Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif dismissed all speculation about Virat Kohli’s potential retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL), calling the rumours “completely baseless.”
Rumours about Kohli’s
IPL future began circulating after reports suggested that RCB might soon be sold to a new ownership group. The uncertainty over whether Kohli has signed his new commercial contract with the franchise further fueled speculation. However, Kaif insisted that fans have nothing to worry about.
In a video on his YouTube channel, Kaif expressed full confidence that Kohli will continue playing in the Indian Premier League for years to come, especially for his beloved Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
“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,” Kaif was quoted as saying on YouTube.
Why Delay Commercial Contract?
Kaif clarified that the delay in Kohli signing his commercial contract is likely due to the impending ownership transition at RCB.
“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,” he added.
Will Kohli Leave RCB?
Kaif further emphasised that Kohli has no plans to switch franchises and remains deeply loyal to RCB. He highlighted Kohli’s pivotal contribution to RCB’s first-ever IPL title win last season, a triumph that solidified his legacy with the team.
“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 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,” Kaif added.
