Virat Kohli is being retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for Rs 21 crore. He is the first Indian player in the IPL to surpass the Rs 20 crore mark.
Previously, Australian players Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc were the only ones to breach this figure, with contracts valued at Rs 20.50 crore and Rs 24.75 crore, respectively.
RCB retained Kohli and top-order batter Rajat Patidar for Rs 11 crore and uncapped left-arm fast bowler Yash Dayal for Rs 5 crore ahead of IPL 2025. The franchise decided against retaining captain Faf du Plessis, all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Will Jacks, and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, highlighting a strategic shift in their team composition.
Kohli expressed his excitement about continuing his long-standing relationship with RCB. “I’ve been retained for the three-year cycle starting next year. It’s been a special relationship that continues to grow stronger. By the end of this cycle, I will have been with one team for 20 years, which is truly special,” Kohli shared in a video.
Mo Bobat, Director of Cricket at RCB, emphasized the importance of building a strong Indian core for the 2025 IPL season. “Retaining Virat not only continues his long association with RCB but also ensures that the new group benefits from his inspirational energy and commitment to high standards,” he said. Bobat also praised the strategic retentions of Patidar and Dayal, noting Dayal’s exceptional value as an uncapped player.
Bobat acknowledged the difficulty of releasing players due to the deep relationships and shared successes, but he looked forward to the auction preparations. “We have retained top Indian talent, providing us flexibility and a healthy purse for the auction. With our remaining three RTMs, it should be an exciting process,” he concluded.
