After retiring from T20Is and Test cricket, Virat Kohli could soon be bidding adieu to his Indian Premier League career—if fan speculation and several reports in foreign media are to be believed.
Speculation about Kohli’s future in the IPL has once again dominated headlines after reports claimed that the star batter declined to sign a contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the 2026 season. The development sparked widespread rumors that Kohli was preparing to retire from the IPL or part ways with the franchise. However, there is no truth to these rumours.
According to insiders, the contract Kohli chose not to renew was a commercial agreement related to sponsorship and promotional activities—not his IPL player deal. Commercial contracts are entirely separate from playing contracts and involve revenue sharing tied to promotional events, advertising campaigns, and sponsor obligations rather than cricketing commitments. Whether Kohli is seeking better terms or distancing himself from promotional activities hasn’t been revealed.
Virat Kohli reportedly has a playing contract with RCB until 2027, worth around ₹21 crore (66.54 crore PKR) per year. Despite the social media buzz, there is no credible indication that he plans to step away from the IPL. Having represented RCB for nearly two decades, he remains one of the most influential figures in the league’s history, both as a player and as the face of the franchise.
With his international commitments now fewer, there’s a good chance Virat Kohli will continue to trot out for RCB for many more years.