Defending champions begin first training session at M Chinnaswamy Stadium
Royal Challengers Bengaluru returned for their inaugural practice on Wednesday, marking the first training session since a heartbreaking loss at M Chinnaswamy Stadium during last season's playoffs that ended with tragedy just over nine months ago; Virat Kohli arrived as star attraction to lead his teammates in an all-business atmosphere before addressing them.
Key Points
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1Virat Kohli arrived in Bengaluru on Wednesday for the first training session of defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of IPL 2026.
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2The Indian Premier League is scheduled to commence at M Chinnaswamy Stadium starting March 28, following a nine-month gap since their previous homecoming tragedy in September last year. Kohli led the session with pep talks and focused on preparations for his team's title defense campaign.
Developments
Perspectives
Royal Challengers Bengaluru returned for their first training session at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium nine months after a homecoming that ended tragically.
— [Mar 19, 01:00] Virat Kohli, RCB return to M Chinnaswamy for first training session"The king is back" as defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepares with their star batter ready to lead the title defence.
— [Mar 25, 41:30] King returns to protect the crownRoyal Challengers Bengaluru returned to M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday for a two-hour IPL preparation session that was cut short by rain at 6:30 pm due to ongoing unrest in West Asia and the criminal charges against player Yash Dayal. Virat Kohli led training alongside Devdutt Padikkal, demonstrating consistent form with lofted shots while skipping net bowlers were replaced by their own bowling unit including new recruit Venkatesh Iyer.
Virat Kohli has arrived in Bengaluru to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru for their first-ever IPL title defense, set against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28 after the Karnataka State Cricket Association received approval from authorities (note: text cuts off before stating final status).
Virat Kohli has arrived in Bengaluru ready to lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as they attempt their first-ever IPL title defense. Last year's champions finished an 18-year wait with a strong performance from Rajat Patidar, while the franchise aims for back-to-back titles featuring its star batsman at age 37 in his prime form against SunRisers Hyderabad on March 28.