Why has Virat Kohli never been auctioned in Indian Premier League?

Virat Kohli. (BCCI/IPL Photo)

NEW DELHI: The IPL 2025 auction is fast approaching, and one of the most pressing questions on everyone’s mind is which players will be retained by their current teams before the anticipated mega auction.
Virat Kohli, the batting maestro, is often a topic of discussion when it comes to IPL auctions. However, an interesting fact emerges: despite his immense popularity and skill, Kohli has never been sold in an IPL auction throughout his career with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

The reason behind this mystery is quite simple, yet it has managed to evade many fans and followers of the game.
Kohli joined RCB in 2008, the inaugural season of the IPL, as a young emerging player. At that time, Kohli was a member of the Indian U-19 team that had recently won the Under-19 World Cup, and his potential was recognised by RCB, who signed him directly.
In the inaugural IPL auction held in 2008, players from the U-19 category were not permitted to take part, as they were selected through a pre-season draft instead. RCB was captivated by Kohli’s outstanding performance in the U-19 World Cup 2008 and decided to secure his services, especially after Delhi Capitals (DC) showed no inclination to acquire him.
RCB’s decision to retain Kohli over the years has kept him from entering the IPL auction. Kohli’s loyalty to the franchise and their trust in his abilities have fostered a strong relationship.

The IPL allows teams to retain a certain number of players ahead of each auction, ensuring continuity and team stability. Kohli has been retained by RCB before every auction, highlighting his value to the team. His performances for the franchise have consistently been outstanding, and he quickly evolved into one of the best batsmen in the league.
Furthermore, Kohli was appointed as the captain of RCB in 2013, further cementing his place in the franchise. As a captain, he became the face of the team and was central to its brand and identity.
Throughout his tenure as captain, Kohli guided the team to four playoff appearances, but the coveted championship remained elusive. Following the conclusion of the 2021 season, Kohli made the decision to relinquish his leadership position.
While the ultimate prize may have eluded him, Kohli’s individual accomplishments in the IPL are nothing short of remarkable. With an impressive tally of 8004 runs across 252 matches, he stands as the tournament’s all-time leading run-scorer, boasting an average of 38.67.
Kohli’s 2016 campaign was particularly noteworthy, as he amassed an astonishing 973 runs, setting the record for the most runs scored in a single IPL season.
His exceptional batting prowess is further highlighted by his unparalleled feat of scoring 8 centuries in the tournament, more than any other player. Additionally, Kohli has contributed 55 half-centuries to his IPL resume thus far.
The combination of his consistent performances, leadership role, and marketability made Kohli indispensable for RCB. The franchise has always prioritised his retention, preventing him from entering the IPL auction.
Kohli’s dedication to RCB and his deep connection with the fans have ensured that he remains one of the few players in IPL history never to have been auctioned, making his journey unique and significant in the league’s history.