In a remarkable full-circle moment for Indian cricket and corporate India, 28-year-old Aryaman Vikram Birla has been appointed Chairman of Royal Challengers Bengaluru following the franchise’s record $1.78 billion acquisition by an Aditya Birla Group-led consortium.
The development marks a rare and inspiring journey — from battling it out in domestic cricket arenas to now leading one of the Indian Premier League’s most high-profile teams from the boardroom.
Born on July 9, 1997, in Mumbai as the son of industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla, Aryaman was never short of opportunities. Yet, he chose to chart his own course, first on the cricket field and now in the demanding world of sports business.
A Passion for Cricket and the Grind of Domestic Cricket
Despite his privileged background, Aryaman decided early on to prove himself on merit. At 17, he moved to Madhya Pradesh to pursue first-class cricket, stepping away from the comforts of Mumbai’s cricketing ecosystem.
His talent shone through in the 2017-18 season when he emerged as the highest run-scorer in the U-23 CK Nayudu Trophy, amassing 602 runs at an impressive average of 75.25. The pinnacle of his playing days came in 2018 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, where he scored a fighting unbeaten 103 against Bengal, rescuing Madhya Pradesh from a difficult situation.
That same year, the Rajasthan Royals showed faith in the young batsman by acquiring him for ₹30 lakh in the IPL auction. Although he did not feature in a match, the experience of being part of an IPL setup gave him valuable insights into the professional demands of T20 cricket.
A Courageous Pause for Mental Health
In December 2019, at the age of 22, Aryaman made a bold and honest decision that drew widespread attention and praise. Citing severe anxiety and mental health challenges stemming from the pressures of competitive sport, he announced an indefinite sabbatical from cricket.
In a candid statement, he said: “I’ve felt trapped. I’ve pushed myself through all the distress so far, but now I feel the need to put my mental health and well-being above all else.”
His openness at a time when mental health conversations were still emerging in Indian sport was widely lauded as a progressive step.
Transition to Business Leadership
After stepping away from the playing field, Aryaman brought the same focus and discipline to the corporate world. He strengthened his academic foundation with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Mumbai, a Master’s in Global Finance from Bayes Business School in London, and an MBA with honours from Harvard Business School (Class of 2025).
Within the Aditya Birla Group, he has taken on key leadership roles, including Director at the Aditya Birla Management Corporation. He founded the group’s venture capital arm, Aditya Birla Ventures, and Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality. He also serves as a non-executive director on the boards of Hindalco, Grasim, and Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail (ABFRL).
His work has centred on driving innovation, nurturing startups, and expanding the group’s presence in premium lifestyle and hospitality sectors.
Coming Full Circle: Chairman of RCB
In March 2026, Aryaman’s two worlds converged when the Aditya Birla Group-led consortium — which includes The Times Group, Bolt Ventures, and global investment giant Blackstone — successfully acquired Royal Challengers Bengaluru in what is one of the largest franchise deals in IPL history.
As the newly appointed Chairman of RCB, Aryaman becomes the first individual to have experienced the IPL both as a player and now as a franchise leader. The timing is significant — RCB enters this new chapter as defending IPL and WPL champions.
With his unique blend of on-field experience and sharp business acumen, Aryaman is expected to bring fresh strategic thinking to the franchise while building on its passionate fan base and global ambitions.
A New Chapter for RCB and Indian Sports
At just 28, Aryaman Birla’s appointment symbolises the growing convergence of cricket, entrepreneurship, and big business in India. His journey reflects resilience, self-awareness, and a willingness to redefine success on his own terms.
As he takes charge at RCB, the cricketing fraternity will be watching closely to see how this young “cricketer-chairman” shapes the future of one of the league’s most storied franchises.
