Virat Kohli is not retiring from the IPL anytime soon. The 37-year-old has shut down retirement speculation multiple times over the past year, most recently after smashing 105 off 60 balls* against KKR in Raipur during IPL 2026.
With 484 runs in 12 matches at an average of 53.78 and a strike rate of 165.75 this season, Kohli is playing some of the best T20 cricket of his career. He’s currently third in the Orange Cap race, and RCB have topped the points table heading into the business end of the tournament.
What Has Kohli Said About Retirement?
Kohli has addressed the retirement question head-on, multiple times.
At the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit in March 2025, he was characteristically blunt. “Don’t get nervous. I’m not making any announcements,” Kohli told the audience. “As of now, everything is fine. I still love playing this game.”
He went further, explaining what would eventually drive his decision. “It pretty much comes down to just the pure joy, enjoyment, competitive streak, and love for the game. And as long as that is there, I will continue to play.”
Kohli also revealed a conversation with former India coach Rahul Dravid about timing retirement. “He said you always have to stay in touch with yourself. Figure out where you are placed in your life, and the answer is not that easy,” Kohli recalled. That answer, clearly, hasn’t arrived yet.
When asked about his next big target, Kohli smiled and said, “Maybe winning the 2027 ODI World Cup.” That statement alone confirms he sees at least two more years of competitive cricket ahead of him.
Why Are Retirement Talks Following Kohli?
The speculation has two roots.
First, Kohli retired from T20 internationals in June 2024 after India won the T20 World Cup. Then, in May 2025, he announced his retirement from Test cricket after 123 matches, 9,230 runs, and 30 centuries. Both decisions came as shocks, and many fans assumed the IPL and ODIs would follow soon.
Second, his age. At 37, Kohli is among the oldest active players in the IPL. However, age hasn’t slowed him down one bit this season. His century against KKR on a tricky Raipur surface proved that his hunger for runs remains fully intact.
After that knock, even the opposition acknowledged his brilliance. KKR coach Dwayne Bravo walked into RCB’s dressing room to personally congratulate Kohli and urged him to “play as long as possible because the game of cricket needs gems like him.”
What Formats Is Kohli Still Playing?
Here’s where Kohli’s career currently stands across formats:
- T20 Internationals: Retired (June 2024)
- Test cricket: Retired (May 2025)
- ODI cricket: Active (targeting 2027 World Cup)
- IPL: Active (playing for RCB in IPL 2026)
The ODI commitment is significant. With the 2027 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia on the horizon, Kohli clearly plans to be part of India’s campaign. That means he’ll remain active in professional cricket for at least another year beyond this IPL season.
As for the IPL specifically, there’s been zero indication from Kohli or RCB that IPL 2026 is his last season. He has been the face of the franchise for 19 years and remains their most important batter. After giving up captaincy in 2021, he watched Rajat Patidar lead RCB to their maiden IPL title in 2025, and he’s now pushing for a second consecutive championship.
How Has Kohli Performed in IPL 2026?
The numbers speak louder than any retirement rumour.
484 runs in 12 innings at an average of 53.78 and a strike rate of 165.75. That includes the 105 against KKR*, which he chased down almost single-handedly on a surface where most batters struggled. From ball one to the final delivery, Kohli stood at the crease and guided RCB home with five balls to spare.
He’s also adapted his game noticeably. The Kohli of IPL 2026 attacks from the first over, targets the powerplay more aggressively, and rotates strike with intent. His T20 evolution at 37 is remarkable, and it directly contradicts any suggestion that he’s winding down.
So When Will Kohli Actually Retire From IPL?
Nobody knows, including probably Kohli himself.
What we do know is that he’s said it won’t happen until the joy and competitive drive disappear. Based on his 2026 form, that moment isn’t anywhere close. He’s scoring centuries, chasing down targets, and leading RCB’s title defence from the front.
Former India opener Virender Sehwag said after Kohli’s Test retirement that he “could have played for two more years.” If that logic applies to Tests, it applies even more to the IPL, where the physical demands are lower and the shorter format suits Kohli’s current approach.
The safest bet? Kohli plays IPL 2027 as well, especially if RCB retain him. After that, the 2027 ODI World Cup could become his farewell international stage. But predicting Virat Kohli has never been a wise hobby. The man has spent 19 years proving people wrong, and he doesn’t look like stopping.
