“The day I have to play as…I will quit cricket”: Bold Claim on Virat Kohli’s IPL Retirement Plans

Young Uttar Pradesh batter Swastik Chikara, who shared a dressing room with Virat Kohli during IPL 2025 at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has shed light on the RCB star’s future plans in the league.

Speaking to RevSportz, the 20-year-old revealed that Kohli intends to play the IPL as long as he remains completely fit — but has no interest in being used as an Impact Player.

“Virat bhaiya said, ‘Jab tak cricket khelunga, jab tak main poora fit hoon. Ye Impact Player ki tarah nahi khelunga. Main sher ki tarah khelunga (I will play cricket for as long as I am completely fit. I won’t play as an Impact Player. I will play like a lion),’” Chikara recalled.

Kohli reportedly added that he would quit the sport the day he was asked to only bat or only field:

“I will field for the full 20 overs and then bat. The day I have to play as an Impact Player, I will quit cricket.”

Kohli, who turns 37 during IPL 2026, has already retired from T20Is and Tests but remains committed to RCB. He was in commanding form in IPL 2025, scoring 657 runs in 15 matches as RCB secured their maiden title. In the final against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad, Kohli top-scored with 43 off 35 balls to help seal the historic win.

The former India captain has previously voiced his disapproval of the Impact Player rule, saying it disrupts the balance between bat and ball. While he no longer features for India in T20Is or Tests, he is expected to play ODIs until the 2027 World Cup.