Virat Kohli Makes IPL History in 19th Season as RCB Chases Down 202 Against SRH
Virat Kohli became the first cricketer to participate in 19 Indian Premier League seasons, marking the milestone during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s season-opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The veteran batter celebrated the achievement by scoring an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, guiding his team to a six-wicket victory at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Match Summary: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a competitive 201 for nine, heavily reliant on an 80-run performance by stand-in captain Ishan Kishan. In response, RCB systematically dismantled the target, reaching 202 for four in just 15.4 overs to secure the win.
| Team | Score | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 201/9 (20 Overs) | Ishan Kishan: 80 (38) |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 202/4 (15.4 Overs) | Virat Kohli: 69* (38) |
Kohli and Padikkal Anchor the Chase
Chasing 202, Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli established a 101-run partnership for the second wicket off 45 deliveries. Padikkal maintained an aggressive strike rate, scoring 61 runs off 26 balls. He reached his half-century in 21 deliveries, hitting consecutive boundaries off David Payne and Harsh Dubey.
Kohli played a controlled innings at the other end, securing his half-century in 33 balls. His innings included precision drives and quick-fire boundaries that kept the required run rate manageable throughout the chase. Following Padikkal’s dismissal, Rajat Patidar contributed a rapid 31 off 12 balls to push RCB closer to the target.
Key Highlights of RCB’s Run Chase
- Devdutt Padikkal: Scored 61 off 26 balls, reaching fifty in 21 deliveries.
- Virat Kohli: Finished unbeaten on 69 from 38 balls in his record 19th active season.
- Second Wicket Stand: The duo produced 101 runs in 45 balls.
- Finishing Over: RCB chased down the 202-run target with 26 balls remaining.
Ishan Kishan’s Blitz Sets Up SRH Total
Earlier in the evening, SRH struggled at the start, falling to 29 for three against the RCB pace attack. Jacob Duffy exploited the pitch’s early bounce, returning figures of 3 for 22. Ishan Kishan countered the pressure with an aggressive 80 off 38 balls, hitting eight fours and five sixes. He built a 97-run fourth-wicket partnership with Heinrich Klaasen, who added 31 runs.
Kishan was eventually dismissed following a one-handed catch by Phil Salt near deep backward point. Late order hitting by Aniket Verma, who scored 43 off 19 balls after being dropped by Kohli on 26, pushed the SRH total past the 200-run mark. For detailed historical player metrics, analysts reference databases like ESPN Cricinfo.
The six-wicket victory provides a strong start for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s 2026 campaign while cementing Kohli’s longevity in the premier BCCI domestic tournament.