Recent reports hinted at significant changes for India’s star batter, Virat Kohli, suggesting a potential exit from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and even retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has stepped forward to clarify the situation, reassuring fans that Kohli remains fully committed to RCB.
Kohli, a cornerstone of the RCB franchise since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, played a pivotal role in their first IPL title victory in 2025. Speculation about his future intensified after news broke that he had not signed a new commercial deal with the team.
Mohammad Kaif addressed these concerns directly, stating, “Is Virat Kohli retiring from the IPL? No guys, Virat Kohli had promised that he would play his first and last match for Bengaluru only. He has promised this and since he has done it, he will not back out.”
Kaif further clarified the distinction between Kohli’s player contract and the commercial agreement. “But people are saying he hasn’t signed a commercial deal. There are two deals: the player’s contract and the commercial contract.”
The reason behind Kohli’s decision not to sign the commercial contract is linked to potential changes in the franchise’s ownership. “The reason he has not signed a commercial contract is because a new owner might come for RCB, and they will control the franchise. 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.”
Emphasizing Kohli’s current form and dedication, Kaif added, “Virat Kohli has started playing only now. RCB has begun winning trophies now. Kohli scored over 650 runs and led them to the trophy. He made runs in the Champions Trophy 2025, was the Player of the Match in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, and was the Player of the Tournament in the 2023 World Cup. He has only started playing now. Now you have to wait for more. He is going nowhere. He will play only for RCB. He has promised it to the fans and he will not break it.”