Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif recently shared his thoughts on Virat Kohli’s future in the Indian Premier League amid growing speculation. Reports have suggested that the 36-year-old has yet to sign a commercial deal with the franchise.

Kaif believes that Kohli could be taking a cautious approach, possibly waiting to see what direction the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take under their new ownership. According to him, Kohli’s decision might depend on how the new management plans to steer the team forward.

The former cricketer also mentioned that Kohli has been an integral part of RCB since the beginning, and any change in ownership or leadership could influence his long-term plans with the franchise. Fans are now eagerly waiting for clarity on Kohli’s next move.

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Mohammad Kaif Comments on Virat Kohli’s IPL Future:

As per reports, Diageo Plc — the British company managing Royal Challengers Bengaluru through United Spirits — is reportedly planning to sell part or all of its stake in the franchise. Bloomberg suggested that the move is aimed at streamlining its global business operations. Addressing the ongoing speculation in an Instagram video, Mohammad Kaif expressed confidence that Virat Kohli will never part ways with RCB. 

He reminded fans of Kohli’s long-standing commitment to the team and his emotional connection with the franchise, emphasizing that the star batter has often stated his intention to represent RCB until the very end of his IPL career.

He said, “ Is Virat Kohli retiring from IPL? No guys, Virat Kohli had promised that he will play his first and last match for Bengaluru only. He has promised this and since he has done it, he will not back out. But people are saying he hasn’t signed a commercial deal. There are two deals, players’ contract and commercial contract.”

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Mohammad Kaif (@mohammadkaif87)

He further said, “ 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.”

Virat Kohli has represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, achieving his first title this year with a six-run win over Punjab Kings. As captain, he also led RCB to the 2016 final, though they were defeated by Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Kaif Confident RCB will Thrive While Kohli Stays With Team:

Reflecting on Virat Kohli’s recent performances in both the IPL and international cricket, Mohammad Kaif expressed confidence that Royal Challengers Bengaluru will continue to achieve success as long as Kohli remains part of the team. In the same Instagram video, Kaif shared his optimistic view about the franchise’s future under Kohli’s presence.

He added, “ Virat Kohli has started playing only now. RCB has began winning trophies now. Kohli scored 650+ runs and made them win the trophy. He made runs in the Champions Trophy 2025, he 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 concluded, “ 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.”

Virat Kohli holds the record for the most runs in IPL history, amassing 8,661 runs across 267 matches. His consistency and dominance over the years have cemented his place as one of the league’s greatest batters, making him a key figure for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.