As the countdown to IPL 2026 gathers momentum, Virat Kohli has found himself at the centre of fresh speculation—this time over alleged travel arrangements during the tournament. However, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star has now reacted to the rumours, calling them nothing more than baseless chatter.

The controversy began when reports surfaced suggesting that Kohli had requested chartered flights to travel between India and London during breaks in the IPL schedule. According to these rumours, the former India captain planned to fly out whenever there was a gap of more than three days between matches.

Kohli responded swiftly and directly. Taking to his Instagram stories, he reshared the claim and reacted with laughing emojis, clearly indicating that the story held no truth. By labeling it as ‘fake news’ without issuing a lengthy statement, Kohli let his reaction do the talking.

His response quickly went viral, with fans appreciating the clarity and straightforward dismissal. In an era where speculation spreads rapidly, Kohli’s light-hearted yet firm rebuttal helped shut down the narrative before it could gain further traction.

London connection continues to spark debate

While this particular rumour has been put to rest, discussions around Kohli’s association with London are not new. In recent years, the star batter has spent significant time in the UK during off-season periods, especially after becoming a father for the second time. For Kohli, London offers something he rarely experiences in India—privacy. Away from the intense spotlight, he has often been spotted doing everyday activities like walking in parks or shopping, blending into a relatively normal routine.

This shift is widely seen as a conscious effort to give his family, especially his children, a more grounded upbringing. The move reflects a personal choice to balance global stardom with a quieter life off the field.

Focus shifts to IPL 2026 with RCB

Amid the noise, Kohli has already returned to India and joined the RCB camp in Bengaluru. The defending champions are gearing up for a high-profile start to their campaign at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB are set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match on March 28, and all eyes will be on Kohli as he begins another crucial IPL season. With expectations running high, the veteran batter will look to lead from the front and silence any distractions with his performances on the field.