Lately, a big question has been making the rounds in cricket circles: will Virat Kohli leave RCB? After finally lifting the IPL trophy in 2025, fans and pundits alike are wondering whether Kohli is ready to close this chapter. It’s not the first time we’ve seen whispers like this, but this time, the signs might be pointing in a more serious direction.

Is Virat Kohli Retired from IPL 2026?

So, where did this all start? Well, it wasn’t just one thing. There have been several subtle, and not-so-subtle, hints. First off, Kohli reportedly refused to renew a major brand deal associated with RCB. That might sound small, but for someone who’s been the face of the franchise for nearly two decades, it raised eyebrows. Instead of cashing in on another round of endorsements, Kohli apparently asked RCB to start looking for a new face. Add that to his recent retirement from Test cricket and the whispers about his uncertain ODI future, and it’s no wonder people are asking: is Virat Kohli retired from IPL?

Virat Kohli carried the weight of a dream for 1️⃣8️⃣ years…

Tonight, he finally lets it go with a trophy in hand ❤🏆#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/2wfGHDcqAh

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

On top of that, Kohli’s Test retirement earlier this year caught everyone off guard. No farewell tour, no emotional press conference, just a quiet exit. It was vintage Kohli, and some think he might take the same no-fuss approach with the IPL. After all, now that the long-awaited IPL title has been secured, some believe there’s nothing left for him to prove.

Stepping Away from RCB Leadership

One of the most telling signs of a possible exit was Kohli’s decision to step away from RCB’s leadership entirely. After RCB released Faf du Plessis, many expected Kohli to retake the captaincy. But he said no. Instead, he pushed for Rajat Patidar to take the reins, and to be fair, it worked, Patidar led the team to its first IPL title. Still, this move left fans asking: will Virat Kohli leave RCB for good?

For a man who led RCB in over 140 matches and has been their heartbeat for nearly two decades, this change felt big. Kohli didn’t just pass the baton; he left the leadership group entirely. When you pair that with the brand deal news, some are convinced he’s winding things down. It’s no longer just about whether is Virat Kohli retired from IPL – it’s now about when.

What Happens If Kohli Actually Leaves RCB?

Let’s be honest. If Kohli walks, the future of RCB changes dramatically. He’s not just a player; he is the franchise in many people’s eyes. RCB without Kohli is like fish without chips. It just doesn’t feel right.

🗣🗣 My heart is for Bangalore, my soul is for Bangalore…this is the team I will play for until the last day that I play the IPL.

🎥 Virat Kohli, straight from the heart as a #TATAIPL champion ❤#RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @imVkohli | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/4UI4yNKLuB

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

From a brand perspective, losing Kohli could be a nightmare. Even when RCB weren’t winning titles, they were still one of the most valuable IPL teams, largely because of Kohli’s star power. He’s been the face of countless advertisements and global campaigns. So, if you’re thinking about the commercial side of cricket, the future of RCB might look a lot less bright without their main man.

Then there’s the cricketing side of things. Kohli might not be 25 anymore, but have you seen his recent stats? Over 600 runs in each of the last three IPL seasons, strike rates well above 140, and a key role in their 2025 title run. He’s still one of the best batters in the league, and losing that kind of consistency would hit any team hard. The question isn’t just is Virat Kohli retired from IPL, it’s, how do you replace someone who’s basically irreplaceable?

🚨 VIRAT KOHLI PLANNING TO RETIRE FROM IPL 🚨

– Kohli has declined to renew a commercial deal linked with RCB ahead of IPL 2026. 😓

– Although he’ll continue till the end of this cycle.

– Kohli wants RCB to move ahead without his face. 🥺

[Revsportz]pic.twitter.com/1hR55Rqwq4

— Pratyush Halder (@pratyush_no7) October 12, 2025

And let’s not forget the fans. RCB supporters aren’t just loyal to the badge. Many are loyal to Kohli. He’s got a fan base in Bengaluru that borders on religious devotion. If he walks, there’s a very real risk some of that support walks too. That kind of emotional connection doesn’t grow on trees. So, again, the future of RCB could be a bit shaky if Kohli really calls it a day.

What’s Next?

Right now, nothing’s official. But when you piece it all together, the leadership exit, the brand deal snub, the quiet retirements, the reports from insiders. It’s easy to see why people keep asking, will Virat Kohli leave RCB? Whether it happens next season or the one after, the signs suggest he’s preparing for a graceful exit.

“I’m going to feel the real side of it when we get to Bengaluru tomorrow and celebrate this with the city” – Virat Kohli ❤️🙌

King Kohli walks into the dressing room with ABD, talks about Rajat’s leadership, Jitesh’s smartness, and the team coming together to achieve this… pic.twitter.com/aqLY7LHvvE

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 4, 2025

Still, with Kohli, you never really know. He could surprise everyone and play another two seasons, smashing records and taking selfies with fans in Chinnaswamy. Or he could decide he’s done enough and walk away on a high. Either way, one thing’s certain: when the moment finally comes, the future of RCB will never be the same.