About Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is an Indian batter who plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026. RCB retained him for ₹21 crore.
His IPL pay has moved from ≈ ₹8.1 crore in 2011 (Royal Challengers Bangalore) to ₹21 crore in 2026. Across the seasons listed below, his IPL contracts add up to about ₹229.3 crore.
Since making his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Kolkata Knight Riders on 18 April 2008, he has played 282 IPL matches, scoring 9,346 runs and taking 4 wickets.
Notable Achievements of Virat Kohli in IPL
- IPL champion 2 times (2025, 2026): won the title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and was Player of the Match in the 2026 final (75* off 42 balls).
- Three-time IPL runner-up: reached the final with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
- Highest IPL score: 113* off 72 balls against Rajasthan Royals in 2024.
- IPL hundreds: 9, plus 68 fifties.
- Best batting season: 973 runs in 2016.
- Player of the Match: 22 awards in the IPL.
- 282 IPL matches: one of the most experienced players in the league.
- Among the highest-paid IPL players: ₹21 crore for IPL 2026.
How Virat Kohli’s Salary Compares at RCB
Virat Kohli is the highest-paid player in the 26-man RCB squad, taking about 16.6% of the team’s total player spend. The average RCB player earns about ₹4.86 crore in IPL 2026. In 2025 he earned ₹21 crore.