One of the biggest names in Indian Premier League (IPL) , Kohli has played for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) since the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2008, and is the iconic face of RCB whilst being one of the richest players in IPL history. This season, cricket devotees search for “Virat Kohli IPL price” to get the latest salary, retention features and full-details of his earnings in IPL.

Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru – ₹21 crore) Virat Kohli was retained for IPL 2026 by Royal Challenger Bengaluru and one of the highest paid players in the league You are not only rewarded for your phenomenal consistency with the bat but also as the biggest asset of the franchise, he would probably be there most valuable.

Virat Kohli IPL 2026 Price

Ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained Virat Kohli for ₹21 crore. He continues to be the cornerstone of the franchise, having spent his entire IPL career with RCB. 

Virat Kohli IPL 2026 Salary Details 

Details	Information
Player	Virat Kohli
Team	Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
IPL 2026 Price	₹21 Crore
Status	Retained
Role	Top-order Batter
Nationality	India

Virat’s ₹21 crore salary places him among the highest-paid cricketers in IPL 2026. 

Virat Kohli IPL Auction History 

While many IPL stars have moved to different franchises, Virat Kohli has stayed with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the entirety of his IPL career.

He was snapped by RCB in the first auction of IPL 2008 and has partnered with the same franchise for almost two decades. His wages have risen steadily over the years as he has established himself as one of the greatest T20 batters ever.

Virat Kohli IPL Salary History 

Season	Team	Salary
2008	RCB	₹20.06 Lakh
2009	RCB	₹24.34 Lakh
2010	RCB	₹22.88 Lakh
2011	RCB	₹8.14 Crore
2012	RCB	₹8.74 Crore
2013	RCB	₹9.57 Crore
2014	RCB	₹12.50 Crore
2015	RCB	₹12.50 Crore
2016	RCB	₹12.50 Crore
2017	RCB	₹12.50 Crore
2018	RCB	₹17 Crore
2019	RCB	₹17 Crore
2020	RCB	₹17 Crore
2021	RCB	₹17 Crore
2022	RCB	₹15 Crore
2023	RCB	₹15 Crore
2024	RCB	₹15 Crore
2025	RCB	₹21 Crore
2026	RCB	₹21 Crore

According to official IPL records, Virat Kohli’s cumulative IPL earnings have crossed ₹232 crore, making him one of the highest-earning players in IPL history. 

Why Did RCB Retain Virat Kohli?

Kohli got retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru as he still the best player that his franchise has, on and off the field.

Reasons include:

• Outstanding consistency in IPL
• Massive fan following worldwide
• Leadership experience
• Brand value
• Ability to perform under pressure
• Match-winning batting performances

Aside from Kohli’s on-field contribution, he also makes the franchise commercially successful and by the way one of cricket’s biggest ambassadors.

Virat Kohli IPL Career Statistics

Virat Kohli (RCB) – The highest run scorer in IPL history

His IPL achievements include:

• Most runs in IPL history
• Multiple Orange Cap-winning seasons
• Centuries by an Indian batter in IPL
• Hundreds of sixes and fours
• Multiple Player of the Match awards
• Most years with a lone IPL franchise

His consistency of performances across two decades turns him into an IPL legend.

Virat Kohli’s Performance in IPL 2026 

Once again during IPL 2026, Virat Kohli once again was best for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the team went down to Deccan Chargers. He put together a handful of effective top-of-the-order innings, offering stability and fast starts. His performance ensured that RCB were well among the top teams in the competition, reiterating the franchise’s faith in retaining him for ₹21 crore.

Is Virat Kohli Worth ₹21 Crore? 

If you think how much Virat Kohli pockets it is worth every rupee of his IPL salary, then most cricket experts agree.

Besides putting on runs he also provides:

• Leadership qualities
• Winning mentality
• Huge sponsorship value
• Global fan engagement
• Match-winning ability
• Commercial success for RCB

Virat Kohli generates not only tremendous value on the field but off it as well – few cricketers do.

Virat Kohli’s Total IPL Earnings 

Virat Kohli has earned more than ₹232 crore in IPL salaries alone since joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2008.

This figure includes:

• Annual player contracts
• Retention salaries
• Revised IPL contracts

It does not include endorsement deals, sponsorships, or brand partnerships.

Image of Virat Kohli IPL Price

Quick Facts 

Information	Details
Full Name	Virat Kohli
IPL Team	Royal Challengers Bengaluru
IPL 2026 Price	₹21 Crore
Role	Batter
Batting Style	Right-hand Bat
IPL Debut	2008
Total IPL Earnings	₹232+ Crore

Future IPL Salary 

Even though Virat Kohli is one of the highest-paid players in IPL history, his salary for next season is reliant on:

• Future retention policies
• IPL auction regulations
• His performance
• Franchise strategy

In fact, Kohli is likely to still be one of the premier players in the league when it comes to value for money for years to come due to his unwavering quality and popularity. The team management of RCB publicly announced its desire to have him remain a part of the franchise for years to come as well.

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Conclusion

Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained Virat Kohli for IPL 2026 at ₹21 crore Your search – “Virat Kohli IPL 2026 price” – is very simple. Kohli is RCB’s greatest ever run-scorer and IPL’s highest ever run-scorer, maintaining his appeal as one of the most sought after players in the league. The price then is down to his incredible consistency, leadership acumen and unparalleled popularity, while also making a case for his salary of close ₹232 crore in total IPL earnings on the merit of legend.

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