Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their remarkable rise in the Indian Premier League by securing a second consecutive title in IPL 2026. While the celebrations surrounding their triumph are still fresh, discussions have already shifted towards the future of some of the franchise’s biggest stars.
Among them, Virat Kohli remains the central figure. Having represented the Bengaluru-based side throughout his IPL career, the former captain once again delivered a memorable campaign and played a crucial role in the team’s success. Recently, a key figure within the franchise shared his thoughts on Kohli’s future, offering an interesting perspective on what lies ahead for the batting icon.
RCB CEO opens up on Virat Kohli’s future with the franchise
Royal Challengers Bengaluru CEO Rajesh Menon expressed confidence that Kohli will continue playing for the franchise for several more years. Menon also suggested that it is difficult to imagine a scenario where the batting superstar is completely separated from RCB, even after his playing career eventually comes to an end. The RCB CEO also highlighted Kohli’s fitness levels, passion for the game and relentless competitiveness as reasons why he believes the veteran still has plenty left to offer.
“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. That said, next three-four years, I am sure he will be playing. 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,” Menon said while speaking to CNBC TV18.
Kohli continues to shine on the big stage
Kohli once again proved why he remains one of the most influential players in world cricket during IPL 2026. The former India captain finished as Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s leading run-scorer, amassing 675 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84, his highest strike rate in a single IPL season.
His finest moment came in the final against Shubman Gill’s side, the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing 156 for victory, Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 off just 42 deliveries, guiding RCB to a comfortable five-wicket win and helping the franchise become only the third team in IPL history to successfully defend their title. The 37-year-old also became the first batter in IPL history to cross the 9,000-run mark during the season, further strengthening his legacy as one of the league’s greatest-ever performers.
Although Kohli has already stepped away from Test and T20I cricket, he has repeatedly expressed his desire to continue playing ODI cricket and remains focused on representing India at the 2027 ODI World Cup. With his fitness, form and motivation showing no signs of fading, the RCB legend appears set to remain a major force for both franchise and country in the years ahead.
