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Virat Kohli Not In IPL 2025? 3 Players Who Can Replace RCB Star If He Misses Next Season

Virat Kohli In RCB Jersey [Source: @RcbianOfficial/x.com]Virat Kohli In RCB Jersey [Source: @RcbianOfficial/x.com]

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been one of the most popular teams in the Indian Premier League. Over the years they have commanded one of the biggest and the most loyal fanbases in the tournament. 

The fact that they have such a loyal fan following despite an empty trophy cabinet is because of the star power boosted by their poster boy Virat Kohli. The Indian star batter has not only been a consistent performer for the team but has also been the main reason for the brand value that the team has. 

During most of the auctions, the RCB try and build their squad around Virat Kohli. But did you ever think, What If Virat Kohli Retires Before The Next Edition Of The IPL? 

Before looking at what might happen, let us have a look at why Kohli might retire ahead of IPL 2025 - 

Why Will Virat Kohli Retire Before IPL 2025?

Current Form - IPL 2024 was a good season for Virat Kohli. He batted brilliantly throughout the tournament and finished the tournament as the highest run scorer. However, if we look at his performances in the international arena then, Kohli has experienced a decline. So, looking at the current struggles he is facing the Indian superstar could decide to hang up his boots ahead of the next edition of the tournament.

Intensity Of the League - IPL is a high-octane tournament which demands the best out of each cricketer for an extended period of time. Virat Kohli is currently aged 36 years and there is no questions about his fitness. However, the body shows its sign even for the best of the athletes. Kohli might have the ODI World Cup 2027 in his wish list and in that case might look to manage his workload. One of the possible steps for the star player might be he takes a break from IPL to concentrate more on elongating his international career to serve the cause of the Indian team.

Either way, here are three players that RCB might target to replace Kohli if the star batter misses out the next season.

3. Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw for DC [Source: @SUNRISERSU/x.com]Prithvi Shaw for DC [Source: @SUNRISERSU/x.com]

Prithvi Shaw promised a lot in his under 19 days and even during the initial stages of his international career. However, with time disciplinary issues and lack of fitness has put him out of the mainframe of Indian cricket. 

For the most part of his career, Virat Kohli has opened for RCB. So, ideally the team management would like to replace him with an opener. Prithvi Shaw could be a great target for the RCB team. He has the flare to change the course of a game in the initial stages with his aggressive batting. Also, this could exactly be the break that Shaw requires and gets his career back on track.

2. Sarfaraz Khan

Sarfaraz Khan for RCB [Source: @bebaslachara_/x.com]Sarfaraz Khan for RCB [Source: @bebaslachara_/x.com]

Sarfaraz Khan has been one of the most consistent performers in the domestic arena in recent times. He has truckloads of runs and has been superbly consistent with his bat. Even though majority of his performances his come in the longer format of the game, we all know that there is no boundary for class and pure talent.

Besides the promise Sarfaraz Khan has, the fact that he has already been a part of the RCB franchise might also go in his favour. However, Sarfaraz is not an opener and if RCB buy him they might have to open with Devdutt Padikkal and adjust the team composition accordingly. But with his ability play unorthodox and innovative cricket Sarfaraz Khan could be a valuable inclusion in the RCB side.

1. Ayush Mhatre

Ayush Mhatre for Mumbai [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]Ayush Mhatre for Mumbai [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

Ayush Mhatre rose to fame ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, when CSK called him for a trial in the nets. However, the young Indian opener went unsold in the auction, he has impressed a lot of fans and experts with his technique during the recently concluded Under 19 Asia Cup. 

Ayush Mhatre batted with a strike rate of 100 even in the 50-over format and that speaks of the talent and the temperament of the young man. Yes, to be successful in IPL, he would have to raise his game, but Mhatre has promised a lot with his talent so far. Besides, if Mhatre gets the right chance at the right time, he might turn out to be the next big thing in Indian cricket and thus fill the shoes of Kohli perfectly.