Virat Kohli Dismisses Chartered Flight to London Rumours for IPL 2026

Virat Kohli has dismissed circulating rumours suggesting he requested chartered flights from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to travel frequently to London during the IPL 2026 season. Social media posts and unverified reports claimed the star batter sought arrangements to fly to the UK during gaps of more than three days between matches, purportedly to spend time with his family—wife Anushka Sharma and children—who often reside there, before returning in time for the next game. Kohli addressed the speculation with a light-hearted response, sharing laughing emojis on a viral post, effectively laughing off the claims without issuing a formal denial.

The rumours gained traction on platforms like Instagram and Facebook in recent days, with some accounts alleging Kohli had made the request to RCB management ahead of the tournament, which began on March 28, 2026. Reports highlighted his past travels between India and London during cricket breaks, noting his family's base in the UK and previous instances of him preparing or spending time there, such as net sessions in the UK earlier in March. However, neither Kohli nor RCB has confirmed any such logistical arrangement, and sources indicate the claims remain unsubstantiated speculation amid the hype surrounding RCB's title defence campaign.

Kohli, who arrived in Bengaluru well before the season opener, has been focused on preparations and team motivation. In recent statements, he urged RCB teammates not to waste any session time, emphasizing the challenges ahead as defending champions facing heightened opposition scrutiny. Former teammates and analysts have discussed his transition to limited-overs cricket post-Test retirement, suggesting it could influence his rhythm, though supporters like Mohammed Kaif expect him to adapt seamlessly after a two-month break from competitive play.

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The episode underscores the intense public scrutiny on Kohli's personal and professional life, especially during high-profile events like the IPL. While family time has been a priority for the 37-year-old in recent years—evident from his London stays and family-oriented travels—the rumours appear exaggerated, with no evidence of special travel demands impacting his availability or commitment to RCB. Kohli's playful rebuttal has helped quell the buzz, redirecting attention to his on-field performance expectations in what promises to be a competitive season.

As IPL 2026 progresses, Kohli's form remains a key storyline for RCB fans, with the team aiming to build on prior successes. The swift dismissal of the London trip claims highlights how quickly misinformation can spread in the digital age, particularly around celebrity athletes balancing global stardom, family, and sport.

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