In an electrifying match on April 20, 2025, Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched his name further into the annals of cricket history by surpassing David Warner's long-standing record for the most fifty-plus scores in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Kohli's remarkable achievement came during the IPL 2025 clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in New Chandigarh.
With a masterful performance, Kohli scored an unbeaten 73 runs off 54 balls, leading RCB to a convincing seven-wicket victory over PBKS. This innings marked Kohli's 67th fifty-plus score in the IPL, breaking Warner's previous record of 66. The 34-year-old star now boasts an impressive tally of 59 half-centuries and 8 centuries in the tournament, solidifying his status as one of the league's all-time greats.
In the match, RCB chased down a target of 158 runs with seven balls to spare, thanks in part to a stellar 103-run partnership between Kohli and fellow opener Devdutt Padikkal, who contributed a brisk 61 off just 35 deliveries. Kohli's innings was characterized by his typical elegance and precision, as he struck a series of boundaries that thrilled the crowd.
Earlier in the tournament, Kohli reached another significant milestone by crossing the 13,000-run mark in T20 cricket, becoming the second-fastest player to achieve this feat in history. He accomplished this in 386 innings, trailing only the legendary Chris Gayle, who reached the milestone in 381 innings. Kohli's consistency has been a cornerstone of RCB's success this season, as the team has now secured five victories out of their first eight matches, all of which have come on the road.
As Kohli continues to dominate the IPL 2025 season, he is also making strides in the race for the Orange Cap, currently sitting third with 322 runs, behind Nicholas Pooran and Sai Sudharsan. His batting average of 64.40 and strike rate of 140.00 reflect his outstanding form. Kohli's performance has not only helped him break personal records but has also propelled RCB into contention for the title.
The IPL has always been a platform for the best international talents to showcase their skills, and Kohli's achievements add to the rich history of the tournament. He has played for RCB since the league's inception in 2008 and remains the franchise's all-time leading run-scorer, with over 8,300 runs to his name.
Following Kohli in the list of players with the most fifty-plus scores in IPL history are Shikhar Dhawan with 53 and Rohit Sharma with 45. The ongoing season has seen several players vying for individual honors, but Kohli's record-breaking performance has undoubtedly stolen the spotlight.
As RCB prepares for their next match against Rajasthan Royals on April 24, the team will look to build on their momentum and continue their quest for the IPL title. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if Kohli can maintain his impressive form and add more records to his illustrious career. With his unparalleled talent and determination, there's no telling what further milestones await the cricketing superstar.
