From chants to challenges: IPL restarts with Virat Kohli mania in Bengaluru

Dubai: It was supposed to be just another practice day. Instead, it turned into a tribute — with fans clogging roads and waving Test whites in honour of Virat Kohli. As the IPL restarts after its India-Pakistan conflict break, the game’s biggest name is back. But just as Kohli returns, a stream of international stars is heading the other way.

The 36-year-old will play his first match since announcing his Test retirement when Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Kolkata Knight Riders at home on Saturday. Crowds thronged the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday, causing massive traffic jams as chants of “Kohli, Kohli” echoed through the streets, reported Cricinfo.

RCB fans are reportedly planning to ditch their red jerseys and turn up in whites — a fitting tribute to a player who helped redefine Indian Test cricket.

RCB, who are in the hunt for a maiden title, have suffered a setback with Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to a shoulder injury. The Australian pacer is expected to be part of his country’s World Test Championship final squad, with the marquee clash against India set for June 11–15 at Lord’s.

On the brighter side, RCB have welcomed back Romario Shepherd and Liam Livingstone ahead of the restart.

Several teams will be weakened in the coming weeks as players from England, Australia and South Africa return home for international commitments. Gujarat Titans have lost a key figure in Jos Buttler, who will leave before the playoffs to be available for England’s home ODI series against the West Indies starting May 29.

Gujarat have roped in Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis as Buttler’s replacement for Rs 7.5 million. He will officially join on May 26.

England’s Will Jacks (Mumbai Indians) and Jacob Bethell (RCB) are also expected to exit early. According to BBC, England have named five IPL-contracted players in their ODI squad, all of whom are expected to depart before the knockouts.

Mitchell Starc is unlikely to return for Delhi Capitals, opting to focus on preparing for the World Test Championship final. Cricket South Africa, meanwhile, has asked its players to return by May 26, with coach Shukri Conrad insisting, “As it stands, we’re not budging on this.”

This means Ryan Rickelton (MI) will also miss the playoffs. To cover the departures, Mumbai Indians are reportedly in talks with Jonny Bairstow and Richard Gleeson to replace Rickelton and Jacks respectively. Bairstow, unsold in the 2024 mega auction, could return to the IPL if the deal is finalised.

Punjab Kings have signed Kyle Jamieson as a replacement for the injured Lockie Ferguson, who is out with a hamstring issue. The New Zealander joins for Rs20 million.

Lucknow Super Giants have brought in William O’Rourke for Mayank Yadav, who is sidelined with a back injury. O’Rourke’s deal is worth Rs 30 million.

As the IPL restarts, it does so with a mix of celebration and disruption. Kohli’s return has sparked emotional tributes, but the looming exits of foreign stars threaten to reshape the season’s climax. For now, though, Bengaluru prepares for a Saturday night spectacle — a salute to a legend, and a reminder that the show goes on, even if the cast keeps changing.