The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) saga takes a dramatic turn as India’s tech and business elite line up to acquire the IPL 2025 champions. Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath and healthcare tycoon Ranjan Pai are preparing a blockbuster consortium bid—potentially joined by vaccine billionaire Adar Poonawalla—in what could become cricket’s biggest ownership shakeup.
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The Billionaire Battle Begins
Diageo’s decision to offload RCB by March 31, 2026, has triggered a bidding war among India’s wealthiest entrepreneurs. While Adar Poonawalla first captured headlines with his public interest in October, the franchise that finally broke its title drought now attracts multiple heavyweight contenders in a race that will reshape the Indian Premier League landscape.
Key Bidders and Their Valuations
| Bidder/Consortium | Net Worth | Connection to RCB |
|---|---|---|
| Nikhil Kamath + Ranjan Pai | $5.3 billion combined | Kannadiga roots; local fanbase connection |
| Adar Poonawalla | $20+ billion | Previous interest confirmed; valuation concerns |
| Parth Jindal (JSW Group) | Undisclosed | Already owns Delhi Capitals |
The Kannadiga Advantage
Nikhil Kamath and Ranjan Pai bring something money alone can’t buy—authentic regional identity. As native Kannadigas worth $2.5 billion and $2.8 billion respectively, they understand RCB’s passionate Bengaluru-centric fanbase intimately. Kamath’s Zerodha revolutionized Indian retail trading, while Pai’s Manipal Education and Medical Group dominates healthcare and education sectors.
According to reports from the Times of India, their consortium strategy could potentially include Poonawalla as a strategic partner, combining local roots with massive financial firepower—a combination that might prove irresistible to Diageo and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
The Valuation Conundrum
Diageo’s initial asking price of $2 billion (approximately ₹17,775 crore) for a franchise currently valued at $269 million has sparked intense debate. Poonawalla publicly questioned this valuation in October, tweeting that “at the right valuation, @RCBTweets is a great team.” His skepticism reflects broader industry concerns about IPL franchise valuations, which have declined significantly over recent years.
The elephant in the boardroom? Virat Kohli’s potential retirement. The 36-year-old superstar remains RCB’s identity and biggest asset. His eventual departure could trigger a valuation collapse, making current negotiations a high-stakes gamble on his playing longevity. Without Kohli, RCB faces an identity crisis that could severely impact commercial appeal and fan engagement.
JSW Group’s Dark Horse Bid
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal adds intrigue to the race. The JSW Group’s established IPL presence provides operational expertise, though owning two franchises raises potential conflict-of-interest questions. His entry suggests Diageo may entertain diverse bidding structures beyond pure financial offers.
What This Means for RCB’s Future
The ownership change arrives at a pivotal moment. Fresh from their maiden IPL title, RCB needs leadership that balances commercial ambitions with the franchise’s emotional connection to Bengaluru. The Kamath-Pai consortium’s regional ties could preserve this identity while bringing professional management and deep pockets.
New ownership will inherit decisions about Kohli’s contract extension, stadium arrangements, and the broader strategic direction for both IPL and Women’s Premier League operations. The March 31 deadline ensures resolution before IPL 2026 preparations intensify, providing stability during cricket’s most lucrative season.
The Championship Factor
Timing couldn’t be better for sellers—or harder for buyers. RCB’s first-ever IPL championship in 2025 has maximized franchise value, but also raised expectations impossibly high. Can new owners maintain championship momentum without the very players who delivered the breakthrough?
As India’s business elite circle this prize asset, one certainty emerges: whoever wins this bidding war inherits not just a cricket team, but the dreams of millions who’ve waited decades for RCB to finally believe.
