Virat Kohli is enjoying yet another memorable chapter in his illustrious cricket career after guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a historic IPL 2026 title triumph. The veteran batter delivered a match-winning performance in the final, helping RCB successfully defend their championship and further cement his legacy as one of the tournament's greatest players.
Kohli's unbeaten knock in the IPL 2026 final not only powered Bengaluru to victory but also gave fans another reminder of why he remains one of the most influential cricketers in the world. Following the conclusion of the Indian Premier League, cricket enthusiasts are now eagerly waiting to know when the former Indian captain will next take the field.
Here's everything fans need to know about Kohli's upcoming cricket schedule and his impressive IPL 2026 campaign.
Kohli Shines in RCB's Title-Winning Campaign
The IPL 2026 season turned out to be another highly successful one for Virat Kohli. Throughout the tournament, he consistently delivered crucial performances and played a key role in Bengaluru's successful title defense.
In the championship match against Gujarat Titans, Kohli produced a stunning unbeaten innings that helped RCB secure another IPL trophy. The experienced batter reached his half-century in just 25 deliveries, marking the fastest fifty of his IPL career.
He remained unbeaten on 75 and finished the match in style by hitting the winning runs at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The innings added another memorable chapter to his already remarkable IPL journey.
When Will Virat Kohli Play Next?
Fans will not have to wait long to see Kohli back in action.
Following the conclusion of IPL 2026, the star batter is expected to be part of India's upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan. The series will provide another opportunity for supporters to watch Kohli represent the national team alongside several senior players.
The three-match ODI series is scheduled to begin later this month and will be played across different venues in India.
India vs Afghanistan ODI Series Schedule
First ODI
Date: June 13, 2026
Venue: HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
The picturesque venue in the Himalayan foothills will host the opening match of the series.
Second ODI
Date: June 17, 2026
Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
The second encounter will take place in Lucknow, where India will look to continue its momentum in the series.
Third ODI
Date: June 20, 2026
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
The final ODI of the series will be played at Chennai's historic cricket ground, bringing the contest to an exciting conclusion.
Team India Also Scheduled for Test Action
Before the ODI series begins, India is set to play a Test match starting on June 6.
The red-ball fixture is scheduled to take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Cricket followers will be closely watching team selections to see which players feature in the longer format ahead of the ODI assignments.
Virat Kohli's Outstanding IPL 2026 Numbers
Kohli once again proved why he remains among the most dependable performers in franchise cricket.
During IPL 2026, he accumulated:
- Matches: 16
- Runs: 675
- Average: 56.25
- Centuries: 1*
- Half-Centuries: 5
- Highest Score: Unbeaten match-winning innings in the final
His consistency at the top of the order played a major role in RCB's successful campaign and helped the franchise retain its position among the league's elite teams.
Why Fans Are Excited About Kohli's Return
Even after nearly two decades at the highest level, Kohli continues to be one of cricket's biggest attractions. His aggressive batting, fitness standards, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations make every appearance highly anticipated.
With the IPL season now complete, attention shifts back to international cricket, where fans will once again expect Kohli to play a leading role for India.
Final Takeaway
Virat Kohli's IPL 2026 campaign ended on a dream note as he helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure another championship. However, the wait to see him back on the field will be short. The Indian superstar is expected to return to action in the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, beginning on June 13.
After another outstanding IPL season that produced 675 runs and multiple match-winning performances, cricket fans across the world will be eager to see whether Kohli can carry his exceptional form into international cricket.
