‘At least four more years’: RCB CEO makes big prediction on Virat Kohli’s IPL future

Virat Kohli’s association with Royal Challengers Bengaluru has become one of the most enduring partnerships in IPL history, and the franchise believes the bond could continue well beyond his playing days.

Kohli remains the only player to have represented a single franchise throughout every season of the Indian Premier League since its inception. The batting superstar has repeatedly stated that he intends to finish his IPL career with RCB, the team he has represented since 2008.

After years of near misses, Kohli finally achieved his dream of lifting the IPL trophy when RCB won their maiden title in 2025. The franchise followed it up by successfully defending the crown in 2026, becoming only the third team after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to win back-to-back IPL titles.

Speaking about Kohli’s place in the franchise, RCB CEO Rajesh Menon described the relationship as inseparable and suggested that the former India captain could remain associated with the team even after retirement.

“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 on from his cricketing career. We have to figure that out,” Menon told CNBC-TV18.

Kohli can play for another four years: Menon

Menon also expressed confidence that Kohli has several years of cricket left in him, citing his fitness, hunger and continued excellence on the field.

“Next three-four years, I’m sure he’ll be playing. At least four years. He is fit, the hunger never dies. You saw him this IPL season — the energy, runs, attitude, everything was there. Three-four years, absolutely no problem,” he said.

The upcoming IPL season will be the final year of the current cycle, and Kohli is expected to remain central to RCB’s plans if he chooses to continue.

The veteran batter once again led RCB’s batting charts in IPL 2026, scoring 675 runs at a strike rate of 165.84 — the highest strike rate of his IPL career. He capped off the season with an unbeaten 75 in the final, guiding Bengaluru to a historic second consecutive IPL title.