Chandigarh, March 27: Star batter Virat Kohli has debuted a comprehensive new full-sleeve tattoo on his left arm just days before the commencement of the IPL 2026 season. The artwork, executed by Aliens Tattoo, integrates Kohli’s existing tattoos into a singular, cohesive narrative. Designers stated that the piece features lotus and peony motifs, which are traditionally associated with resilience and the evolution of the self.
The studio maintained that the project was a deliberate effort to refine older, faded designs and merge them with fresh elements. Artists worked around an incomplete armband and previous ink to create a flow that reflects Kohli’s current mindset. A representative from Aliens Tattoo affirmed that the goal was to take scattered fragments from different life stages and transform them into a meaningful, unified sleeve.
On the pitch, Kohli enters the new season on the verge of several historic milestones. With 8,661 runs in 267 matches, he is positioned to become the first player in IPL history to cross the 9,000-run threshold. He also sits at 9,085 runs for RCB across all T20 formats, putting him within reach of becoming the first cricketer to score 10,000 runs for a single franchise.
Statisticians noted that Kohli is also chasing entry into the elite 14,000-run club in global T20 cricket. He currently holds 13,543 runs and aims to join legends such as Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard. Following a prolific previous season where he scored 657 runs at an average of 54.75, the veteran opener remains a central figure in RCB’s quest for a title.
