Bengaluru: In a tantalising twist that has cricket fans abuzz, Adar Poonawalla, the billionaire CEO of Serum Institute of India — architects of the life-saving Covishield vaccine — has fired off a cryptic social media salvo hinting at a blockbuster buyout of IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The Serum scion, whose family empire boasts a staggering valuation of ₹2.5-3 lakh crore despite shunning the stock market, took to X on Tuesday with a post that set tongues wagging: “At the right valuation, RCB is a great team…”
This comes close on the heels of former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi’s revelation that the Diageo-owned United Spirits franchise — fresh off hoisting the 18th IPL trophy under skipper Rajat Patidar’s swashbuckling leadership against Punjab Kings — is finally up for grabs. Modi, ever the dealmaker, had proclaimed it the “best investment” for global funds eyeing India’s sporting goldmine, dismissing earlier sale whispers as mere rumours.
Poonawalla, with a personal fortune pegged at ₹1.5 lakh crore, isn’t new to high-stakes gambles. His recent stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions had already turned heads in Tinseltown. Now, this overture to RCB — famed for its rabid fanbase and star-studded legacy — signals a seismic shift from pharma frontiers to cricket’s feverish pitches.
As whispers of sovereign funds circling intensify, questions swirl: Will Adar’s deep pockets seal the deal, blending vaccine valour with Virat Kohli-era vibes? Or is this just another tantalising teaser for IPL’s endless auction drama? There’s no doubt that the Bengaluru supporters are eagerly anticipating a revival led by Poonawalla.