The news has circulated over the past few days that Virat Kohli could be walking away from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) — or, indeed, even retiring from the IPL altogether. However, a seasoned voice in Indian cricket has come out to stop such speculation, stating positively that Kohli has “another three years” in him at least.

The Rumour Mill: Contract, Exit, Uncertainty

The gossip started after news came in stating Kohli had refused to sign a fresh commercial deal with RCB for the 2026 season. That rejection was interpreted by some media and followers as an indication that maybe he was stepping back from the franchise, either to move to another team or to reduce his IPL engagement.

Adding fuel to speculation was talk that RCB could undergo ownership or management changes in the near future—some suggested that a new owner might renegotiate or restructure player deals. In that context, Kohli’s hesitation on commercial terms was portrayed as a tactical move, not necessarily a signal of farewell.

Meanwhile, Kohli’s career path itself has shifted. He has already retired from Tests and T20Is (since mid-2024) and is now predominantly focused on ODIs for India. That shift has further amplified scrutiny of his IPL future—if he’s scaling back in international cricket, will he also step away from the domestic stage?

Another Three Years — Srikkanth Speaks Out

Enter Krishnamachari Srikkanth, former Indian opener and 1983 World Cup winner. On the YouTube channel “Cheeky Cheeka,” Srikkanth addressed the swirling speculation head-on. He dismissed the idea that Kohli is planning to retire or change franchises, attributing the talk to “business decisions” tied to ownership and commercial deals rather than any desire on Kohli’s part to bow out.

But Srikkanth not only defended the continuity—he went a step beyond that by daringly declaring that Kohli has three more seasons in the IPL. “Virat Kohli is good enough to play another three years of IPL. He will score runs always,” Srikkanth famously declared, calling him “King of Kings.”

He also questioned the logic of retirement, pointing out that Kohli’s performance in the recent IPL season was still top class. “Why should he retire? He played brilliantly even this IPL … unless he personally takes that decision, these are just rumours,” Srikkanth added.

Weighing the Claim: Optimism or Overreach?

Srikkanth’s confidence is rooted in more than mere loyalty—there’s rationale to his claim:

Form & fitness: Kohli continues to be one of the most reliable run-scorers in the league. During IPL 2025, he was among the leading performers, displaying his consistent class.

Deep bond with RCB: Kohli is among the rare cricketers in the history of IPL who have played for just one team, right from the inaugural season in 2008 until date.

Personal commitment & legacy: It’s felt by many that Kohli views it as anything other than a profession—it’s part of who he is. Walking away or changing teams after all these years would be a melodramatic break.

There are, however, counterarguments to consider:

Age & longevity: Kohli is 36 now and no longer in his physical best. Endurance, healing, and risk of injury weigh more today than ever.

International load & motivation: With Tests and T20Is behind him, Kohli’s remaining international journey is limited. Motivation to sustain peak performance purely for IPL might wane over time.

Commercial stakes: The contract refusal itself suggests the negotiations may not be straightforward. If monetary terms or franchise dynamics shift drastically, even a player of Kohli’s stature might revaluated.

Succession planning: RCB, as with all sides, will have to plan for future transition. Would management and coaches be able to urge phasing out of the veterans gradually?

What the Rumours Miss

Beyond Srikkanth’s optimism, it’s important to distinguish between player contracts and commercial deals. Some insiders suggest that Kohli’s hesitation may be around branding, endorsements, or image rights, rather than purely his playing commitment. In other words, he might remain willing to play under his player contract, while leaving flexibility in commercial negotiations depending on a new owner or franchise direction.

Also, it is not rare that experienced players have “opt-out” clauses or performance targets based on last years. Kohli might arrange his subsequent contracts so that there are exit points or overhauls based on form, physical fitness, or franchise intent.

What to Watch For

If Srikkanth’s three-year prediction materializes, here’s what to look for:

1.  Contract announcements: How and when Kohli inks his next contract—simply playing or with additives of a commercial nature—will be revealing.
2. Performance metrics: His strike rates, batting averages, consistency, and injury history in the next few years will challenge his own conviction.
3. Franchise developments: Any modification in RCB ownership or management will determine if and how much they are willing to invest long term in a veteran celebrity.
4.  Kohli himself: In the end, his own words regarding retirement, loyalty, and motivation will mean a lot.

Virat Kohli’s exit from RCB remains far from settled. While contract drama and media speculation have stirred doubts, voices like Srikkanth’s serve as a counterweight—insisting that the legend still has unfinished business in the IPL. Whether it plays out exactly as predicted (“another three years”) or takes an unanticipated turn, one thing seems certain: when/if Kohli decides to walk away, it won’t be quietly.