What if Virat Kohli joins RR in IPL 2026?

Overview

Virat Kohli has been playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. He has established his legacy as one of the finest batters of all time in the league's history. Nobody has scored more runs, fifties, as well as centuries than him in the cash-rich league. Kohli is also a two-time Orange Cap winner.

Apart from his excellent records with the bat, Kohli has led RCB from 2013 to 2021. During his leadership tenure, RCB reached the playoffs on multiple occasions and the final in 2016. During the 2016 edition, Kohli aggregated 973 runs, which is the highest run tally in a particular season of the tournament. He played an instrumental role in helping RCB win their maiden title this year.

What if Virat Kohli joins RR in IPL 2026?

Rajasthan Royals (RR) won the inaugural edition of the IPL but have not managed to reclaim the title in the subsequent seasons. Various reports have suggested that their talismanic Sanju Samson could be parting ways with the franchise. If they can rope in Kohli, it will not just bolster their batting department but also improve the brand value of the franchise, which will take a hit if Samson leaves.

Fan engagement, merchandise sales, social media reach, and media coverage will also improve substantially as hving a player of Kohli's calibre signals ambition.

In recent years, the Royals have failed to complete run-chases from winning situations. However, they have not managed to hold their nerves. Kohli has built a career out of chasing stiff targets with ease. His mind operates like a calculator, and he makes it easier for his teammates to chase totals.

Having Kohli in the side will also add a lot of value in terms of the mentorship and guidance he could provide to the younger players.

Kohli yet to renew his commercial contract with RCB

Ahead of the 2026 season, reports are doing the rounds that Diageo Great Britain, which owns RCB through United Spirits, has initiated the sale of the franchise at an estimated valuation of USD 2 billion. With new ownership talks and Kohli yet to renew his commercial contract with the team, speculations have intensified.

However, even if Kohli decides to leave RCB, it won't be easy for RR to sign him. They will have to free up a lot of their budget to get him in the auction. Even if Kohli joins the Royals, it will be difficult for him to get his favourite opening spot, as Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal did well as a pair last season.