Aakash Chopra Reassures Virat Kohli’s RCB Future Secure Despite Commercial Contract Reports

Virat Kohli’s rumours of not playing IPL 2026 is just a rumour, assures Aakash Chopra.

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has moved to calm speculation surrounding Virat Kohli’s IPL future, clarifying that recent reports about the star batter refusing a commercial contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru do not indicate any intention to leave the franchise. This comes after journalist Rohit Juglan’s claims that Kohli hadn’t renewed his commercial agreement with the Bengaluru-based team ahead of IPL 2026.

Addressing the growing speculation on his YouTube channel, Chopra provided crucial context to understand the situation. “He has reportedly refused a commercial contract, but what does that mean? He will definitely play for RCB. If he is playing, he is definitely going to turn out for the same franchise,” Chopra stated emphatically.

The cricketer-turned-analyst questioned the logic behind Kohli departing the team he recently led to their maiden IPL title. “He has just won the trophy. Why will he leave the franchise then? He isn’t going anywhere. What contract can be refused is in the realm of speculation. He might have a dual contract,” Chopra explained, highlighting the distinction between different types of agreements players maintain with franchises.

Elaborating on the technical aspects, Chopra noted, “Commercial contract is the side contract apart from the playing contract. He has reportedly refused to sign a commercial contract. There are also reports that RCB is going up for sale.”

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Kohli’s significance to RCB was underscored by his phenomenal performance in their historic IPL 2025 triumph. The batting maestro amassed 657 runs in 15 matches at an impressive average of 54.75 and strike rate of 144.71, recording eight half-centuries with an unbeaten 73 as his highest score.

The legendary batter remains the IPL’s all-time leading run-scorer, having accumulated 8,661 runs across 267 appearances, all for RCB, maintaining an average of 39.54 and strike rate of 132.85, including eight centuries and 63 fifties throughout his illustrious career with the franchise.