Bengaluru: Former India captain Virat Kohli has dismissed rumours suggesting he demanded charter flights during the upcoming IPL 2026 season, responding with a light-hearted reaction on social media.
On Sunday, March 22, Kohli took to Instagram to laugh off the speculation, using just two emojis to indicate his disbelief over the claims. The rumours had alleged that he requested special chartered flights to travel between London and Bengaluru during breaks between matches.
Rumours about charter travel surface online
The speculation gained traction on social media, with one widely circulated post claiming that Kohli had approached Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to arrange private flights. According to the claim, the cricketer intended to travel to London and return to India if there was a gap of more than three days between matches.
However, Kohli’s brief but pointed response appears to have put an end to the rumours, which many viewed as unfounded and exaggerated.
Kohli rejoins RCB camp
Kohli recently returned to India from London and has joined the RCB training camp in Bengaluru ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
The team, which enters the tournament as defending champions, is set to face SunRisers Hyderabad in the opening match on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
His presence at the camp signals readiness for the season, amid heightened expectations from fans and the franchise.
London stays spark recurring debate
Kohli’s association with London has been a topic of public discussion in recent times. The cricketer has reportedly chosen to spend extended periods in the UK during off-season breaks, particularly after welcoming his second child.
The move is understood to be a personal decision aimed at providing a more private and “normal” environment for his family, away from the intense public attention he faces in India.
In London, Kohli has often been spotted engaging in routine activities such as grocery shopping and spending time in public spaces without the usual fan frenzy.
Mixed reactions from cricketing community
While many fans respect Kohli’s choice to prioritise family life, some critics have questioned the optics of a leading Indian cricketer spending considerable time abroad.
Certain voices within the cricketing community, including former players, have raised concerns about perceived disconnect from domestic cricket and fan engagement. Social media discussions have also reflected divided opinions on balancing personal life with professional commitments.
However, there has been no indication that Kohli’s off-field choices have impacted his availability or performance for his team.
Focus shifts to IPL 2026
With the IPL season around the corner, attention is now shifting back to cricket. As one of the most prominent players in the league, Kohli remains central to RCB’s campaign.
His dismissal of the charter flight rumours suggests a desire to keep the focus on the game rather than off-field speculation.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s reaction to the charter flight rumours highlights how quickly unverified claims can spread in the digital age. As IPL 2026 approaches, the focus is expected to remain on his performance on the field rather than speculation about his personal travel plans.
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