Chandigarh, March 22: A rare direct response to online speculation, Virat Kohli has quashed reports suggesting he demanded chartered flights between India and London for the 2026 Indian Premier League. The cricketer took to digital platforms to fact-check a viral post that had alleged he sought permission from Royal Challengers Bengaluru to travel home to the UK during short gaps in the match schedule.
The report, which originated on a viral news page, maintained that Kohli had placed “big demands” on team management to facilitate his commute to London whenever the team had at least 72 hours of downtime. Kohli countered the narrative by posting a screenshot of the report with laughing emojis, effectively ending the speculation without a lengthy statement.
The Instagram page behind the initial claim later issued a formal retraction, stating the post was based on inaccurate information. They affirmed that the account had crashed following the massive influx of traffic caused by Kohli’s direct response to their content.
“Don’t mess with King Kohli,” a fan quipped on X, reflecting a broader sentiment among supporters who praised the athlete for transparency.
The clarification comes as RCB prepares to begin their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite his family having a primary residence in London, Kohli has maintained a strict professional schedule in India for his sporting commitments.
During the team’s first training session, the former captain asserted the importance of staying “switched on” for the duration of the league. He stated that the upcoming season would be even more challenging as rivals look to unseat the defending champions. Officials noted that the athlete’s focus remains entirely on reaching the 9,000-run milestone in IPL history, a feat he is expected to achieve in the early stages of the tournament.
