From winning their first IPL title last year to becoming the most expensive franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s journey shows how cricket today is a blend of sport and business. A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, along with David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures, The Times of India Group, and Blackstone, is among the RCB’s owner pool for a total of ₹16,705 crore($1.78 billion).
The story of RCB evolving ownership now carries a unique brother–sister dynamic, blending cricket and business. Ananya Birla has steadily built a strong connection with cricket through smart business moves, reflecting the growing link between corporate India and the IPL. Her company, Birla Estates, partnered with RCB as an associate sponsor in 2024 before becoming the principal sponsor in 2025. In March 2026, the group expanded further by signing on as principal sponsor of the Gujarat Titans, strengthening its presence in cricket’s business side.
While Ananya is known for her music and entrepreneurial work, her connection to cricket is also personal. She is the daughter of Kumar Mangalam Birla, part of a family now increasingly visible in the sport.
Her brother, Aryaman Birla, once pursued cricket professionally. He represented the Madhya Pradesh cricket team and was the highest run-scorer in the Colonel C. K. Nayudu Trophy. He was picked by the Rajasthan Royals in the 2018 auction and spent two seasons with the squad, though he did not make his debut in either season.
On March 28, in the opening match of the IPL, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take the field at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium against Sunrisers Hyderabad, once again highlighting how cricket stands at the top in India.