RCB Ownership Buzz: Serum Institute chief Adar Poonawalla confirms plans to bid
New Delhi:
Indian industrialist and Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla has confirmed his intention to place a “strong and competitive bid” to acquire the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the coming months.
In a post on social media platform X on Thursday evening, Poonawalla wrote that over the next few months he “will be putting in a STRONG and COMPETITIVE bid for @RCBTweets, one of the best teams in the IPL.” The message sparked significant attention across cricket and business circles given RCB’s stature and recent success.
RCB, which clinched the IPL title in 2025, was officially put up for sale after its owner, Diageo-owned United Spirits Ltd, initiated a strategic review of its investment in the franchise. Potential suitors have been watching developments closely as the sale process advances ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
The announcement triggered a flurry of reactions on social media, with fans of Royal Challengers Bengaluru welcoming the prospect of new ownership and urging Adar Poonawalla to bring stability and a long-term vision to the franchise. Several users tagged former and current RCB players, calling the bid a “fresh start” for the team, while others speculated on how deeper corporate backing could influence player retention and future auctions.
Industry observers say the move would mark a notable diversification for Poonawalla, well known for leading the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by output and for recent investments in entertainment and financial sectors. However, details such as the size of the bid or expected timeline for submission were not disclosed in his social media announcement.
RCB commands one of the highest brand values in the IPL and boasts a fervent fan base. Its potential sale has drawn interest from other investors, including entertainment and corporate groups weighing bids for the coveted franchise.
The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to begin on 26 March.