Virat Kohli has made it clear that he does not want to be part of the Indian Premier League as an impact player. According to his Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammate Swastik Chikara, Kohli wants to play the full game and will not settle for half a role.
In conversation with Revsportz, Chikara remembered his conversation with the former India captain. “Virat Bhaiya said he would play like a lion. He excluded the opportunity to compete as an impact player,” said Chikara. He also shared that Kohli had told him: “I will be 20 overs and then bat. I will leave cricket if I have to play as an impact player.”
Kohli’s stand against Impact Player Rule
The Impact Player Rule was first introduced in IPL 2024. It enables a team to get a replacement from the bank at every phase of the competition. Although many players have adapted, Kohli has been pronounced about his aversion. He feels that the rule breaks the natural balance of the sport.
Even at the age of 36, Kohli continues to show his hunger for the game. In IPL 2025 he scored 657 points in 15 games and played an important role in helping RCB to lift their very first IPL trophy. He scored 43 points of 35 balls in the final against Punjab Kings in the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Kohli’s journey ahead
Kohli has already retired at T20 internationals and test cricket, but he still represents India in ODIs. His message is simple for the IPL: as long as his fitness allows it, he will continue to play as he has always done, so that he gives everything in batting and fielding.
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