Jaipur: In a remarkable display of skill and consistency, Virat Kohli, the star batsman of Royal Challengers Bangalore, has etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by scoring his 8th century. This milestone was achieved in a thrilling match against the Rajasthan Royals, marking the 19th game of IPL 2024. Kohli’s century, a result of 67 balls, is a testament to his position as the leading centurion in the history of the IPL, surpassing the legendary Chris Gayle, who has 6 centuries to his name.
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur bore witness to Kohli’s prowess as he not only completed his fifty in 39 balls but also surpassed the 7500-run mark in the IPL, becoming the first player ever to reach this extraordinary total. His unbeaten knock of 113 runs off 72 balls has been a highlight of this season, contributing to his tally of 316 runs and earning him the coveted Orange Cap.
Kohli, alongside captain Faf du Plessis, set the pitch ablaze with a partnership of 125 runs for the first wicket, providing RCB with a formidable start. Although du Plessis departed after contributing 44 runs from 33 balls, Kohli continued to dominate, reinforcing his record for the most 100-plus partnerships in IPL history, achieving this feat 28 times. David Warner follows him with 26 such partnerships. This century also marks Kohli’s ninth in T20 cricket overall.
The dynamic duo of Kohli and AB de Villiers is renowned for their 10 partnerships exceeding 100 runs, the highest for any wicket in the IPL. Kohli has also shared this achievement with Chris Gayle 9 times and with Faf du Plessis on 6 occasions. In IPL 2024, Kohli has outshone all by becoming the top scorer in the powerplay, amassing 121 runs in this phase alone.
Kohli’s illustrious career in the IPL is highlighted by his record for the most runs in the league’s history. Shikhar Dhawan trails behind him with 6755 runs from 221 matches, followed by David Warner with 6545 runs in 180 matches, and Rohit Sharma, who has amassed 6280 runs in 246 matches.
Kohli’s achievements are not just a reflection of his individual brilliance but also a symbol of his enduring impact on the game of cricket, inspiring a generation of athletes and fans alike. His journey continues to be one of the most compelling narratives in the world of sports.
