Despite recent speculation arising from a non-renewed commercial deal, the star batsman Virat Kohli He has been confirmed to continue his journey with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2026 season. The commitment of the former India captain, who secured his first IPL trophy with RCB last season, has put to rest 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 rejected a commercial sponsorship offer involving a Bengaluru-based franchise ahead of the new IPL season. However, experts suggest that off-field brand deals are independent from main player retention contracts. This key difference explains why a business decision does not affect 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 long-standing loyalty to the Bengaluru-based team.
“Is Virat Kohli retiring from IPL? No friends, Virat Kohli had promised that he will play his first and last match for Bengaluru only.” Kaif said. “He made this promise and since he made it, he will not go back.”
Kaif offered a significant explanation for the unsigned commercial deal, linking it to possible administrative changes within the franchise. “He has not signed the commercial contract because a new owner may come for RCB and they will control the franchise. That is why he is waiting, if there is a change, there will be talks and everything,” he explained.
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Kohli’s great form and loyalty towards RCB
Kaif dismissed any suggestion of retirement highlighting Kohli’s recent peak form. “Kohli scored 650+ runs and won them trophies. He scored runs in the Champions Trophy 2025, was the player of the match in the T20 World Cup 2024 final and was the player of the tournament in the 2023 World Cup. He has just started playing. He is not going anywhere. He will only play for RCB.”
Having played for the franchise since the beginning of the IPL, Kohli has become the undisputed personality of RCB. He is the leading run-scorer in IPL history, with 8,661 runs in 267 games, including 71 scores above 50. His form last season was exceptional, as he scored 657 runs in 15 matches at an impressive average of 54.75, which was a major contribution to RCB’s long-awaited title win.
In form of ipl 2026 auction Outlook, the team’s commitment remains steadfast, with Kohli expected to top RCB’s retention list.
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