Virat Kohli to leave RCB ahead of IPL 2026? Veteran's latest move sparks speculation
Due to a new move from the former Indian captain, Virat Kohli, the speculation has been sparked that the veteran batter could either change his franchise for IPL 2026 or has played the last IPL game for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Virat Kohli’s last comparative game came during the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against the Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium. They went on to win the clash and lift their maiden title of the tournament. Since then, he has not featured in any game, having already taken retirements from the shortest and longest formats of the game.
For the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, the BCCI chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, kept Kohli in their plans. The Delhi batter has also been included in the ODI squad for their upcoming three-match series against Australia down under. There are, however, speculations of whether he would continue playing till that period.
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But a shocking move has arrived for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans. Kohli doesn’t only hold an exceptional place in the game but also in the commercial business. Having represented the franchise since the very first edition of the event, he has linked up with major endorsements. But his recent move hasn’t given a positive sign for the management and the fans.
Virat Kohli refuses to renew RCB brand to spark speculation
Kohli has allegedly made it clear that he won’t be renewing a brand partnership that is connected with the RCB, as Revsportz has reported. The veteran batter has encouraged the team to find another face for the business, as the decision could push them to potentially withdraw from the competition.
Kohli’s moves have pushed many to believe that he perhaps has played his last game in the IPL. In the past, the former Indian and RCB captain revealed that if he were to stay playing in the IPL, he would only be with the Bengaluru franchise. Last year, Rajat Patidar led the team after they left out Faf du Plessis.
Kohli, who has smashed a total of 8661 runs in 259 innings of the IPL at an average of under 40 and a strike rate of over 133 with the help of 63 half-centuries and eight centuries at the best score of unbeaten 113 runs, cracked 657 runs in the previous season in 15 innings at a strike rate of 145, with eight fifties.
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