Virat Kohli will continue to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026. This comes after reports suggested that he might leave the franchise. Kohli has been part of RCB since the inaugural season in 2008. He won his maiden IPL title last season, ending a long 18-year wait.
It is believed that the 36-year-old turned down a commercial contract with the franchise ahead of the new season. But this does not mean he is leaving the team.
Aakash Chopra Clears the Air about Virat Kohli leaving RCB
Amid the rumours, Aakash Chopra gave a clear message to RCB fans. He assured them that Kohli will not leave the franchise.
“He has reportedly refused a commercial contract, but what does that mean? He will definitely play for RCB. If he is playing, he is definitely going to turn out for the same franchise,” Chopra said.
Virat has spent his entire IPL career with RCB. He has become the face of the team over the years. The former India captain has often said he wants to finish his career with the Bengaluru-based franchise.
Commercial contracts are different from retention contracts. Even if Virat Kohli refuses the commercial part, the team can still retain him as a player. RCB has retained him every season since the beginning. He is likely to be the first name on their list ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction.
“He (Kohli) has just won the trophy. Why will he leave the franchise then? He isn’t going anywhere. What contract can be refused is in the realm of speculation. He might have a dual contract,” Chopra added.
Virat Kohli remains the all-time leading run-scorer in IPL history. He has played 267 matches and scored 8,661 runs. He has also registered 71 scores of fifty or more. In IPL 2025, he scored 657 runs in 15 games at an average of 54.75.
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RCB fans will be happy to know their hero is staying. Kohli will look to lead from the front again as the franchise aims to defend its maiden title in IPL 2026.
