Despite recent speculation caused by a non-renewed commercial deal, star battering Virat Kohli It is confirmed that he will continue his journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2026 season. The commitment from the former India captain, who finally secured his maiden IPL trophy with RCB last season, puts an end to widespread rumors about his possible exit or retirement from the league.
Mohammad Kaif gives his opinion on Virat Kohli’s IPL future
According to multiple reports, Kohli has turned down a commercial sponsorship offer associated with the Bengaluru-based franchise ahead of the new IPL season. However, experts suggest that off-field brand deals are independent of core player retention contracts. This important distinction explains why a commercial decision will not impact his playing future with the franchise.
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif took to social media to strongly address the growing concerns and reiterated Kohli’s longstanding loyalty to the Bengaluru-based side.
“Is Virat Kohli retiring from IPL? No guys, Virat Kohli had promised that he would only play his first and last match for Bengaluru,” Kaif stated. “He promised this and since he did it, he won’t come back.”
Kaif offered a crucial explanation for the unsigned commercial deal, linking it to possible administrative changes within the franchise. “The reason he hasn’t signed a commercial contract is because there might be a new owner for RCB and they will control the franchise. That’s why he’s waiting. If anything changes, there will be negotiations and all that.” he explained.
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Kohli’s phenomenal form and loyalty for RCB
Kaif also dismissed any suggestion of retirement and highlighted Kohli’s recent top form. “Kohli scored more than 650 runs and made them win the trophy. He made runs in the 2025 Champions Trophy, he was the Player of the Match in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup and was the Player of the Tournament in the 2023 World Cup. He has only started playing now. He is not going anywhere. He will only play for RCB.”
Kohli has played for the franchise since the inception of the IPL and has become the undisputed figurehead of RCB. He is the leading run-scorer in IPL history, with 8,661 runs in 267 matches, including 71 scores above 50. His form last season was exceptional, as he scored 657 runs in 15 matches at a stellar average of 54.75, a key contribution to RCB’s long-awaited title win.
Like the IPL 2026 Auction As the team draws closer, the team’s commitment remains steadfast, with Kohli expected to top RCB’s retention list.
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