Virat Kohli remains one of the biggest and most valuable players in the Indian Premier League. As IPL 2026 approaches, Kohli continues to be the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and a key reason behind the team’s recent success.
After a sensational Orange Cap-winning IPL 2024 season and a strong IPL 2025 campaign, Virat Kohli enters IPL 2026 with immense form, experience, and leadership value. Even after more than 17 IPL seasons, his hunger for runs and consistency at the top remains unmatched.
Virat Kohli IPL 2026 Team & Price
Virat Kohli is retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for IPL 2026 and remains their most important batting pillar.
Virat Kohli IPL 2026 Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player Name | Virat Kohli |
| IPL Team 2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) |
| Role | Batter |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| IPL Debut | 2008 |
| IPL 2026 Status | Retained |
| IPL Price (2025 Retention) | ₹21.00 Crore |
| Nationality | India |
Kohli’s ₹21 crore price reflects not just his runs, but also his brand value, experience, and match-winning ability in pressure situations.
Read Also:- Highest Wicket-Takers for RCB in IPL History
Virat Kohli IPL Career Summary
Virat Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL history and the only player to cross 8,600+ IPL runs with one franchise.
Overall IPL Career Stats
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 267 |
| Runs | 8,661 |
| Highest Score | 113* |
| Average | 39.55 |
| Strike Rate | 132.86 |
| Centuries | 8 |
| Half-Centuries | 63 |
| Fours | 771 |
| Sixes | 291 |
| Wickets | 4 |
| Catches | 118 |
Virat Kohli Season-Wise IPL Batting Performance
Virat Kohli’s IPL journey shows steady growth, peak dominance, a brief lean phase, and a powerful comeback.
Recent IPL Seasons Performance
| Season | Matches | Runs | Avg | Strike Rate | 100 | 50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 15 | 657 | 54.75 | 144.71 | 0 | 8 |
| 2024 | 15 | 741 | 61.75 | 154.70 | 1 | 5 |
| 2023 | 14 | 639 | 53.25 | 139.82 | 2 | 6 |
| 2022 | 16 | 341 | 22.73 | 115.99 | 0 | 2 |
| 2016 | 16 | 973 | 81.08 | 152.03 | 4 | 7 |
The 2016 season remains historic, where Kohli scored 973 runs, the highest by any player in a single IPL edition.
Virat Kohli IPL Records & Achievements
Virat Kohli holds multiple legendary IPL records that may stand for years.
Major IPL Records
- Most runs in IPL history
- Most runs in a single IPL season (973 in 2016)
- Only player with 8,000+ IPL runs
- Joint most IPL centuries
- Played for only one franchise since 2008 (RCB)
His loyalty to RCB and long-term consistency make him unique in league history.
Virat Kohli IPL Auction Price History
Virat Kohli has always been among the highest-paid players in IPL.
| Year | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ₹17.00 Cr | RCB |
| 2019 | ₹17.00 Cr | RCB |
| 2020 | ₹17.00 Cr | RCB |
| 2021 | ₹17.00 Cr | RCB |
| 2022 | ₹15.00 Cr | RCB |
| 2023 | ₹15.00 Cr | RCB |
| 2024 | ₹15.00 Cr | RCB |
| 2025 | ₹21.00 Cr | RCB |
The jump to ₹21 crore highlights Kohli’s peak resurgence and market value.
Virat Kohli Fielding & Bowling Contribution
While primarily a batter, Kohli has contributed significantly in the field.
Fielding Record
- 118 catches in IPL
- Consistent fielder inside the circle and deep
Bowling Record (IPL)
| Matches | Overs | Wickets | Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| 267 | 41.5 | 4 | 2/25 |
Though he bowls rarely, his part-time spells have produced crucial breakthroughs.
Virat Kohli Last 10 IPL Innings Form
Kohli’s recent IPL form shows reliability in big matches.
| Match | Runs |
|---|---|
| Final vs PBKS | 43 (35) |
| Qualifier 1 vs PBKS | 12 (12) |
| Match vs LSG | 54 (30) |
| Match vs SRH | 43 (25) |
| Match vs CSK | 62 (33) |
| Match vs DC | 51 (47) |
| Match vs RR | 70 (42) |
| Match vs PBKS | 73 (54) |
| Match vs RR | 62 (45) |
Virat Kohli Biography & Leadership Impact
Virat Kohli was born on 5 November 1988 in Delhi. He rose to fame after captaining India to the 2008 U-19 World Cup and made his IPL debut the same year.
He led RCB from 2013 to 2021, guiding them to the 2016 IPL final and building a strong competitive identity. Even after stepping down as captain, Kohli continues to be the emotional and tactical leader of the side.
Off the field, he remains one of the most influential athletes in world cricket.
See Also: Who Is the Owner of RCB in IPL 2026?
Virat Kohli Latest Update Ahead of IPL 2026
- Continues as RCB’s most reliable run-getter
- Maintains elite fitness and form
- Remains central to RCB’s title-defence plans
- One of the most experienced IPL players going into 2026
Conclusion
Virat Kohli enters IPL 2026 as a legend still in his prime. With unmatched records, elite consistency, and strong recent form, he remains RCB’s biggest strength and the league’s biggest attraction.
Whether it is anchoring the innings, chasing big targets, or performing on the biggest stage, Virat Kohli continues to define excellence in the IPL.
