Virat Kohli Puts Retirement Rumours To Rest, Hints At Playing For RCB Till 2027

Virat Kohli was retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for 21 crore ahead of IPL 2025, making him the most expensive Indian player in IPL history. RCB retaining Kohli does not come as a surprise as he has been the face of the franchise since the inception of the league. At 35, Kohli is heading towards the dawn of his career, however, no one is sure how long the veteran will continue playing cricket. Kohli retired from T20Is to focus on other formats, but his recent performances haven't been great. How long team India can carry the non-performing players? If he does not fare well soon, selectors will be under pressure to take a call on his career. Given his recent form, his critics have already asked him to draw curtains on his career, but their opinion hardly matters. What matters is Kohli's call, and how long he wants to continue playing and performing. Kohli recently dropped a massive hint about his career and hinted at playing competitive cricket till 2027. Kohli directly did not address his plans with Team India, but if he is playing cricket and is fit, he would most likely want to win the 2027 World Cup for India. “At the end of this cycle, it is going to be 20 years that I am going to be playing for RCB and that in itself is a very, very special feeling for me," Kohli told 'RCB Bold Diaries' hinting that he aims to continue for at least another three years till 2027."I have never thought that I am going to play so many years for one team, but the relationship has truly become special over so many years," he added. Kohli said he does not see himself playing for any other team in IPL.“I don’t see myself anywhere other than RCB, and I am very happy that it happened. I am very excited that I got a chance to create a strong new squad in this auction, something that we are really looking forward to as a franchise, as a team," Kohli said in RCB's Bold Diaries video.Kohli further said his goal is to win at least one IPL title with RCB in the current cycle.“I am super excited as ever as everyone knows what RCB means to me. It’s been a very, very special relationship over so many years, which continues to grow stronger, and what I have experienced playing for RCB is truly special. I hope that the fans and everyone who’s connected to the franchise feel the same way," he continued."I am also just looking forward to this cycle. Obviously, the goal is to win the IPL title at least once in the next cycle."