TOP STORIES
"The other teams are going to come hard at us": Kohli fires up RCB squad with powerful message ahead of IPL 2026
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 approaches, Royal Challengers Bengaluru find themselves in a position that once felt almost out of reach—defending champions. Last season, they finally ended a 17-year wait for their maiden title. Now, the team is gearing up to defend the title. During the team’s opening training session at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli delivered a clear and focused message to his teammates, asking them to stay switched on and value every moment. Unlike previous seasons, when RCB entered the tournament hoping to prove themselves, this year brings the burden of defending their crown.
"We 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 the other teams are going to come hard at us," Kohli said, in a video posted by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on X.
"We don't waste these days. We stay ahead. So, switch on now. Let's not waste even a minute of any session we are part of. We must give our 120% for these two and a half months. I can see from everyone's faces that we are excited enough to be challengers," he added.
RCB head coach Andy Flower highlighted the importance of having the first two games at home ground, asking the side to take advantage of that. Notably, RCB are set to begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB's second game against CSK will also be at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
"Our first game is here at Chinnaswamy, which is a fantastic opportunity for us to build momentum early and be welcomed by our home fans. The outfield is looking superb, lush, green and beautiful," he said.
Tags
More News
"What is Cricket Australia doing?": Ex-Indian cricketer raises questions over Australian players' absence from IPL
With just a week to go before the IPL 2026 begins, several franchises are facing a major headache with the absence of key players, particularly from their overseas contingent. Injuries, workload management, and personal commitments have been the main reasons behind their absence. One of the most significant setbacks has come for SunRisers Hyderabad, who will be without their re...
"I had lost around 7 kg after my injury": Shreyas Iyer ahead of IPL 2026
After years of inconsistency and underwhelming campaigns, Punjab Kings have finally rediscovered their competitive edge under Shreyas Iyer’s leadership. Iyer guided the franchise to the final last season after a long drought, which was no small feat; even if the trophy slipped away in a heartbreaking loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the side showed thei...
Teen sensation Fanny Utagushimaninde scripts history with record-breaking T20I century on debut
Rwanda’s teenage prodigy Fanny Utagushimaninde has created history, delivering one of the most extraordinary debut performances in Women’s T20 International history. At just 15 years and 223 days, the opener smashed an unbeaten 111 off 65 balls against Ghana in the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament, setting multiple records in a single innings.
Opening the batt...
Ireland unveil star-studded home season, featuring T20Is against India
Ireland’s cricket calendar is set to be full of action, with both the men’s and women’s teams preparing for a demanding stretch of fixtures at home and away. The men’s side will headline the home season with a historic Test match against New Zealand. Shortly after, Ireland will welcome India, who recently won the T20 World Cup ...
"Hopefully somewhere by mid-April": KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar shares update on Harshit Rana and Matheesha Pathirana's unavailability
Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana is set to miss the opening phase of the Indian Premier League 2026, giving an early jolt to Kolkata Knight Riders. The update was confirmed by head coach Abhishek Nayar, who stated that the fast bowler is expected to join the squad only by mid-April. Pathirana’s absence has occurred due to a calf strain that not only sidelined him from the IP...
Android App
iOS App
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram