Kohli’s latest move has fans talking: Is the RCB legend preparing for life beyond IPL?

Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Team India skipper Virat Kohli has reportedly declined to renew a commercial deal linked to the RCB franchise, reigniting chatter about his IPL future ahead of the 2026 season. The revelation, first reported by journalist Rohit Juglan, had fans speculating whether Kohli was quietly preparing for a graceful exit from the team he’s represented since 2008.

However, former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra was quick to clear the air. “He might have a dual contract; the commercial one is separate from the playing deal,” Chopra explained. “He’s definitely going to play for RCB. This isn’t a goodbye.”

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Why Kohli May Be Taking a Step Back

Insiders suggest Kohli wants younger players to become the new face of RCB’s brand. As Rohit Juglan shared, “Virat wants the franchise to plan their way ahead without using his face.” His actions mirror his previous gesture of backing emerging batter Rajat Patidar for captaincy, a move that culminated in RCB’s maiden IPL title in 2025.

Still RCB’s Pillar on the Field

Despite the off-field developments, Kohli’s performance remains top-tier. With 657 runs in IPL 2025 at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71, he was pivotal to RCB’s historic title run. Over his IPL career, Kohli has racked up 8,661 runs all for RCB with eight centuries and 63 fifties.

While questions about his long-term plans persist, both Chopra and Juglan emphasise that this isn’t the end. Kohli may be stepping away from the branding spotlight, but not from the game he continues to dominate.

No official comment has been made by RCB or Virat Kohli yet in this regard.