Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have begun their preparations ahead of the 2026 IPL season. Star batter Virat Kohli has called on his team-mates to stay fully focused by remaining “switched on” and giving their “120 per cent for these two and a half months” with the aim of defending their title. The former captain also urged his team-mates to make the most of every practice session.
Speaking about RCB’s preparations ahead of the 2026 season, he stated, “We have worked really hard over the last two to three seasons to achieve what we did last year, and it’s only going to get tougher because other teams are going to come hard at us. We don’t waste these days. We stay ahead. So switch on now… we must give our 120%.”
RCB had a memorable 2025 season, winning their first IPL title after 18 years under Rajat Patidar and coach Andy Flower. Kohli led with the bat, scoring 657 runs, while Josh Hazlewood topped the bowling charts with 22 wickets. The Bengaluru-based franchise also became the first team to win all away matches in a season.
The defending champions will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against 2016 winners Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on 28 March at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
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