Virat Kohli Not Retiring From IPL, Clarifies Aakash Chopra: “He Refused a Commercial Contract, Not Leaving RCB”
Aakash Chopra clarified that Virat Kohli’s refusal to renew a commercial contract with RCB doesn’t mean he’s leaving the team or the IPL. The star batter remains committed to Royal Challengers Bengaluru after leading them to their maiden title in 2025.
Virat Kohli lifts RCB’s maiden IPL trophy at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after the 2025 final.
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has dismissed rumours surrounding Virat Kohli’s possible exit from the IPL or Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after reports suggested that the star batter declined to renew a contract with the franchise.
According to Chopra, the reports are being misinterpreted, as the contract in question is commercial, not related to Kohli’s playing commitments. “He has reportedly refused a commercial contract, but that doesn’t mean he’s leaving RCB. If he’s playing, he’s definitely turning out for the same franchise,” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.
🏆 Kohli’s Future With RCB Intact
The clarification came after journalist Rohit Juglan from RevSportz claimed that Kohli hadn’t renewed his commercial deal with RCB ahead of IPL 2026. The news led to widespread speculation about the Indian legend’s future in the league.
However, Chopra assured fans that Kohli remains committed to the team that finally lifted its maiden IPL trophy in 2025.
“He just won the trophy. Why would he leave now? The refusal seems related to side contracts, not his playing contract. A commercial contract is separate — he might simply have chosen not to sign it,” Chopra explained.
💬 Possible Dual Contracts and Franchise Speculation
Chopra also hinted that Kohli may have dual agreements — one for playing and another for commercial promotions — and the latter is what he opted out of.
“There are even reports suggesting RCB might be going up for sale, which could explain the situation,” he added.
📈 Kohli’s Record-Breaking IPL Run
Kohli was instrumental in RCB’s IPL 2025 championship win, scoring 657 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71, including eight half-centuries.
With 8,661 runs in 267 matches, Kohli remains the highest run-scorer in IPL history, boasting eight centuries and 63 fifties — all for RCB since his debut.
