Adar Poonawalla and Nikhil Kamath Eye RCB
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise is in the spotlight as Diageo plans to sell the IPL team by March 31, 2026. Notable figures like Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, have expressed keen interest in acquiring RCB, which is valued at approximately $2 billion.
Key Players in the Bid
Poonawalla, who confirmed his interest via social media, stated, “At the right valuation, @RCBTweets is a great team.” But he isn’t alone in this pursuit. Alongside him, Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, and Ranjan Pai, chairman of the Manipal Education and Medical Group, are looking to form a consortium. This combination capitalizes on their estimated net worths of $2.5 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively, appealing to RCB’s fanbase.
Impact of Virat Kohli’s Future
Virat Kohli has been a cornerstone of RCB. However, his potential retirement poses a significant risk to the team's valuation. Should he retire, it could lead to an identity crisis for RCB and subsequently affect the franchise's market value.
Ownership Change and Franchise Valuation
| Description | Value |
|---|
| RCB Franchise Value | $2 billion (approximately INR 17,775 crore) |
| Adar Poonawalla's Net Worth | $20 billion |
| Nikhil Kamath's Net Worth | $2.5 billion |
| Ranjan Pai's Net Worth | $2.8 billion |
While Diageo is ready to part with the franchise, Poonawalla's hesitation raised questions about the valuation. “A lot depends on Kohli — his presence or absence changes everything,” an industry expert noted.
Conclusion
The fate of RCB hangs in the balance as these billionaires weigh their options. Whether Poonawalla, Kamath, and Pai secure ownership remains to be seen. Fans are eager for updates as the situation unfolds.