What if Virat Kohli joins DC in IPL 2026?

Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)
Overview

Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) had a great chance to rope in Virat Kohli ahead of the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the U-19 draft in 2008. However, they went with left-arm pacer Pradeep Sangwan instead of the local player Kohli. This was mainly because they felt they had a strong batting line-up with the likes of Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, and AB de Villiers in their ranks and needed more cover in the bowling department.

Sangwan had played an instrumental role in helping India win the U-19 World Cup under Kohli's leadership in 2008. He was regarded as a bowling prodigy to keep an eye on. Delhi backed their instincts, and Kohli went to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Eighteen seasons later, the right-handed batter is the only player to have spent such a long time at a single franchise.

What if Virat Kohli joins DC in IPL 2026?

It will be a treat for the fans in Delhi to watch their local hero play for their beloved franchise at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He played an instrumental role in helping RCB win their inaugural IPL title last season. It will be a special moment in the tournament's history if he can help DC end its title drought. Fan engagement and brand value of the franchise will increase substantially, with Kohli on-board. The former India captain's fans will also be hooked into DC's matches, improving the viewership numbers in their matches.

Kohli yet to renew his commercial contract with RCB

Kohli has not only spent 18 seasons with the Bengaluru-based franchise but also delivered some staggering performances with the bat, winning the Orange Cap twice. The highlight of the franchise as well as Kohli's IPL career came in the 2025 edition of the tournament, when they lifted the coveted title for the first time.

However, ahead of the 2026 season, reports suggest that Diageo Great Britain, which owns RCB through United Spirits, has initiated the sale of the franchise at an estimated valuation of USD 2 billion. With new ownership talks and Kohli yet to renew his commercial contract with the team, speculations have intensified.