Former Rajasthan Royals batter Aryaman Birla is now the new Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) chair. Here’s everything you need to know about him.
RCB sold to consortium led by Aditya Birla group for USD 1.78 billion
A consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group and also comprising of the Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures and Blackstone's perpetual private equity strategy, BXPE, have bought full ownership of the RCB, including the men’s and women’s teams, from the United Spirits Limited (USL). The deal is worth around US$ 1.78 billion (INR 16,660 crore).
Aryaman, the son of Kumar Mangalam Birla, chair of the Aditya Birla Group, will take over as the chair of the franchise, while Satyan Gajwani of the Times of India Group will be the vice-chair. While announcing the completion of the deal, the consortium stated:
"RCB's championship-winning culture, its deep connection to Bengaluru, and one of the most passionate fanbases in world sport make this an extraordinary opportunity. We are committed to taking RCB to new heights, on the pitch and beyond."
Who is Aryaman Birla, RCB’s new chair and former RR batter?
Aryaman Birla, notably, is a former opener, having represented Madhya Pradesh in Indian domestic cricket. He was also bought by Rajasthan Royals for his base price of INR 30 lakh in the IPL 2018 auction, but did not feature for them across two seasons before being released ahead of the 2020 campaign.
A left-hand batter, he had taken an "indefinite sabbatical from cricket" after multiple injury issues in December 2019, writing he would “put my mental health and wellbeing above all else”. His last professional outing came for Madhya Pradesh in a Ranji Trophy 2018/19 game against Andhra.
Overall, Birla played nine first-class matches for MP, one in the 2017/18 Ranji Trophy and eight in the following season, scoring 414 runs at 27.60, including a top score of 103 not out against Bengal. He also featured in four List A games for the state side, all of which came in the 2018/19 Vijay Hazare Trophy, accumulating 36 runs.
Also read: Will rape-accused Yash Dayal join RCB squad for IPL 2026? Defending champions answer
Image courtesy: Aryaman Birla/Instagram
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