Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has come forward to clear the air surrounding Virat Kohli’s IPL future, after widespread reports claimed the star batter had not renewed his commercial contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming season.
The rumors have sent shockwaves across the cricketing world, sparking intense speculation and concern among millions of Kohli’s fans globally.
The uncertainty deepened as RCB’s ownership status continues to remain unclear, with talks of a potential franchise sale making headlines ever since the team clinched its maiden IPL title last year.
The lack of an official statement—either from the franchise or from Kohli himself—has only fuelled further anxiety over whether the Indian cricket icon will continue donning the red and gold jersey next season.
For over 17 consecutive IPL seasons, Kohli has stood as the undisputed face of RCB, embodying the franchise’s identity and spirit.
His unwavering loyalty has made him the only player to represent a single franchise throughout the league’s history.
Over the years, Kohli has publicly reaffirmed that he would “play his first and last match for Bengaluru only,” a promise that has endeared him even more to his devoted fanbase.
However, the recent buzz over his supposed reluctance to sign a new commercial deal has led to growing apprehension among fans that the 36-year-old might be contemplating a change—or even stepping away from the IPL altogether.
Addressing these concerns, Mohammad Kaif has stepped in with strong words of assurance, reaffirming Kohli’s commitment to RCB and clarifying the distinction between the two types of agreements involved.IS Virat Kohli retiring from the IPL? No, absolutely not.
Virat had promised that he would play his first and last match for Bengaluru only, and he is not someone who goes back on his word,” Kaif said. “People are mixing up the facts — there are two different contracts: the players’ contract and the commercial contract.”
Kaif explained that Kohli’s hesitation to renew his commercial agreement could be linked to the ongoing discussions over RCB’s ownership, suggesting that he might be waiting for clarity before making a formal commitment.
The reason he hasn’t signed the commercial deal yet could be that a new owner might take over RCB, and that would naturally change the franchise’s management and commercial dynamics. Kohli is waiting for clarity on that front before he proceeds.
These are behind-the-scenes matters, and we don’t have all the details,” Kaif elaborated.
The former India and RCB player also praised Kohli’s recent stellar performances, emphasizing that the talismanic batter is far from finished. Virat Kohli has just begun a new chapter in his career.
He scored over 650 runs last IPL season and played a massive role in helping RCB lift the trophy.
He was the Player of the Match in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, the Player of the Tournament in the 2023 World Cup, and shone again in the Champions Trophy 2025.
This is not the end—it’s the start of another golden phase for him,” Kaif stated with conviction.
Reassuring fans, Kaif concluded that Kohli is not retiring from the IPL anytime soon and that his emotional connection with RCB remains unbreakable. He’s going nowhere.
Virat Kohli will play only for RCB. He made that promise to the fans, and he will keep it. That’s who he is,” Kaif affirmed.
As speculation continues, Kaif’s remarks have brought a sense of relief to Kohli’s supporters, though the cricketing world remains watchful for any official update from RCB or Kohli himself.
#ViratKohli #RCB #MohammadKaif #IPL2026 #KohliForeverRCB #ViratKohliFans #RCBForever #KohliLoyalty #CricketNews #KingKohli #RCBFamily #IPLUpdates