Virat Kohli IPL retirement is on the horizon? Star cricketer informs RCB

Virat Kohli, the face of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the newly crowned IPL 2025 champion, has reportedly declined to extend his central commercial contract with the franchise ahead of the 2026 season. The unexpected move has triggered widespread speculation about his future with RCB, a team he has long been synonymous with. According to reports, Kohli was set to renew a key deal related to RCB’s brand and marketing operations. However, sources suggest that the former captain has opted not to proceed with the agreement, leaving fans and insiders puzzled.

Virat Kohli planning to announce his IPL retirement?

While this decision does not directly affect his player contract or on-field participation, it casts doubt on his long-term association with the franchise, especially in the post-title era. Neither Kohli nor RCB has officially addressed the situation, which only adds to the uncertainty. With Kohli having played a crucial role in RCB's first-ever IPL title win in 2025, the timing of this decision has raised eyebrows. Given his iconic status and deep-rooted connection with the team, any potential shift could have major implications for the franchise’s brand identity moving forward. For now, all eyes are on Kohli and RCB as fans await clarity on what lies ahead.

Virat Kohli, the veteran stalwart of Royal Challengers Bangalore, has been an integral part of the franchise since the inception of the Indian Premier League in 2008. As one of the few players to represent a single team throughout his IPL career, Kohli has not only become the face of RCB but also one of the tournament’s most iconic figures. After years of heartbreak and near-misses, he finally ended his long-awaited trophy drought by lifting the IPL title with RCB in 2025.

Kohli’s impact on the league is unmatched. He is the only batter in IPL history to have crossed the 8000-run mark, a testament to his consistency and dominance over the years. His name is also synonymous with the Orange Cap, having worn it more times than any other player. Among his many achievements, his staggering 973-run season in 2016 still stands as the highest number of runs scored by a batter in a single IPL edition — a record that remains untouched nearly a decade later.

Virat Kohli is expected to make his return to the field during the upcoming India vs Australia 3-match ODI series. This marks a highly anticipated comeback for the star batter, who has been away from competitive cricket since the conclusion of IPL 2025. Kohli last featured for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he delivered a strong performance and finished as the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament. His consistent form and key contributions were instrumental in RCB’s title-winning campaign, finally breaking their long-standing trophy drought.

Since then, Kohli has stayed away from the pitch, with fans eagerly awaiting his return in national colours. With the ODI series in Australia presenting challenging conditions and high stakes, Kohli’s experience and presence at the crease will be crucial for Team India. All eyes will be on the veteran as he prepares to don the blue jersey once again after months of absence.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been named in India’s squad for the upcoming white-ball ODI series in Australia, but reports suggest they have also been asked to participate in the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy. According to PTI sources, national selector Ajit Agarkar has requested both senior players to feature in the tournament to regain match fitness and form ahead of the Australia tour. In response, both veterans have reportedly agreed to represent their respective state teams — Rohit for Mumbai and Kohli for Delhi. Their participation in the domestic One-Day tournament is seen as a positive step toward preparing for international duties, especially after a break from competitive cricket following the IPL 2025 season.