The cricket world is abuzz with speculation following reports that Virat Kohli has declined to sign a commercial contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2026 season. This move has left fans wondering whether the former India captain will continue his long-standing association with the franchise or consider stepping away from the IPL stage.
According to a detailed report by CricketMan2 Kohli’s refusal concerns only the commercial contract related to branding and promotional activities, separate from his main playing contract. Despite this, his decision has sparked rumors about his future, with fans debating whether Kohli might retire from IPL or move to another franchise.
Veteran commentator Aakash Chopra addressed these rumors on his YouTube channel, clarifying that rejecting a commercial contract “doesn’t mean he’s quitting RCB.” Chopra emphasized that Kohli remains fully committed to playing for the team, especially after leading RCB to their maiden IPL title in 2025. He also noted that the ongoing ownership uncertainty at RCB could be a key factor behind Kohli’s hesitation to finalize commercial deals, suggesting a strategic pause until the franchise’s future becomes clearer.
Further insights from moneycontrol reinforce the distinction between Kohli’s active playing contract and the declined branding agreement. The report underscores that while Kohli has retired from Test and T20 internationals and has reduced his media engagements, his on-field commitment to RCB remains unchanged. Kohli himself has publicly declared, “I will play for RCB till my last day in the IPL,” directly contradicting rumors of an IPL exit.
Statistically, Kohli’s impact during IPL 2025 was monumental. He scored 657 runs in 15 matches with an impressive average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71, playing a pivotal role in RCB’s championship-winning campaign. His consistency and leadership continue to make him indispensable to the team’s future plans.
At this time, neither Kohli nor RCB has made an official statement confirming any contract changes or potential exits. The franchise is expected to retain him ahead of the upcoming mini-auction, with the player retention deadline set for November 15, 2025. Meanwhile, reports suggest that possible ownership changes at RCB may be influencing the timing and nature of Kohli’s commercial commitments.
In conclusion, while the refusal to renew the commercial contract has generated headlines and social media speculation, all evidence points to Virat Kohli continuing his IPL journey with Royal Challengers Bangalore, focusing on his on-field contributions and allowing the franchise’s off-field matters to settle.
