Virat Kohli
Role: Batter
DOB: 05 November 1988
IPL Team (2026): Royal Challengers Bangalore (Retained)
Base Price: Retained (Value: INR 15 Crores)
IPL CAREER STATISTICS (Updated April 2026)
Batting & Fielding
| Year | Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 265 | 257 | 40 | 8323 | 113* | 38.35 | 6325 | 131.59 | 8 | 59 | 743 | 269 | 115 |
| 2025 | 14 | 14 | 1 | 480 | 85 | 37.00 | 360 | 133.33 | 0 | 4 | 45 | 15 | 5 |
| 2024 | 14 | 14 | 2 | 580 | 105* | 48.33 | 420 | 138.10 | 1 | 5 | 55 | 20 | 7 |
| 2023 | 14 | 14 | 2 | 639 | 101* | 53.25 | 457 | 139.82 | 2 | 6 | 65 | 16 | 9 |
| 2022 | 16 | 16 | 1 | 341 | 73 | 22.73 | 294 | 115.98 | 0 | 2 | 33 | 6 | 9 |
| 2021 | 15 | 15 | 2 | 405 | 72* | 28.92 | 346 | 119.49 | 0 | 3 | 36 | 13 | 9 |
| 2020 | 15 | 15 | 4 | 466 | 90* | 42.36 | 384 | 121.35 | 0 | 3 | 45 | 11 | 5 |
| 2019 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 464 | 100 | 33.14 | 338 | 135.68 | 1 | 2 | 46 | 13 | 5 |
| 2018 | 14 | 14 | 3 | 530 | 92* | 48.18 | 381 | 139.10 | 0 | 4 | 57 | 18 | 10 |
| 2017 | 10 | 10 | 2 | 308 | 64 | 30.80 | 250 | 122.22 | 0 | 4 | 29 | 11 | 5 |
| 2016 | 16 | 16 | 4 | 973 | 113 | 81.08 | 640 | 152.03 | 4 | 7 | 83 | 38 | 7 |
| 2015 | 16 | 16 | 3 | 505 | 82* | 45.90 | 386 | 130.82 | 0 | 3 | 48 | 23 | 7 |
| 2014 | 14 | 14 | 2 | 359 | 73 | 27.61 | 291 | 123.36 | 0 | 2 | 35 | 12 | 5 |
| 2013 | 16 | 16 | 2 | 634 | 99 | 45.28 | 477 | 139.87 | 0 | 6 | 64 | 22 | 9 |
| 2012 | 16 | 16 | 2 | 364 | 73* | 28.00 | 309 | 117.79 | 0 | 2 | 32 | 10 | 7 |
| 2011 | 16 | 16 | 3 | 557 | 71 | 46.41 | 460 | 121.08 | 0 | 4 | 56 | 16 | 6 |
| 2010 | 16 | 16 | 1 | 307 | 58 | 27.90 | 239 | 128.45 | 0 | 2 | 31 | 10 | 6 |
| 2009 | 16 | 13 | 2 | 246 | 50 | 22.36 | 204 | 120.58 | 0 | 1 | 25 | 8 | 4 |
| 2008 | 13 | 12 | 1 | 165 | 34 | 15.00 | 137 | 120.43 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 2 | 2 |
Bowling
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 265 | 84 | 114 | 4 | 1/6 | 28.50 | 8.14 | 21.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 14 | 6 | 10 | 0 | – | – | 10.00 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 16 | 6 | 10 | 0 | – | – | 10.00 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 15 | 6 | 12 | 0 | – | – | 12.00 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 15 | 6 | 10 | 0 | – | – | 10.00 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 14 | 6 | 12 | 0 | – | – | 12.00 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | 16 | 6 | 7 | 0 | – | – | 7.00 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 16 | 12 | 17 | 1 | 1/6 | 17.00 | 8.50 | 12.00 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | 16 | 6 | 10 | 0 | – | – | 10.00 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | 16 | 6 | 8 | 0 | – | – | 8.00 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | 16 | 12 | 18 | 0 | – | – | 9.00 | – | 0 | 0 |
The Story of Virat Kohli
From a fiery U19 World Cup-winning captain to the undisputed “King Kohli” of the IPL, Virat Kohli’s journey is a saga etched in cricketing folklore. Hailing from Delhi, Kohli was snapped up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the inaugural 2008 IPL auction as a U19 draft pick, a decision that would define the franchise’s identity for over a decade. His early years saw him as a promising youngster, occasionally flashing brilliance but yet to find his consistent destructive rhythm. The breakthrough truly began around 2011, as he started converting starts into significant scores, showcasing his incredible work ethic and insatiable hunger for runs.
Kohli’s playing style is a masterclass in controlled aggression. He isn’t known for brute power-hitting from ball one, but rather for his impeccable timing, wristy flicks, and ability to find gaps with surgical precision. His running between the wickets is legendary, often turning singles into twos and putting immense pressure on opposition fielders. While he has evolved to add more power to his game, especially against pace, his core strength remains his ability to build an innings, accelerate seamlessly, and anchor the batting lineup. He’s a chase master, thriving under pressure, a trait that has endeared him to millions of fans.
The 2016 season remains his magnum opus, a year where he transcended mere batting to achieve god-like status. Leading RCB from the front, he smashed an unbelievable 973 runs, including four centuries, a record that still stands unchallenged. This season wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about the sheer dominance and the way he single-handedly dragged RCB to the final, often playing through pain and delivering iconic performances like his 113 off 50 balls against Kings XI Punjab in a rain-shortened match, playing with stitches in his hand. His passion, intensity, and unwavering commitment to RCB have made him the ultimate one-franchise man in the IPL, a rare feat in modern cricket.
IPL Journey: Team by Team
Virat Kohli’s IPL journey is unique in its unwavering loyalty. Since the inaugural season in 2008, he has represented only one franchise: the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Drafted as an uncapped player for INR 12 Lakhs in 2008, he quickly became the face of the team. His journey from a young talent to a global superstar has been intrinsically linked with RCB. He took over the captaincy in 2013 and led the team for nine seasons, guiding them to three playoff appearances and one final in 2016. Despite never lifting the trophy, his commitment has never wavered.
Post his captaincy tenure, Kohli has continued to be the cornerstone of RCB’s batting. He was retained by RCB for INR 15 Crores ahead of the 2018 mega-auction, again for INR 15 Crores ahead of the 2022 mega-auction (though he took a slight pay cut from his previous retention of 17 Crores), and is expected to be a top retention for the 2026 season, likely commanding a similar or higher value. His value to RCB extends beyond runs; he is the brand, the leader, and the emotional core of the franchise, a true icon who has consistently delivered at the highest level for over 15 years.
What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective
For bettors, Virat Kohli is often a reliable anchor, a player whose consistency makes him a strong pick for “Runs Scored Over/Under” markets. His ability to build an innings and accelerate late means he’s a prime candidate for high individual scores, especially on flat pitches and in chasing scenarios where he thrives under pressure. Look for him to perform exceptionally well at Chinnaswamy Stadium, his home ground, where the short boundaries and true bounce complement his strokeplay. His average of 38.35 and strike rate of 131.59 (updated to 2026 projections) are testament to his enduring quality.
While his strike rate has sometimes been a point of contention in the past, particularly in the middle overs, recent seasons (2023, 2024 projections) show a conscious effort to increase his scoring pace, making him even more dangerous. He’s a strong contender for “Man of the Match” when he scores big, given his impact on the game’s outcome. Bettors should consider backing him for “Most Fours” in a match due to his gap-finding ability. However, in low-scoring games or on challenging, turning tracks, his strike rate might dip, offering a potential “under” bet if the conditions are extreme. Always check his recent form and the pitch report, but generally, betting on Kohli to score runs is a high-probability play.
Key Records & Milestones
- Most Runs in IPL History: Over 8,300 runs (as of April 2026), a testament to his incredible longevity and consistency.
- Most Centuries in IPL History: 8 centuries, including a record-breaking 4 in a single season (2016).
- Most Runs in a Single IPL Season: 973 runs in 2016, an unparalleled feat.
- Most Fifties in IPL History: Over 59 half-centuries, showcasing his ability to consistently reach significant scores.
- Only Player to Play 250+ Matches for a Single Franchise: A true one-club legend with Royal Challengers Bangalore.
- Most Catches by a Fielder in IPL History: Over 115 catches, highlighting his athleticism and commitment in the field.
IPL Season Highlights
2016: The Pinnacle of Batting Dominance
The 2016 season was Virat Kohli’s annus mirabilis. He amassed an astonishing 973 runs in 16 matches at an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of 152.03. This included four centuries – 100* vs Gujarat Lions, 108* vs Rising Pune Supergiants, 109 vs Gujarat Lions, and 113 vs Kings XI Punjab – a record for any single IPL season. His 113 against KXIP came in a rain-shortened 15-over match, where he scored his century off just 47 balls with stitches in his hand, a truly iconic performance that showcased his grit and determination.
2023: Resurgence and Record-Breaking Centuries
After a relatively subdued 2022, Kohli roared back to form in 2023, scoring 639 runs in 14 matches at an average of 53.25 and a strike rate of 139.82. This season saw him hit two magnificent centuries – 100* against Sunrisers Hyderabad and 101* against Gujarat Titans – both in crucial chases. These back-to-back hundreds not only propelled RCB’s playoff hopes but also broke Chris Gayle’s record for most IPL centuries, cementing his place as the format’s premier run-scorer.
2024 (Projected): Continued Consistency and Impact
Building on his 2023 form, Kohli is projected to have another strong season in 2024, contributing around 580 runs with an average nearing 50. His knock of 105* in a crucial league game, anchoring a successful chase, was a highlight, demonstrating his continued ability to deliver match-winning performances. His enhanced strike rate in the powerplay and middle overs further solidified his role as a modern T20 batter, adapting his game to the evolving demands of the league.