Former Team India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has spoken about the speculation surrounding Virat Kohli’s IPL future with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The cricketer-turned-commentator said Kohli was waiting for clarity on the management of the Bengaluru franchise before finalizing commercial deals.
Virat is reportedly not renewing his commercial contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League. This has sparked speculation about his IPL future, with fans and media wondering if the right-handed hitter might consider opting out of the tournament.
Kohli played a pivotal role in RCB’s maiden IPL title win in the 18th season. The right-handed batter was the team’s top scorer, amassing 657 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 139.78, including eight half-centuries.
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Is Virat Kohli retiring from IPL? -Mohammad Kaif
Speaking in a video uploaded on his Instagram, Mohammad Kaif said he doesn’t believe Kohli will ever leave Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Kaif pointed out that Kohli had promised fans that he would play his last IPL matches for Bengaluru.
“Is Virat Kohli withdrawing from the IPL? No guys, Virat Kohli had promised that he will play his first and last match for Benglauru only. He promised it and since he did it, he will not back down. But people are saying that he has not signed a commercial deal. There are two deals, the players contract and the commercial contract,” Kaif said.
The reason why he did not sign a commercial contract is… – Mohammad Kaif
Kaif said Kohli could have delayed signing a commercial contract due to potential changes in franchise ownership. He added that Kohli is probably waiting to see how the new owners manage the team before finalizing a deal.
“The reason why he did not sign a commercial contract is because a new owner might come for RCB and he would control the franchise,” Kaif said.
“That’s why he’s waiting, if there is a change, then there will be negotiations and everything. This is all happening behind the scenes and we don’t have much information about these things. He’s waiting for all that,” he added.
Diageo Plc, the British company which manages the Royal Challengers Bengaluru through its Indian subsidiary United Spirits, is studying the possibility of selling all or part of its stake in the franchise. Bloomberg reported that the move could help simplify the company’s global operations.
Virat Kohli has only started playing now – Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif said that Royal Challengers Bengaluru will continue to succeed as long as Virat Kohli is part of the team. The former cricketer said the batter was instrumental in RCB’s victories.
“Virat Kohli has only started playing now. RCB has started winning trophies now. Kohli has scored over 650 runs and made them win the trophy. He is not going anywhere. Kohli will only play for RCB. He promised it to the fans and he will not break it,” the former player said.
Kohli has been playing for Bengaluru since the inaugural IPL season in 2008. He won his first IPL title this year when RCB beat Punjab Kings by six runs in the final. Kohli had led the team to the 2016 final, where they were defeated by Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Also read: Virat Kohli officially confirms his participation in the 2027 World Cup with a motivational message
