Virat Kohli leaving RCB? Mohammad Kaif weighs in on Indian star’s IPL future

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Despite recent speculation triggered by an un-renewed commercial deal, star batter Virat Kohli is confirmed to 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 to rest widespread rumours about his potential exit or retirement from the league.

According to multiple reports, Kohli has rejected a commercial sponsorship offer connected with the Bengaluru-based franchise before the new IPL season. However, experts suggest that off-field brand deals are independent of core player retention contracts. This key distinction explains why a commercial decision does not impact his playing future with the franchise.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif took to social media to firmly address the growing concerns, reiterating Kohli’s long-standing loyalty to the Bengaluru-based side.

“Is Virat Kohli retiring from IPL? No guys, Virat Kohli had promised that he will play his first and last match for Bengaluru only,” Kaif stated. “He has promised this and since he has done it, he will not back out.”

Kaif offered a crucial explanation for the un-signed commercial deal, linking it to potential administrative changes within the franchise. “The reason he has not signed a commercial contract is because a new owner might come for RCB and they will control the franchise. That’s why he is waiting, if there’s a change, then there will be negotiation and all,” he explained.

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Kaif also dismissed any suggestion of retirement, highlighting Kohli’s recent peak form. “Kohli scored 650+ runs and made them win the trophy. He made runs in the Champions Trophy 2025, he 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 only started playing now. He is going nowhere. He will play only for RCB.”

Having played for the franchise since the inception of the IPL, Kohli has become the undisputed figurehead of RCB. He is the leading run-scorer in IPL history, accumulating 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 a stellar average of 54.75, a major contribution to RCB’s long-awaited title victory.

As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, the team’s commitment remains steadfast, with Kohli expected to feature at the top of RCB’s retention list.

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