Virat Kohli & RCB: Building an IPL Power Brand | Success & Fan Engagement

Virat Kohli has urged the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to “switch on” immediately ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, signaling the team’s intent to defend its title won in 2025. The call to action came during a recent press conference, less than a week before the start of the new season, according to Olympics.com.

RCB’s brand has develop into synonymous with Kohli’s enduring presence since he joined the franchise in 2008. He remains the franchise’s highest run-scorer with 8,661 runs, a record that underscores his consistent performance and importance to the team’s identity. While Kohli captained RCB from 2013 to 2021 without securing an IPL championship, his individual brilliance and the star power he brought to the team helped maintain its relevance in the highly competitive league.

The franchise’s success extends beyond the men’s team, with the women’s team contributing to a broader fan base. The presence of global stars like Ellyse Perry and Smriti Mandhana has enhanced RCB’s appeal. The team’s victory in the 2025 final against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad saw the stands filled with fans wearing Kohli’s jersey, demonstrating the widespread support the team enjoys even in away games.

RCB has actively cultivated a lifestyle brand beyond the cricket pitch. The RCB Bar and Cafe in Bengaluru provides a year-round connection with fans, blending sport and leisure in a uniquely themed space. The franchise has also tapped into the growing fitness culture with its “Hustle by RCB” platform, offering structured fitness and nutrition programs designed to engage fans on a more personal level.

As of 2026, RCB is captained by Rajat Patidar and coached by Andy Flower. The franchise, founded in 2008 by United Spirits, plays its home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which has a capacity of 35,000. United Spirits remains an owner of the franchise, but the Aditya Birla Group has joined as an owner as of 2026. RCB was valued at $117 million as of 2024, making it one of the most valuable franchises in the IPL.

RCB has qualified for the playoffs in ten of the eighteen seasons of the IPL, and finished as runners-up on three occasions: in 2009, 2011, and 2016. The team also competed in the Champions League, finishing as runners-up in 2011. Kohli’s recent call for the team to “switch on” suggests a focused determination to build on the momentum of their 2025 championship win and establish a period of sustained success.