Former Team India cricketer Mohammad Kaif spoke about speculation surrounding Virat Kohli’s IPL future with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The cricketer-turned-commentator stated that Kohli is waiting for clarity on the Bengaluru franchise’s management before finalizing commercial agreements.
Virat has reportedly not renewed his commercial contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026. This has sparked speculation about his IPL future, with fans and media debating whether the right-handed batter might consider retiring from the tournament.
Kohli played a pivotal role in RCB’s maiden IPL title win during the 18th season. The right-handed batter was the team’s leading run-scorer, amassing 657 runs from 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 stated that he does not believe Kohli will ever leave the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Kaif pointed out that Kohli had promised fans he would play his last IPL matches for Bengaluru.
“Is Virat Kohli retiring from IPL? No guys, Virat Kohli had promised that he will play his first and last match for Benglauru only. He has promised this and since he has done it, he will not back out. But people are saying he hasn’t signed a commercial deal. There are two deals, players’ contract and commercial contract,” Kaif said.
The Reason He Has Not Signed a Commercial Contract Is… – Mohammad Kaif
Kaif stated that Kohli might have delayed signing a commercial contract due to potential changes in the franchise’s ownership. He added that Kohli is likely waiting to see how the new owners manage the team before finalizing any agreements.
“The reason he has not signed a commercial contract is because a new owner might come for RCB and they will control the franchise,” Kaif stated.
“That’s why he is waiting, if there’s a change, then there will be negotiation and all. These are all behind the scenes stuff and we don’t have a lot of information about these things. He is waiting for all that,” he added.
Diageo Plc, the British company that runs Royal Challengers Bengaluru through its Indian subsidiary United Spirits, is exploring the possibility of selling part or all of its stake in the franchise. Bloomberg reported that the decision may help simplify the company’s global operations.
Virat Kohli Has Started Playing Only Now – Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif said that Royal Challengers Bengaluru will continue to achieve success as long as Virat Kohli is part of the team. The former cricketer stated that the batter has been instrumental in RCB’s victories.
“Virat Kohli has started playing only now. RCB has began winning trophies now. Kohli scored 650+ runs and made them win the trophy. He is going nowhere. Kohli will play only for RCB. He has 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 secured his first IPL title this year when RCB defeated 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 2027 World Cup participation with motivational post
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