The IPL landscape is abuzz with Adar Poonawalla’s bombshell revelation: the Serum Institute tycoon is priming a powerhouse bid for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As talks of selling the franchise gain traction pre-IPL 2026, this development could mark the end of an era.
In a Thursday post on X, Poonawalla declared his hand: ‘Working on a strong, competitive bid for RCB over the next few months—truly one of IPL’s elite franchises.’ The statement arrives against the backdrop of RCB’s groundbreaking 2025 championship, their first after 17 grueling seasons.
Rajat Patidar’s squad stunned Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings in the final, scripting history. But the elation soured at the June 4 parade in M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Over 300,000 enthusiasts flooded the area, far beyond capacity, triggering a tragic stampede that killed 11 and injured more than 50. The incident has cast a long shadow, boosting sale prospects.
While earlier rumors were debunked, the combo of trophy success, fan frenzy, and tragedy has shifted dynamics. RCB now faces competition from Homble Films, Vijay Kiragandur’s outfit known for hits like KGF and Kantara.
With RCB’s massive following and championship status, a Poonawalla-led acquisition might bring cutting-edge resources to nurture talent and fan engagement. The coming months promise high-stakes negotiations that could reshape T20 cricket’s biggest stage.