Key Points
- Virat Kohli powered Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to an 11-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2025’s 42nd match.
- Kohli scored a match-defining 70 off 42 balls, hitting 8 fours and 2 sixes.
- With this knock, Kohli became the first player in T20 history to reach 62 half-centuries while batting first, surpassing Babar Azam’s record.
- Kohli now has 111 scores of 50+ in T20 cricket, trailing only David Warner (117).
- The innings propelled Kohli to second place in the IPL 2025 Orange Cap standings, with 392 runs in 9 matches at an average of 65.33.
- Kohli also completed 3500 T20 runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, a unique record.
Bengaluru: Virat Kohli delivered another masterclass at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, guiding Royal Challengers Bangalore to a crucial 11-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in a high-stakes IPL 2025 clash. Kohli’s 70 off 42 balls not only anchored RCB’s innings but also shattered multiple T20 records, further cementing his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest modern batsmen.
Kohli’s Knock: Stats and Significance
- Kohli’s 70-run blitz included 8 boundaries and 2 sixes, setting the tone for RCB’s imposing total of 205/5 after being put in to bat first.
- The RCB opener shared a 61-run stand with Phil Salt (26) and a 95-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal (50), laying a solid foundation for the team.
- This was Kohli’s fifth half-century of the season and his second consecutive fifty, showcasing his consistency at the top of the order.
Historic Records Tumble
- Most 50+ Scores Batting First in T20s: Kohli’s latest half-century was his 62nd while batting first in T20 cricket, surpassing Babar Azam’s previous record of 61[9].
- Second-Most 50+ Scores in T20s: With 111 scores of 50 or more, Kohli now trails only David Warner (117) for the most 50+ scores in T20 cricket, overtaking Chris Gayle (110.
- Orange Cap Race: Kohli’s run tally for IPL 2025 now stands at 392 from 9 matches, with an impressive average of 65.33 and a strike rate of 144.1, placing him second in the Orange Cap standings behind Sai Sudharsan.
- Chinnaswamy Specialist: Kohli also became the first player to score 3500 T20 runs at a single venue, achieving this feat at his home ground in Bengaluru.
Top 5: Most 50+ Scores in T20 Cricket
| Rank | Player | Country | 50+ Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Warner | Australia | 117 |
| 2 | Virat Kohli | India | 111 |
| 3 | Chris Gayle | West Indies | 110 |
| 4 | Babar Azam | Pakistan | 101 |
| 5 | Jos Buttler | England | 95 |
IPL 2025 Orange Cap Standings (Top 2)
| Player | Team | Runs | Innings | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sai Sudharsan | GT | 417 | 8 | 52.12 | — |
| Virat Kohli | RCB | 392 | 9 | 65.33 | 144.1 |
Match Summary
- RCB Innings: 205/5 (Kohli 70, Padikkal 50, Salt 26; Sandeep Sharma 2/45)
- RR Bowling: Sandeep Sharma (2/45), Jofra Archer (1/33)
- RR Chase: Fell short by 11 runs as RCB’s bowlers defended the total effectively.
Kohli’s IPL 2025 Journey So Far
Kohli’s IPL 2025 campaign has been marked by remarkable consistency and leadership at the top of the order. His five fifties in nine innings have not only kept RCB in playoff contention but also propelled him to major individual milestones, including breaking records for most 50+ scores in both IPL and overall T20 cricket.
Virat Kohli’s relentless pursuit of excellence continues to redefine T20 cricket, as he not only delivers match-winning performances but also sets new benchmarks for future generations.
