What if Virat Kohli joins CSK in IPL 2026?

Published - 17 Oct 2025, 17:59 IST | Updated - 17 Oct 2025, 17:59 IST

Virat Kohli is the first player to have played 18 seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the same franchise - Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). After impressing at the Under-19 World Cup in 2008, leading India to win the title, Kohli signed for the Bengaluru-based franchise. Since then, he has gone on to become synonymous with the team, being with them through the ups and downs.

Kohli also led RCB from 2013 to 2021, guiding the team to the playoffs multiple times. He had his most notable performance in the 2016 edition of the tournament, as he won the Orange Cap for his tally of 973 runs, which is the most aggregated by a batter in an IPL season.

Kohli would have had the temptation of moving to different franchises in search of glory after not being able to win the coveted title in the first 17 seasons of the IPL. However, he remained loyal to the franchise and its die-hard fans. In IPL 2025, Kohli and RCB's wait for the coveted title ended as they defeated Punjab Kings in the final. It was fitting that the Delhi batter was the highest run-getter for RCB in the season.

While a majority of the cricket fraternity believes that Kohli will retire from RCB, some reports suggest that he has refused to renew a commercial contract with the franchise ahead of IPL 2026, fueling speculation about his future. However, former India opener Aakash Chopra stated that if Kohli plays in IPL 2026, RCB will be his destination.

It is highly unlikely that RCB would want to release their talismanic batter. If he parts ways, it will not be a significant jolt for the team, only on the field, but brand-wise as well. IPL 2026 will have a mini-auction, and RCB it will be practically impossible to replace a player of Kohli's calibre.

While CSK fans can be deeply loyal to their franchise and resistant to big signings from rival teams, Kohli's inclusion could be welcomed wholeheartedly by them. Having MS Dhoni and Kohli playing alongside each other will be a moment to savour. They will inspire the younger players in the side like Ayush Mhatre and Shaikh Rasheed, among others. Kohli's inclusion will also boost the franchise's brand value, viewership, merchandise sales, and fan interest.

However, will the move be feasible? For this to happen, CSK will have to free up a significant amount of their purse by releasing some of their star players ahead of the mini-auction. Irrespective of whichever jersey Kohli wears, fans will be waiting to see him take them on a familiar ride where runs, boundaries, and charisma will be in abundance.