Who Is Aryaman Birla? New RCB Chairman Was Once a Rajasthan Royals Player, Know All About Him
At just 28 years old, Aryaman Birla transitions from a former professional cricketer to the head of one of the world's most valuable sports entities. Know all about new RCB chairman here.
In a landmark development for the Indian Premier League (IPL), Aryaman Vikram Birla has been appointed as the new Chairman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The announcement follows a historic INR 16,700 crore takeover of the franchise by a powerhouse consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group. At just 28 years old, Birla transitions from a former professional cricketer to the head of one of the world's most valuable sports entities. RCB Sold for USD 1.78 Billion: Aditya Birla Group-Led Consortium Acquires Franchise Ahead of IPL 2026.
Who Is Aryaman Birla? New RCB Chairman Was Once a Rajasthan Royals Player
Aryaman Birla’s appointment marks a rare instance of a former professional player taking the helm of an IPL franchise. Unlike many corporate leaders, Birla possesses first-hand experience of the domestic and franchise cricket circuits. A left-handed opening batter, he represented Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy, where he notably scored a gritty maiden century against Bengal at Eden Gardens in 2018.
His connection to the IPL began in 2018 when he was signed by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 30 lakh. Although he remained part of the Royals' squad for two seasons, he never featured in the playing XI and was eventually released ahead of the 2020 edition. Interestingly, his new role at RCB reunites him with current captain Rajat Patidar, with whom he previously shared the dressing room during his domestic career
The RCB Buyout
The shift in leadership comes as part of a massive ownership change. The consortium, which includes the Aditya Birla Group, the Times of India Group, David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures, and global investment firm Blackstone, acquired a 100 per cent stake in the franchise from United Spirits Limited (Diageo).
The deal, valued at approximately INR 16,706 crore, is the most expensive in IPL history. It covers both the men’s IPL team and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) side. While the Birla family holds the majority stake, Satyan Gajwani of the Times Group will serve as the franchise’s Vice Chairman. IPL 2026: RCB To Pay Tribute to Fans Who Lost Their Lives in Stampede Outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium; Players To Wear Jersey Number 11
Aryaman Birla Fact File
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Aryaman Vikram Birla |
| Age | 28 (Born 9 July 1997) |
| New Role | Chairman, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) |
| Former IPL Team | Rajasthan Royals (2018–2019) |
| Domestic Team | Madhya Pradesh |
| Education | University of Mumbai; Bayes Business School; Harvard Business School |
| Family | Son of Kumar Mangalam Birla (Aditya Birla Group) |
| Key Accomplishment | First-class century (103*) vs Bengal, 2018 |
Outside The Boardroom and Cricket Field
His decision was seen as a watershed moment in Indian sports, sparking a national conversation about the pressures faced by young athletes. Following his break, he focused on his academic and corporate development, earning an MBA from Harvard Business School before taking on directorship roles within the Aditya Birla Management Corporation
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 25, 2026 11:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).