How Many More IPL Seasons Remain For Virat Kohli? RCB CEO Responds

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) CEO Rajesh Menon has expressed confidence that star batter Virat Kohli will continue playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for at least another three to four years, providing reassurance to fans eager to know how much longer the franchise icon will remain on the field. Kohli, who turned 38 this year, has long maintained that he does not envision representing any IPL franchise other than Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Following RCB's successful IPL 2026 campaign, Menon highlighted the former India captain's enduring importance to the franchise and suggested that his playing career is far from over despite his advancing age. "RCB and Virat are different sides of the same coin," Menon said in an interview with CNBC-TV18. He described Kohli as the one constant throughout the franchise's journey and said it was difficult to imagine RCB without him. Menon added that even after Kohli eventually retires from playing, the franchise would need to determine how his association with the team would continue in another capacity.

The RCB chief executive also dismissed concerns about Kohli's fitness and motivation. "For the next three to 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 — the energy, runs, attitude... everything was there. Three to four years, absolutely no problem," Menon said. The remarks come after another impressive season from Kohli, who played a key role in RCB's title-winning campaign.

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The 2026 season proved historic for the Bengaluru-based franchise. After waiting 18 years to secure its maiden IPL title, RCB followed up its breakthrough triumph by successfully defending the championship. The team defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 31, becoming only the third franchise after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to retain the IPL trophy. Days after the victory, Kohli reflected emotionally on the campaign in a post on X, sharing a video celebrating the team's journey.

"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!" he wrote. The message reinforced his deep connection with RCB, a franchise he has represented since the inaugural IPL season in 2008. With the team enjoying unprecedented success and Kohli showing little sign of slowing down, RCB supporters will be encouraged by the prospect of seeing their talisman continue in red and gold for several more seasons.

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