Virat Kohli starts preparation for IPL 2026, set to join RCB on This Day ahead of New Season

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Virat Kohli has officially kicked off his preparations for the IPL 2026 season, signaling an intense buildup as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) aim to defend their maiden title won in 2025.

The 37-year-old batting maestro, retained by RCB for INR 21 crore, shared glimpses of his rigorous training on social media on March 10, 2026, posting "IPL 2026 " alongside videos of powerful net sessions. Kohli was spotted hitting trademark drives and pulls at an indoor facility in London, training under the guidance of Gujarat Titans assistant coach Naeem Amin.

The sessions showcased his trademark intensity, with the "run machine" looking well-oiled and ready to dominate once again. Kohli recently returned to India, spotted at Mumbai Airport in early February after a stint abroad, before joining RCB's pre-season camp underway in Navi Mumbai at DY Patil Stadium.

Reports indicate Kohli has been hitting the nets hard, with videos circulating of him practicing ahead of the season. RCB's training camp, which started around February 10, includes key players like Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, and Venkatesh Iyer, building momentum for the title defense. Kohli is likely to join the RCB camp on March 15

As defending champions, RCB enter IPL 2026 with renewed confidence. The franchise will play five home matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with the opening ceremony potentially hosted there. Due to ongoing renovations and venue logistics, some home games may shift elsewhere, including possibly Raipur, but Kohli's return to Chinnaswamy remains a major boost for fans.

RCB director Mo Bobat recently hailed Kohli as the "forever icon and hero" of the team, praising his "ridiculous" record over 18 years. Discussions around Kohli's future persist, with hints at long-term planning post his stellar contributions, including Orange Cap wins and pivotal roles in the 2025 triumph.