Massive news! Kohli’s IPL future comes into focus

• RCB CEO Rajesh Menon says Virat Kohli will play IPL for 4 more years
• Kohli scored 675 runs at a 165.84 strike rate in the 2026 season
• The decision to name Rajat Patidar captain led to RCB's title win

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) CEO Rajesh Menon stated that Virat Kohli will continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for at least four more years. Menon made this statement during an interview

with Shereen Bhan on CNBC-TV18, shutting down any rumors regarding the star batter's retirement from the league. Menon stressed that Virat Kohli and RCB are like two sides of the same coin. The franchise cannot imagine a time when Kohli is not a part of the team, even after his actual playing days are over.."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”, the RCB CEO said.

Rumours of retirement often pop up for older players, but Menon shut them down by pointing to Kohli's boundless energy. In the recent IPL 2026 season, Kohli smashed 675 runs. This was his highest strike rate ever in a single IPL edition, at 165.84. He proved his worth by scoring a vital, unbeaten 75 runs in the final match. This helped RCB defend their trophy and win back-to-back titles. Menon stated that Kohli's hunger to win never dies, and his fitness is so high that playing for another three to four years will be "absolutely no problem". "That said, next three-four years, am sure he'll be playing… for at least four years” replied Menon.

"I'm sure he'll be playing for at least four years" - RCB CEO Rajesh Menon on Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/O0qbyBkc7d

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 18, 2026

Rajesh Menon calls naming Rajat Patidar skipper as boldest recruitment between for team

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) CEO Rajesh Menon called the choice to name Rajat Patidar as captain the team's boldest recruitment bet in recent years. Menon explained that the franchise consciously rejected the "safe" option of hiring an outside superstar. Instead, they trusted their internal data and deep scouting system. The decision was fully rewarded. In his very first season as leader, Patidar broke RCB’s 18-year title curse and guided the franchise to championship glory. In his conversation on CNBC-TV18's Young Turks Reloaded, Menon detailed why handing the captaincy reins to Patidar was such a massive risk for a high-profile club like RCB. "The easier bet was to go with an experienced captain. RCB didn't.The boldest recruitment call in recent years, Rajat Patidar”, recalled the CEO.

🔴 RCB CEO REVEALS HOW PLAYERS ARE SELECTED AT RCB🤯 🎙️: RCB follows a "Multiple Eyes, Multiple Times" scouting model, where players are watched by several scouts multiple times before being signed. The franchise also conducts background checks & reviews from coaches & support… pic.twitter.com/QcpOty94O3

— Sam (@cricsam02) June 18, 2026

Menon emphasized that "Play Bold" is a strict data-driven business metric, not just a catchy marketing slogan. To eliminate human bias and gut-feeling errors, RCB uses a strict scouting protocol before giving a player major responsibilities. Multiple scouts are sent to watch a single player across dozens of domestic matches. No single scout can make a final hiring decision on their own. Patidar was subjected to intense corporate-style background checks, psychological leadership assessments, and rigorous internal debates before the management offered him the job. In a franchise heavily defined by the presence of a global icon like Virat Kohli, a new captain cannot succeed without the king's blessing. Menon made it clear that Kohli is a massive shadow-architect behind the scenes, and his active approval of Patidar was a requirement. "Virat's endorsement of Rajat is important and was important. Make no mistake about that.”