Virat Kohli, a name synonymous with modern-day cricket, has been the topic of much discussion recently, especially concerning his future in the Indian Premier League (IPL). At 36 years old, Kohli, who will turn 37 during the next IPL season, remains a vital force for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a team he has represented since his IPL debut in 2008.
Kohli's commitment to RCB is unwavering. After finally clinching the elusive IPL title in 2025, after 18 years with the team, Kohli declared that he would play for Bengaluru "till the last day that I play the IPL". This loyalty has solidified his status as an icon in Bengaluru, where he is seen as a player whose "heart and soul belong to Bangalore".
However, Kohli is also realistic about the shelf life of a professional cricketer. Acknowledging that there is "an end date to our career," he emphasizes the importance of giving everything he has to the game while he still can. This mindset fuels his relentless pursuit of improvement and his determination to leave a lasting legacy.
Recently, Swastik Chikara, a teammate from RCB, shared insights into Kohli's mindset regarding his role in the team and his future in the IPL. According to Chikara, Kohli is determined to play the game with the same intensity and commitment that has defined his career. Kohli made it clear that he intends to prolong his IPL career for as long as he is fit enough to meet the demands of the T20 format, and that he would never play merely as an Impact Player in the latter stages of his career.
Kohli has expressed his reservations about the Impact Player rule, arguing that it can disrupt the balance between bat and ball. This perspective aligns with his broader philosophy of contributing to the game in all facets. Kohli has repeatedly insisted that he would never feature solely as an Impact Player, stressing that he wished to contribute to the team in all three departments for as long as his fitness allows.
For Kohli, being an "Impact Player" isn't an option because he "want[s] to feel 20 overs and make an impact in the field". He sees himself as a player who contributes across all aspects of the game, and he wants to maintain that level of involvement as long as his body allows.
Kohli's Illustrious IPL Career:
Kohli's journey in the IPL has been nothing short of extraordinary. Picked by RCB after leading India to victory in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup, Kohli has become the league's highest run-scorer. He also holds the record for the most centuries (8) and the highest runs in a single season (973 in 2016). In the IPL Auction 2025, the RCB franchise acquired the services of Virat Kohli for Rs 21.00 Cr.
His best season came in 2016, when he amassed 973 runs and four centuries. He has also won the Orange Cap twice, in 2016 and 2024.
While Kohli has retired from T20 international cricket and Test Cricket, his focus remains on contributing to RCB's success and continuing to evolve as a player. As he approaches the later stages of his career, Kohli's determination to play the game on his own terms, with unwavering commitment and a desire to make a meaningful impact, will continue to define his legacy in the IPL.
