Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has returned to Mumbai, setting social media abuzz as excitement builds for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 season. The star batter was spotted at Mumbai airport on Wednesday, calmly interacting with fans and airport staff.
Dressed in a beige jacket paired with black pants, white sneakers, a blue cap, and sunglasses, Kohli appeared relaxed and approachable. Several fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the former India captain, who patiently posed for photographs and exchanged brief conversations, drawing admiration for his grounded demeanor.
Return Aligns With IPL 2026 Preparations
Kohli’s arrival comes at a crucial time as franchises begin early preparations for IPL 2026. His team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is expected to kick off its pre-season camp at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The camp is likely to include photoshoots, net practice sessions, fitness drills, and team bonding activities.
Sources suggest Kohli had spent time away from India in recent weeks, possibly with family, before returning ahead of the demanding IPL schedule. His presence is expected to boost morale within the RCB camp as the franchise looks to fine-tune its plans ahead of the new season.
Fans Fuel the Hype Online
Videos and photos of Kohli’s airport interaction quickly went viral, with fans flooding social media with messages such as “King Kohli is back in India.” The sighting has added to the growing buzz around IPL 2026, especially with auctions, squad strategies, and match schedules expected to dominate discussions in the coming weeks.
As one of the most followed athletes in the world, Kohli’s movements often spark widespread attention, and his Mumbai return has once again underlined his unmatched popularity among cricket fans.
Virat Kohli with fans at the Mumbai airport. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Tnlh3sj1dK
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 12, 2026
