Royal Challengers Bengaluru

· IPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are one of the IPL’s original eight franchises who won their maiden IPL title in 2025, having reached three finals (2009, 2011, 2016) before finally claiming the trophy, and commanding one of the largest and most dedicated fanbases in world cricket. The reason is simple: Virat Kohli.

Kohli’s association with RCB since the franchise’s inception created a bond between player and city that transcends trophies. His 973 runs in the 2016 season remains the all-time IPL record for a single season, and his emotional connection with the Bengaluru crowd is visceral. When Kohli walks out to bat at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the noise is deafening.

M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is a batting paradise that produces some of the IPL’s most outrageous run-fests. The small boundaries, flat pitch, and Bengaluru’s elevation of approximately 900 metres above sea level make it the highest-scoring ground in IPL history. Totals of 200+ are routine, and bowlers approach Chinnaswamy with a mixture of dread and resignation.

RCB’s history is a rollercoaster. Three finals (2009, 2011, 2016) before the breakthrough title in 2025. The years of “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (This year the cup is ours) finally delivered, and the faith of the RCB faithful was vindicated.

RCB’s fan engagement is unrivaled in Indian cricket. The Bold Army, as their supporters are known, create viral moments at every home game. The franchise’s social media presence regularly outperforms teams with far more on-field success, proving that in modern sport, connection matters as much as trophies. The Bengaluru tech industry connection means RCB’s digital innovation leads the league, from AR matchday experiences to data-driven fan analytics.

For 2026, RCB’s squad combines Indian superstars with overseas power hitters, all playing on the most batter-friendly ground in India. For international viewers, the 19:30 IST match start converts to 14:00 GMT for London, 10:00 AM EDT for New York, and 01:00 AEDT for Sydney. Check Bengaluru time and India time for your local conversion.