his IPL career, Kohli comes into an IPL season as a defending champion. The right-hander played a crucial role in helping his side secure their maiden title by scoring 657 runs at an average of 54.75. This included a handy 43 off 35 balls in the final against the Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in the grand finale.

Since Kohli has retired from Tests and T20Is, the 2025 IPL was the last time he played a professional game in the shortest format of the game. The top-order star, however, comes in some excellent form for India in ODIs and for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In his last 10 innings, the former India captain has registered four centuries and one score in the 90s. 

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RCB will be heavily reliant on Kohli’s form during the 2026 season. He along with England’s Phil Salt were one of the best opening combinations last time around, and the same is expected to continue this time round as well.