Will Virat Kohli be back for IPL 2026? That’s the big question on every cricket fan’s mind right now. With the IPL 2025 champions yet to renew Kohli’s contract, talk about his retirement is spreading fast. After all, the man has been part of the IPL right from day one back in 2008. Could it be that the 2025 season was his last dance in red and gold?
Virat Kohli – The ‘King’ Of The IPL
When you think of the IPL, one name immediately comes to mind – Virat Kohli. He’s been the face of Royal Challengers Bangalore since the very beginning and, until recently, the only thing missing from his glittering career was that elusive trophy. But that changed when RCB finally lifted their first-ever title in the 18th edition of the league. Now, Kohli’s legacy is complete – he’s no longer part of the “best never to win” list.
Virat Kohli and IPL – A Love Story Written In Records
Whether or not Virat Kohli decides to play IPL 2026, one thing is beyond doubt – he has left an unshakable mark on the tournament. His numbers are jaw-dropping, his consistency unmatched, and his hunger to perform never fades. Here’s a look at 10 of his standout records that make him the undisputed ‘King’ of the IPL.
1. Most Runs in IPL History
Kohli leads the pack with an incredible 8661 runs. He’s miles ahead of everyone else, constantly breaking barriers and rewriting record books. His determination to keep scoring, year after year, is what truly defines him.
2. Most Runs in a Single Season
Back in 2016, Kohli smashed 973 runs in one season – the highest tally by any player in IPL history. He came within touching distance of 1000 runs, and to this day, no one has come close to that feat.
3. Most Centuries
The ‘King’ has notched up a record eight centuries in the league. While someone might break that record in the future, for now, it firmly belongs to him.
4. Most Fifties and 50+ Scores
Virat Kohli has crossed fifty runs on 63 occasions without converting them into hundreds. In total, he’s scored 50 or more runs 71 times – including those eight tons. That kind of consistency is rare, and it’s what keeps him ahead of the rest.
5. The Ultimate One-Team Player
Since 2008, Virat Kohli has played 267 matches for RCB – more than anyone else for a single franchise. No trades, no auctions, no switches – just loyalty and passion. It’s also a record 18 consecutive seasons with one team, something almost unheard of in modern T20 cricket.
6. The 600+ Runs Club
Only a handful of players have scored 600 or more runs in a season – Virat Kohli has done it five times. That says it all about his unmatched consistency across the years.
7. Most Hundreds in a Season
Kohli’s 2016 season was one for the ages – he hit four centuries that year, a record he shares with Jos Buttler. It remains one of the most dominant batting performances in IPL history.
8. Safe Hands in the Field
He’s not just about runs. Virat Kohli has also taken 117 catches, proving that he’s as sharp in the field as he is with the bat.
The King’s Legacy
No matter what decision Virat Kohli makes about IPL 2026, his legacy is already written in golden letters. He’s not just one of the best in IPL history – he is the benchmark. For nearly two decades, he’s carried the weight of expectations and still managed to shine brighter every season.
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