The IPL 2026 season has not only offered thrilling cricket to the fans, but it has also offered one of the biggest ownership stories in the history of the IPL. A consortium comprising the Aditya Birla Group, Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone acquired the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for $1.78 billion, making it the most expensive franchise sale in IPL history. At the center of this huge deal is 28-year-old Aryaman Vikram Birla, who became the new RCB chairman, and his sister Ananya Birla, who quickly became one of the most talked-about faces in the IPL world. Their story is truly one of a kind.
Who Is Aryaman Birla, the New RCB Chairman?
From Cricket Field to Chairman’s Chair
Aryaman Birla is the son of Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairperson of the Aditya Birla Group. Born on July 9, 1997, he is a former cricketer who represented Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket. What makes his journey so special is that he did not just inherit a business seat. He actually played the game at a serious level before stepping into the corporate world.
Aryaman registered himself in the IPL 2018 mega auction and was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals for Rs 30 lakh. He never featured in any match for the franchise and was eventually released in the 2020 season. However, his in-house experience in the IPL dressing room has also given him a first-hand understanding of what players go through, something no business school can ever teach.
His Battle With Anxiety and Retirement From Cricket
Aryaman, a 22-year-old cricketer, announced his decision to take a sabbatical from cricket in December 2019, stating that he was suffering from extreme cases of anxiety, which was linked to cricket. This was appreciated by people across India, considering his age. It was a brave decision on his part, and he opened up a debate on mental health in cricket.
Education and Business Career
After retiring from cricket, Aryaman earned an MBA with Honours from Harvard Business School, a Master’s in Global Finance from Bayes Business School, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mumbai. He founded Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality and Aditya Birla Ventures, the group’s VC platform targeting high-growth startups. He also sits on the boards of flagship companies, including Hindalco Industries, Grasim Industries, and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail.
The Full Circle Moment at RCB
On March 24, 2026, Aryaman was named as the chairman of RCB’s consortium, making him the first individual in IPL history to have been associated with the tournament as both a player and a chairman of a franchise’s consortium. He clearly enunciated RCB’s vision in his announcement, which was to take this partnership to the next level of growth for RCB, continuing with their “play bold” philosophy.
It is worth noting that two of his former teammates in Madhya Pradesh, Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer, are now a part of RCB, with Patidar leading the team as their new captain. The human touch in this new RCB chapter is provided by the dressing room familiarity between their chairman and their new captain.
Who Is Ananya Birla? Aryaman’s Sister and RCB’s New Star Face
Ananya Birla is not someone who needs RCB to introduce herself. She has already built a strong name across business and music on her own terms. She is an entrepreneur, pop artist, and mental health advocate who has been making headlines long before IPL 2026.
As a businesswoman, she founded Svatantra Microfin as a teenager to support rural women with financial access. She is also a board member of Grasim Industries and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail. As a musician, she has gained a worldwide following on several continents.
During RCB’s IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Aryaman and Ananya were seen cheering from the owner’s box as RCB secured a dominant six-wicket victory. Fans quickly compared Ananya’s energy and passion in the stands to Kavya Maran of SRH, which is one of the biggest compliments an IPL franchise owner can receive right now.
The Birla siblings have brought a fresh and exciting chapter to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Aryaman brings cricket knowledge and corporate vision, while Ananya adds glamour and genuine passion. For RCB fans, the future looks very bright indeed.
