RCB CEO drops large trace on Virat Kohli’s IPL future after 2026 triumph

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) CEO Rajesh Menon recently opened up about Virat Kohli‘s IPL future. The 37-year-old was RCB’s top run-scorer of their IPL 2026 title-winning campaign, scoring 675 runs across 16 innings at a strike rate of 165.85.

With the seasoned campaigner in the twilight of his glorious career, several fans have wondered about his IPL retirement plans. He has already announced retirements from T20Is and Tests.

Menon confirmed that the former RCB skipper is expected to continue playing for at least four more seasons. He pointed out that Kohli is still supremely fit and has the hunger to keep playing. Menon’s comments came during an interaction with CNBC TV 18.

“RCB and Virat are different sides of the same coin. He has been the constant factor for RCB throughout. We have not seen him not being part of RCB even if he moves out of his cricketing career. We have to figure out.

“That said, next three to four years, I’m sure he’ll be playing…for at least four years. He is fit; the hunger never dies. You saw him this IPL season bring on the energy, runs, attitude….everything was there. Three to four years, absolutely no problem,” Menon was quoted as saying by ESPN.

Virat Kohli was the Player of the Match in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad. His unbeaten 75 off 42 powered RCB to a five-wicket win as they chased down 156 with two overs to spare.

Notably, Kohli is the most-capped player in IPL history, with 283 matches under his belt. He is also the only player to play in all 19 seasons for the same franchise.

Virat Kohli was ruled out of India’s three-match ODI series against Afghanistan due to injury

Virat Kohli sustained a hamstring injury while batting in the IPL 2026 final. The veteran batter was seen limping while running between the wickets during the chase.

The injury ruled him out of India’s ongoing three-match home ODI series against Afghanistan. The ace batter is expected to be back in action next month during the Men in Blue’s three-match ODI series in England, beginning July 14.