The unthinkable: How Virat Kohli's potential IPL departure could dent RCB's future

Kohli's IPL departure [Source: AFP Photo]

Virat Kohli is someone who likes to walk out in silence. No fuss, no media attention, and that is how he went away from Test cricket in May 2025. His Test retirement news came out of nowhere as everyone expected him to be a part of the side for the England red-ball series.

For Kohli, Test cricket is at the top of the mountain, but there was something that he deeply cherished, and that was to win an IPL trophy with his side, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). For 18 years, he tried, and for 18 years, he failed. However, in the 2025 edition, the hard work finally paid off as the Royal Challengers overcame all the odds to secure their maiden title.

Virat's IPL journey coming to an end?

The IPL trophy was on Kohli’s bucket list, and that was finally ticked in 2025. Now, with the burden gone from his shoulders, recent reports have speculated that Kohli could probably move on from RCB as well. The veteran batter had to renew his contract with a particular brand, but he denied the opportunity and has reportedly urged RCB to look for a fresh face.

Could this be a major hint that Kohli might not play next season?. After all, he has achieved his dream of winning the IPL title. He has nothing left to achieve in the league, and perhaps, unlike other cricketers, he might not prolong his IPL journey.

How RCB will be affected by Kohli's potential departure

Brand value reduction

When people think of RCB, the first name that pops up is Virat Kohli. He is the face of the franchise, and one player alone gets more brand advertisement for RCB than the combined squad. Hence, if Kohli decides to walk away, the brand value of the IPL champions will take a massive hit. Even when RCB was not the champion, they were in the top 3 most valuable IPL sides, largely due to the popularity of Kohli.

Team's best batter to depart

Secondly, apart from the brand value, RCB will lose Kohli, the terrific run-scorer in the IPL. He is the highest run-getter in the IPL history, and even in the twilight of his career, the legendary batter has taken his game to the next level.

(Kohli in last three IPL seasons)

In the last three seasons, Kohli has taken his game to the next level, and the numbers tell the story. More than 600 runs in each of his previous three campaigns, and also helped RCB clinch the IPL title. If Kohli departs, RCB will lose their best batter and their most experienced player.

RCB to lose fan following

Yes, people do support RCB and the franchise has a loyal fan base, but think about it - India is a cricketer loving country, and not a cricket loving country, and Kohli is worshipped like a god. Despite being from Delhi and currently settled in London, Kohli’s fan following in Bengaluru is unparalleled, and the fans go crazy whenever “Cheeku” from Delhi walks out to bat in Chinnaswamy.

If Kohli retires from IPL, the fans might turn away from the franchise, because let’s be honest, most of the RCB fans are “Kohli paglu.”

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