"If Virat Kohli will play IPL, he will only.."- New caveat attached
Published - 13 Oct 2025, 10:17 AM | Updated - 13 Oct 2025, 10:23 AM
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A big confusion spread across the cricket world after news came out that Virat Kohli had not renewed his commercial contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of IPL 2026.
As soon as the reports went viral online, fans started making wild guesses. Many wondered if this meant Virat Kohli was leaving Royal Challengers Bengaluru or even planning to retire from the IPL. But the truth is that the deal has nothing to do with his cricket career or his place in the team.
Virat Kohli’s RCB contract sparks wild rumors
For all this confusion, credit goes to RevSportz journalist Rohit Juglan, who said that Virat Kohli had not signed a new commercial deal with the RCB franchise. That one line was enough to spark endless debates and confusion among fans.
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But soon after, the former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra explained that this contract is not the one that decides whether a player will play for the team.
Chopra helped fans understand the situation better. The cricket expert explained that it is a side deal that mainly involves promotional work, advertisements, and brand endorsements. The actual playing contract, which allows a cricketer to represent a team on the field, is completely different.
Aakash Chopra clears the air on Virat Kohli’s RCB contract confusion
So, not renewing a commercial contract doesn’t mean Kohli is leaving RCB. The former India batter said that Kohli’s decision not to renew a commercial agreement with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru has nothing to do with his future in cricket or with the franchise.
Chopra has stressed that Kohli will continue to play for the same franchise because his playing contract remains in place. He also hinted that there’s a chance that the deal could be renegotiated later or replaced by another form of agreement that suits both sides.
Some reports have claimed that the RCB could be going through a sale or change in ownership in the coming months. And maybe that’s why Kohli’s contract renewal hasn’t gone through yet. Well, Kohli remains the heart and soul of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Virat Kohli will definitely play for RCB: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “He has reportedly refused a commercial contract, but what does that mean? He will definitely play for RCB. If he is playing, he is definitely going to turn out for the same franchise.”
Chopra added, “Kohli has just won the trophy. Why will he leave the franchise then? He isn’t going anywhere. What contract can be refused is in the realm of speculation. He might have a dual contract."
"The commercial contract is the side contract apart from the playing contract. He has reportedly refused to sign a commercial contract. There are also reports that RCB is going up for sale.”
His performances in IPL 2025 were simply brilliant and played a huge part in RCB’s historic first-ever title win. Kohli scored a total of 657 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71.
He smashed eight half-centuries this season. Kohli has so far scored 8,661 runs at an average of 39.54 and a strike rate of 132.85 in 267 matches in the tournament.
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