Will Virat Kohli retire from IPL ahead of 2026 season?

After winning his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title earlier this year, uncertainty surrounds Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli’s participation in the next edition of the tournament. 

Speculation about Kohli potentially skipping the upcoming IPL arose after reports suggested he had declined a commercial contract with RCB. However, former Indian opener K Srikkanth dismissed such claims, stating, “These are just speculations. Virat has just won the IPL for RCB, so I don’t think he’ll retire. These are business decisions related to change in ownership. As far as Virat Kohli is concerned, he will continue with RCB.”

Also Read: Ind vs Aus ODI series: Will Virat Kohli be able to continue his top form?

On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth further asserted that Kohli is expected to play at least three more IPL seasons. “Why should he retire? He performed brilliantly in this IPL. Unless he personally decides otherwise, he is more than capable of playing another three years and will continue scoring runs—he’s the ‘King of Kings,’” he added.

Meanwhile, Kohli is preparing for a return to ODI cricket after nearly eight months. His last appearance in an international ODI was during the 2025 Champions Trophy, which India won. Notably, he will face Australia in the upcoming ODI under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, marking the first time Kohli will play an ODI under Gill’s leadership.