Virat Kohli‘s long-term future at Royal Challengers Bengaluru appears far from settled despite periodic retirement speculation, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru Chief Executive Officer Rajesh Menon suggesting the franchise great still has several years left as a player. Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Menon said Kohli’s connection with RCB goes beyond his current role on the field and indicated that the relationship is unlikely to end even after his playing days are over.
Kohli has represented Bengaluru in every season since the IPL’s launch and remains the only player to spend his entire career with one franchise. The 37-year-old played a major role in the team’s back-to-back title-winning campaigns in 2025 and 2026, with RCB becoming only the third side in tournament history to win successive championships after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
Menon expects Kohli to remain part of RCB for years to come
Reflecting on Kohli’s bond with the franchise, Menon said, “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.”
Kohli finished as RCB’s leading run-scorer during the 2026 campaign and produced an unbeaten 75 in the final against Gujarat Titans. He has scored more than 9,300 runs in the IPL and remains the league’s highest run-getter, while his record-breaking 973-run season in 2016 still stands as the benchmark for a single campaign.
Addressing Kohli’s future, Menon added, “That said, next three-four years, I am 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-four years, absolutely no problem.”
Kohli remains focused on extending his international career
There is one season remaining in the current IPL cycle before teams are reshaped again, but Kohli has also made clear that his ambitions extend beyond franchise cricket. Speaking on the RCB Podcast in May while discussing his international future and the possibility of featuring at the 2027 World Cup, the former India Captain reiterated his desire to continue representing the country.
He said, “We’re in mid-2026. I have been asked many times, ‘Do you want to play in 2027?’ Why would I leave home, get my stuff over and be like ‘I don’t know what I want’. Of course, if I’m playing, I want to play cricket, I want to carry on. Playing a World Cup for India is amazing.”
Kohli also spoke about the standards he has set for himself and the conditions under which he would continue playing.
He added, “My perspective is very clear. If I can add value to the environment that I’m a part of and the environment feels like I can add value, I’ll be seen.”
Kohli’s connection with RCB remains strong
Kohli crossed the 600-run mark in both of RCB’s title-winning campaigns and once again emerged as one of the franchise’s standout performers in 2026. His relationship with the Bengaluru-based side has long extended beyond performances on the field and remains one of the most enduring player-franchise associations in the IPL.
After the conclusion of the 2026 season, Kohli celebrated the back-to-back triumph with supporters in a message posted on X.
Started the season with belief. Ended with back to back titles. 🏆
This team lived every emotion together. The highs, the pressure, the hurdles, and the unwavering support. It feels extra special because… this place is HOME! ❤️ @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/H02HdsHCX3— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 9, 2026
He wrote, “Started the season with belief. Ended with back to back titles. This team lived every emotion together. The highs, the pressure, the hurdles, and the unwavering support. It feels extra special because… this place is HOME!”
With Menon expressing confidence in Kohli’s longevity and the former India Captain continuing to target future milestones, RCB’s longest-standing partnership appears set to continue well beyond the current cycle.
