Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], March 22 (ANI): In a spectacular show of skill and determination, Virat Kohli has etched his name in the annals of cricket history, becoming the third player to score over 1,000 runs against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This milestone was achieved during the highly anticipated IPL 2025 season opener held at Eden Gardens.
During this thrilling match, Kohli played an impressive innings, remaining unbeaten with a score of 59 runs off 36 balls, demonstrating his exceptional talent with four boundaries and three sixes. This achievement places him alongside cricketing greats David Warner and Rohit Sharma, who hold the records for most runs against KKR, with 1,093 and 1,070 runs respectively. Kohli’s latest innings brought his total against the three-time champions to 1,021 runs, solidifying his status as one of the premier batsmen in T20 cricket.
Previously, before this monumental match, Kohli needed just 38 runs to join the elite club of players who have scored over 1,000 runs against a single IPL franchise. His journey against KKR was supported by a solid track record, including a batting average of 38.48 from 31 innings, which featured one century and six fifties.
Notably, Kohli's career in T20 cricket continues to flourish as he is on the brink of yet another impressive milestone. He requires merely 114 runs to become the first Indian to surpass the 13,000 run mark in T20 formats, a feat that only a select few have achieved. As of the start of the IPL 2025 season, he has accumulated 12,886 runs in 382 innings, averaging 41.43 with an impressive nine centuries and 97 fifties to his name. Moreover, if he can gather just 28 more runs in his ongoing campaigns, Kohli will surpass Warner and cement his position as the fifth-highest run-scorer in T20 history.
The evening also marked a celebration of Kohli's phenomenal contributions to the IPL, where he has amassed a staggering total of 8,004 runs in 252 matches, holding the record for the most runs in the tournament's history. Despite his personal accolades, Kohli's unwavering quest for the IPL trophy has yet to be fulfilled, highlighting the unpredictable nature of team sports.
Amidst the cheers and excitement, before the match commenced, Kohli was honored with the 'IPL 18' momento by Roger Binny, the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This gesture underscored Kohli's significant impact on the league as he has been a cornerstone of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since the league's inception. He captained the franchise from 2011 until 2023, further enhancing his legacy.
In addition to his individual accolades, Kohli is also closing in on another record as he vies for the most runs in successful IPL run chases. Currently, he has recorded 2,146 runs from 58 innings in successful chases, which includes two centuries and 13 fifties. Shikhar Dhawan leads that category with 2,159 runs, putting Kohli within striking distance of overtaking him. If he scores at least 14 runs in a successful chase during the IPL 2025 season, and if RCB clinches victory, Kohli will ascend to the top of this particular leaderboard.
Furthermore, this match symbolizes Kohli's 400th T20 appearance, further emphasizing the significance of the event. The crowd at Eden Gardens erupted in jubilation as he completed the crucial runs, showcasing his excellence in cricket. Kohli's exceptional performance not only highlights his prowess but also serves as an inspiration to upcoming cricketers aiming to leave their mark in the sport.
Kohli’s performance on the field is matched by his charisma off of it, evidenced by his energetic dance moves during the opening ceremony, where he shared the spotlight with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. While Kohli continues to break records, his commitment to the sport fosters excitement for fans and fellow athletes alike, as the IPL promises to deliver electrifying moments throughout the season.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Kohli and the Royal Challengers Bangalore as they prepare for their next challenge against the Chennai Super Kings on March 28, 2025. With Kohli at the helm, this season of the IPL is poised to be as captivating as ever, filled with thrilling cricketing feats and perhaps even more historic achievements.
