Virat Kohli's ‘ready for another special chase’ as RCB gear up for IPL 2026 title defense; ‘same chapter new story’

Having lifted the Indian Premier League (IPL) title for the first time last year, Virat Kohli seemed hungrier for more as the former skipper got into business straightway after landing in Bengaluru in the wee hours on Wednesday. Kohli, who resides in United Kingdom currently, landed in Indian at around 4 AM and reported straight to his first training session at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Having already retired from T20Is and Tests, Kohli only features in ODI cricket for India. That gives him ample time to recover and rejuvenate ahead of a grueling two-month IPL season. With the kind of fitness Kohli possess even at 37 and a lot lesser cricket nowadays, Kohli would be hungrier than ever to reclaim the IPL crown this year.

The former India captain didn't waste much time. After landing in Bengaluru, Kohli sent a strong message to the whole RCB community. “Every time I wear this jersey, I’m all in. Ready for another special chase," Kohli said in a video released by RCB. He finished by reminding “same chapter new story.”

RCB captioned the video, "Time passed. Seasons changed. And our love for the Only True King, only grows stronger by the day. Our Virat Kohli returns to where he belongs, his home, Bengaluru, for a new story. So, 12th Man Army! We ready for No. 18’s Season 19?”