Virat Kohli has been amongst the finest batters of his era and a real icon of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Right from the time he started his journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2008, he remained associated with the franchise for 18 seasons despite having a number of opportunities to be with more successful franchises. For years, he carried the tag of the best player never to win an IPL title until 2025, when RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, lifted their first trophy by defeating Punjab Kings in the final. Now at 36, after achieving almost every batting milestone in the league, Kohli may consider stepping away from the league. Virat Kohli’s Unmatched IPL Records Virat Kohli possesses almost all the key batting records in the IPL. He has: Most runs in the history of the league. (8661) Most centuries. (8) Most half-centuries. (63) Most fours in the league. (771) Consistent performances for almost two decades. He has scored a minimum of 400 runs in nearly every season from 2015 (with the exception of 2017 and 2022). Even in 2025, he scored 657 runs at more than a average of 50 and a strike rate of 144.71. His game of anchoring innings and chasing down totals is unmatched, his low percentage of dot-balls in run chases indicates how effectively he keeps the scoreboard ticking. Also Read | Virat Kohli Likely to Play Australia ODI Series Amid Retirement Rumors Why Kohli May Quit IPL There are a few reasons why the RCB icon may retire ahead of IPL 2026: Prioritizing 2027 ODI World Cup Kohli has retired from T20Is as well as Test cricket already. His ultimate target in international cricket may be lifting the 2027 ODI World Cup. Quitting the IPL would allow him to spend even more time playing 50-over cricket and taking part in ODI tournaments abroad in preparation. Permanent Relocation to London Kohli and his actress wife, Anushka Sharma, have relocated to London for a less public life outside the constant eye of the Indian public. The pair has frequently asked for privacy, particularly for their kids, something that they can easily do outside India. RCB Stampede Incident Celebrations following RCB's title win in 2025 turned tragic with a stampede that occurred at a public gathering, causing several fatalities and injuries. The Karnataka Cabinet permitted criminal complaints to be lodged against RCB administrators, and there is also a likelihood of the team being banned temporarily from the IPL. If that is the case, Kohli may not be interested in playing for another franchise after dedicating his entire career to RCB. Financial Security Virat Kohli has made more than ₹200 crore just from the IPL, excluding endorsements. Money is not a driving force anymore, and retirement would not hurt his lifestyle. Also Read | What Did Virat Kohli Ask Chhattisgarh Villager After SIM Mix-Up? The Worth of Kohli to RCB The loss of Kohli would be an enormous setback for RCB, both on the field and economically. His name sells tickets and jerseys. Sponsors are drawn to the franchise primarily due to his presence. He is the largest crowd puller for the team after MS Dhoni. Even when not captain, Kohli is a field leader, who inspires players and sets extremely high standards. Can RCB Replace Kohli? Replacing a player of Kohli’s stature will be close to impossible. His salary of INR 21 crore could be used to buy one star player or invest in multiple young talents. However, finding someone who matches his consistency, ability to build innings, and leadership qualities will be a huge challenge. The scouting team of RCB will need to identify a player who: Scores consistently at the top of the order. Can rotate strike and construct innings in the middle overs. Has experience of being strong in run chases. Adds leadership on and off the pitch. Conclusion Virat Kohli has not only been a cricketer for RCB but he has been the franchise's face for 18 years. Whether he chooses to retire ahead of IPL 2026 or plays another season, his contribution to the league as well as franchise will never be matched by any other player. If he retires, it will signal the closure of one of the most legendary chapters in IPL history.