Top 5 Knocks By Virat Kohli In IPL

image-lqjdnstzKohli's best year in the IPL was in 2016. (AP)


Undoubtedly one of the greatest batters of the modern era, Virat Kohli has set a benchmark that many generations to come will strive to achieve. Kohli, revered as an icon and an IPL legend, has been a batting stalwart in the IPL arena since its inception. Having played in 237 matches and batted on 229 occasions, Kohli boasts an impressive track record. 

The intro

Accumulating a total of 7263 runs at an average of 37.24 and a strike rate of 130.02, Kohli's prowess as a batsman is undeniable. His highest score of 113, along with a remarkable tally of 7 centuries and 50 half-centuries, underscores his consistency and ability to anchor his team. Despite the absence of a 'Ee Sala Cup Namde' moment for the RCB fans in the IPL, Kohli has provided moments of joy by amassing a plethora of runs in the distinctive RCB colors. Over the years, Kohli has stood as the solitary standard-bearer of excellence for RCB.

Kohli's best season in the IPL came in 2016 when he set a record for the most runs scored by an individual in a season. He amassed 973 runs at an exceptional average of 81.08 and a strike rate of 152.03, including four centuries and seven fifties. This season marked Kohli breaking his IPL century drought and witnessing him shatter numerous records. With that said, let's recall the top five highest scores recorded by Kohli in the IPL.

113 vs Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab, 2016)

image-lqjdp8teKohli's top score came in Bengaluru in 2016. (AP)

Kohli's best score in the IPL stands at 113, showcasing an extraordinary display of batting prowess against the Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in the 2016 edition of the tournament. This remarkable inning marked his fourth century of the season, and Kohli, alongside Universe Boss Chris Gayle, unleashed sheer devastation in front of their fervent supporters.

However, it wasn't a walk in the park before the must-win clash against the Kings in Bengaluru. The RCB skipper had suffered an injury in the preceding match, entering the contest with stitches on his left hand. Rain further complicated matters, reducing the game to a 15-over affair, and the hosts were tasked with batting first by the Kings.

Kohli's innings featured 12 boundaries and eight maximums, with the first wicket falling only after 10 overs when the score reached 147. Despite the rain-induced interruptions, Kohli and Gayle approached the game with unbridled aggression. RCB amassed 211 runs for the loss of just three wickets in their allotted 15 overs.

This total proved insurmountable for the Kings, significantly boosting RCB’s net run rate and securing their position in the top two. Kohli's ability to overcome a finger injury and deliver what is arguably his best IPL performance speaks volumes about his resilience, determination, and, of course, his cricketing class.

109 vs Gujarat Lions (2016)

image-lqjdqf3pKohli's second ton against the Gujarat Lions came in a winning cause. (AP)

Kohli's first century against the Gujarat Lions couldn't secure a victory for his team. However, he joined forces with his close friend AB de Villiers to dismantle the Rajkot-based franchise in Bengaluru.

Opting to bat first, Kohli, along with Chris Gayle, opened the innings for RCB. Gayle was dismissed relatively quickly, paving the way for the entrance of the exceptional AB de Villiers. From that point onward, it was the Kohli and de Villiers spectacle as the cricketing stalwarts showcased a captivating exhibition for the fans.

Kohli crafted a score of 109 off 55 balls, succumbing only in the final over, while the South African maestro, de Villiers, notched up 129 runs. The dynamic duo orchestrated a monumental partnership of 229 runs, propelling the Royal Challengers to a formidable total of 248/3 in their allotted 20 overs. Kohli's impressive innings comprised five fours and eight sixes.

108* vs Rising Pune Supergiants (2016)

image-lqjdrn6bKohli went berserk against MS Dhoni's team. (X.com)

After opting to bowl first post winning the toss, Kohli might have second-guessed his decision as Rising Pune Supergiants posted a total of 191.

In pursuit of the 192-run target, Kohli and KL Rahul formed the opening pair for Royal Challengers Bangalore. The duo initiated the innings in impressive fashion, with the first wicket falling only in the 11th over when the score reached 94. 

Kohli, on a mission to hunt down the , showcased his prowess by smashing eight boundaries and seven maximums on his way to securing his second consecutive hundred for RCB. The unbeaten 108-run innings was truly exceptional. RCB eventually chased down the target with three balls and seven wickets remaining.

101*vs Gujarat Titans (2023)

image-lqjdsruhKohlli's hundred couldn't help his team win. (AP)

In a crucial match against the Gujarat Titans (GT), Kohli showed the value of experience and rose to the occasion. The game was affected by rain, and RCB found themselves batting on a moisture-laden pitch, which was far from ideal.

Kohli and du Plessis swiftly accumulated a 50+ score, but a series of wickets forced Kohli to moderate his pace. However, he chose to maintain an attacking approach against the bowlers. The determined right-hander continued to play with a high tempo despite losing partners at the other end. Demonstrating his ability to find gaps effortlessly, Kohli paced the innings perfectly, securing his second consecutive century of the season in the company of Anuj Rawat (23*). 

Against the formidable bowling attack of GT, Kohli's unbeaten innings propelled RCB to a total of 197/5 in 20 overs. His innings included 13 fours and 1 six, with a striking rate of 165.57. This marked 'King Kohli's' second consecutive century, and RCB concluded their innings at 197/5 after 20 overs. Unfortunately, despite Kohli's stellar efforts, Shubman Gill, Kohli’s admirer and teammate in Team India, played a phenomenal inning of 104* runs off 52 balls, leading his side to victory.

100 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2019)

image-lqjdu8m0Kohli smashed his fifth IPL ton in Kolkata. (X.com)

Opening the innings with Parthiv Patel, Kohli took charge after Patel's dismissal in the fourth over when the scoreboard stood at 18. Batting at number three, Akshdeep Nath couldn't establish a substantial partnership with the captain and departed before the ninth over. Moeen Ali then joined Kohli, and the duo showcased an impressive performance, with Kohli reaching a century while Moeen contributed 66 runs.

Kohli's outstanding innings contributed significantly to RCB's total of 213. His ability to execute both conventional and unorthodox shots was evident throughout the match, showcasing a remarkable batting masterclass. Despite a somewhat slow start, Kohli accelerated towards the end, ensuring his team surpassed the 200-run mark. RCB ultimately secured victory by 10 runs, and Kohli was rightfully named as the Player of the Match.