Kohli has reportedly refused to sign the new commercial deal with RCB.
According to a recent RevSportz story, Kohli has rejected the new commercial contract with RCB, fuelling speculation that he may leave the organization. Meanwhile, speculation is rife that the RCB may be for sale after winning the prized trophy for the first time last season.
Srikkanth dismissed retirement rumors surrounding Kohli, emphasizing that the star batter, fresh off leading RCB to an IPL title, is expected to continue with the franchise despite ownership changes.
"It's just a speculation because he (Kohli) has just won RCB the IPL. So, I don't think he'll retire. These are all obvious rumors. These are just business decisions (change in ownership). But as far as Virat Kohli is concerned, he'll continue with RCB," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
Kohli remains the only franchise player in the Indian Premier League, as he has been with the franchise since being selected in the 2008 IPL player draft. He has repeatedly stated his devotion to the team, claiming he will never play for another team. However, recent speculation about him being hesitant to sign a new commercial contract has raised doubts about his future.
"Why should he retire? He played brilliantly even in this IPL. Unless he himself personally takes a decision, that's a different matter altogether. Virat Kohli is good enough to play another three years of IPL. He will always score runs, being the king of kings," said Srikkanth.
Over 17 seasons, he has amassed 8661 runs, including eight centuries and over 63 half-centuries, at an average above 39 and a strike rate near 133. Kohli also holds the record for most runs in a single IPL season, scoring 973 runs in IPL 2016.