As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) get ready to defend their IPL title, their former captain and star batter Virat Kohli has warned the side of challenging times ahead in the 19th edition of the competition, which begins on March 28.

RCB, who won their maiden IPL title in the 2025 edition, will begin their title defence with a clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28. They will then take on five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in another home clash on April 5 in the first leg of the competition.