New Delhi: Star batter Virat Kohli has once again been in the spotlight after getting a new full-sleeve tattoo on his left arm ahead of the IPL 2026. It was done by the Aliens Tattoo India and has gained massive attention on social media. The studio has said that the tattoo is still a work in progress, and the batter has been taking out a few hours from his schedule whenever he can to complete it.

Kohli is currently preparing for the RCB’s IPL 2026 opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The studio has shared some details regarding the design process and meaning behind Kohli’s new tattoo.

“This piece draws from his journey as a person. It reflects the transformation he has gone through, what he has moved beyond, what he has arrived at, and the direction he continues to move in,” the artist said.

He further added that Kohli’s arm was not blank and had some older tattoos, elements that belonged to the different phases of his life, but some of them had aged and lost clarity, while others no longer reflect the precision and intent they once held.

“The lotus rises from muddy waters, untouched by the filth it grows from, blooming with purity regardless of the environment it comes from. It is a symbol of peace, of harmony, and of becoming, despite everything around you. In many ways, it mirrors his own journey. The rest of the meaning of this piece is deeply personal to Virat, and the story behind each element belongs to him,” he added.

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RCB ended a long 17-year wait to win their maiden IPL trophy last season, after defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final. Kohli played a crucial role in RCB’s title-winning campaign, scoring 657 runs at an average of 54.75 and striking at 144.71. He was the leading run-scorer for his franchise and the third-highest overall for the season.

RCB will be aiming to become only the third team to retain the IPL title after Chennai Super Kings (2010, 2011) and Mumbai Indians (2019, 2020).