Is Virat Kohli Retiring From IPL? Allegedly Refused To Renew Contract With RCB After Two Decades

Indian cricket star and former captain, Virat Kohli, surprised his fans by retiring from international T20 and Test cricket. And now, reports have gone rife that the star player might be ready to say goodbye to the Indian Premier League and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru as well. The new piece of news has once again jolted his fans. However, what is the 'King' really planning on?

Virat Kohli has refused to renew his contract with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru

According to a report by RevSportz, Virat Kohli has refused to renew his business contract with his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This news created a stir on social media, as fans began to speculate if that meant that Virat's retirement from the IPL was closer than they had anticipated. 

According to reports, Virat Kohli was supposed to sign an extension to his contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru before 2026. However, the cricketer has refused to do so. Not only that, the cricketer has reportedly asked the franchise to plan a future without him or using his face. 

Virat Kohli's relationship with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been extremely special. The cricketer has been a part of the team since 2008 and captained it for a long time. RCB won its first IPL trophy in 2025, marking a big moment for not just the team and the fans but 'King Kohli' himself. However, Virat's recent move has now given rise to speculation that he is gradually distancing himself from the IPL. It is believed that the day Virat retires from ODI cricket, he might also bid farewell to the IPL.

What does Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have to say about the retirement buzz?

Neither Virat Kohli nor RCB has commented on the retirement buzz. After the historic IPL title win in 2025, Virat assured the fans that he would play for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for as long as he could. The cricketers' comments back then contradict the rumours of an immediate retirement. However, only time will reveal what the legend has planned for the future. In an old post-match interview, Virat was quoted as saying:

"I will play for RCB till my last day in the IPL."

While the Royal Challengers Bengaluru has not commented on Virat Kohli's alleged retirement buzz. The reports suggest that the team will respect the cricketer's decision to reduce his off-field involvement. RCB is now said to be looking for a new face for the leadership role, which is a normal move for a team over time. 

Virat Kohli's decision to retire from Test and T20

Virat Kohli had surprised everyone by retiring from Test cricket in the middle of IPL 2025. Discussions about his retirement from ODI cricket are also intensifying ahead of the World Cup 2027. However, while there is no confirmation about that either, reports suggest that Virat will surely be seen in the three-match ODI series against Australia starting October 19, 2025, a series that is crucial for his and Rohit Sharma's future.

What are your thoughts on the buzz around Virat Kohli's retirement from IPL? Let us know.

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