Bollywood actors Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma are reportedly set to make an investor entry into the Indian Premier League (IPL). According to media reports, Anushka Sharma, wife of Royal Challengers Bengaluru star Virat Kohli, may join the Rs 2,000 crore franchise alongside her Ae Dil Hai Mushkil co-star Ranbir Kapoor. Miss Malini reports that the long-time friends could now be taking their association forward into a business partnership.
There has been no official confirmation about this venture. Anushka Sharma has been a constant presence at the IPL matches and is often seen cheering for her cricketer husband Virat Kohli, something that has turned them into one of social media’s most beloved couples. However, Ranbir Kapoor, commonly seen at football events, is an unexpected investor in the deal.
Anushka Sharma’s stake in RCB
At present, the Bollywood actor does not hold any financial stake in the IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, a DNA report suggests that Sharma is in talks to acquire a three per cent stake in the team, a deal estimated to be worth nearly Rs 400 crore. If true, this development would mark a historic moment for the franchise, which secured its first-ever IPL title after 18 years, a milestone that thrilled cricket fans across the country.
RCB are now preparing to defend the title at their home ground during IPL 2026. The venue, however, also carries the weight of recent tragedy, having been the site of a stampede that broke out during celebrations following the team’s long-awaited victory.
While there are no upcoming projects for Sharma, one of her unreleased projects ChakdaXpress, wrapped up in 2022 is yet to see light of the day. The sports biopic is based on the life and times of former Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami. Given the rise in popularity of women’s cricket in India, makers are reportedly rallying for an OTT release on Netflix.
Ranbir Kapoor to enter as RCB stakeholder?
Ranbir Kapoor, co-owner of Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) is set to sign another sports deal. The Ramayana actor will reportedly invest Rs 300-350 crore for a 2 per cent stake in RCB, as Adar Poonawalla rallies to buy the team in a ‘strong and competitive’ bid, according to an Economic Times report.
These reports come after Diageo, the parent company of United Spirits Ltd., formerly owned by Vijay Mallya, decided to roll out RCB for sale. For the actors, this would also mean signing exclusive ad rights with RCB and becoming one of the faces of the franchise.
Ranbir Kapoor’s entrepreneurial efforts are not just limited to sports. He also launched his lifestyle and fashion brand ‘Arks’ in 2025. Retailing premium minimal unisex clothing and sneakers, the brand opened its debut flagship store in Mumbai in February. With revenue targets of Rs 36 crore, Arks aims to become a Rs 100 crore brand in the coming three years. It is on its way to diversify its D2C expansion across Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Chandigarh.
IPL 2026 will mark the 19th edition of the league and will commence on March 26 with 84 matches spread till May 31. It will be preceded by the ICC T20I World Cup, which will be hosted in India and Sri Lanka.