Virat Kohli has begun preparations for the upcoming 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is scheduled to start on March 28. The India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru stalwart shared a video on social media showing him training in the nets as he gears up for the new season.
The 39-year-old appeared in good touch while practising at an indoor training facility in the United Kingdom, playing a series of powerful shots during the session.
In the video posted on Instagram, Kohli can be seen working hard in the indoor nets and striking the ball cleanly as part of his preparations. He captioned the post, “IPL 2026” along with a sandclock emoticon.
RCB also shared the training clip on their social media handles, praising their long-time star batter. Posting the video, the franchise wrote, “The run machine looks well oiled. Let’s start #IPL2026 already.”
The Bengaluru-based franchise additionally marked a special milestone for Kohli, who completed 18 years with the team on Wednesday and is set to play his 19th IPL season with the side.
Sharing a tribute post, RCB wrote, “19 seasons, 1 team, 1 legendary name. From a promising youngster in 2008 to an irreplaceable icon of the franchise. #OnThisDay 18 years ago, we signed Virat Kohli through the U-19 Player Draft at the first ever #IPLAuction. Years later, the journey continues with the same passion, the same loyalty, and the same King inspiring all the way.”
Kohli played a crucial role in helping RCB end their long wait for an IPL title in 2025. He finished as the franchise’s leading run-scorer in the tournament, amassing 657 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 144.71.
In the final, RCB defeated the Punjab Kings by six runs after successfully defending a total of 191. Kohli top-scored for his side in the title clash with a composed 43 off 35 deliveries.
Kohli has since stepped away from two formats of international cricket. The former India captain retired from Test cricket last year and called time on his T20I career after India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, where they defeated the South Africa national cricket team in the final in Barbados.
He is now active internationally only in the ODI format for the Men-in-Blue.