A day after BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the IPL 2026 schedule for the first 20 matches will be out in 2-3 days, legendary Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, who now lives in London, took to Instagram
to post a video via which he declared that he has kicked off his preparations for the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League.
Kohli, who represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the world’s richest franchise cricket league, posted a reel on the popular photo and video sharing platform and captioned it, “IPL 2026”.
In the now-viral clip, he can be seen batting at the indoor facility at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
Here’s a look:
View this post on Instagram
Kohli, who last played a competitive cricket match on January 18, 2026, against New Zealand in Indore, will be a key batter for the Bengaluru-based franchise in IPL 2026 as they aim to become only the third team in the tournament’s history after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to successfully defend their title.
Kohli is the highest run scorer in IPL history, and he also topped the list of batters with the most runs for RCB in IPL 2025. Once again there will be high expectations from him in IPL 2026, and with less than three weeks to go for the start of the IPL, Kohli has begun his preparations.
RCB to play 5 matches at Chinnaswamy
In the 2026 edition of the IPL, RCB will play their five home matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, whereas two home fixtures are scheduled to take place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur.
The Chinnaswamy has been the RCB’s long-time home and is considered one of India’s traditional cricket centres. However, last year, it turned into the site of a tragic sporting disaster as 11 people lost their lives and several more were injured in a stampede just outside during RCB’s celebrations of its maiden title.
RCB vs CSK in IPL opener
It has been reported by Cricbuzz that 2025 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face five-time winners Chennai Super Kings in the first match of IPL 2026 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Along with the tournament’s opener, Chinnaswamy Stadium will also host the second qualifier and final match of IPL 2026.
