Introduction: In a moment that will be etched in cricket history, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) talisman Virat Kohli has become the first player to amass an astonishing 9,000 T20 runs for a single franchise. This monumental milestone was achieved during RCB’s final league stage clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Tuesday in Lucknow, underlining Kohli’s unwavering consistency and loyalty to the franchise he has represented since 2008.
The Record-Breaking Journey: Kohli, already RCB’s all-time leading run-scorer, crossed the 9,000-run mark by blending his prolific performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the now-defunct Champions League T20 (CLT20). Before this match, Kohli had accumulated 8,976 runs in 279 matches across 270 innings, boasting an average of 39.54 and a strike rate of 133.49. His remarkable tally includes eight centuries and 64 half-centuries, with a highest score of 113*.
Breaking down his numbers further, in the IPL alone, Kohli reigns supreme as the highest run-scorer in tournament history with 8,552 runs from 264 matches and 256 innings at an average of 39.59. He has smashed eight hundreds and 62 fifties, again with a best of 113*. In the CLT20, Kohli contributed 424 runs in 15 matches, averaging 38.54 with a blistering strike rate of 150.35, including two fifties and a top score of 84*.
Form of a Champion: The IPL 2025 season has seen Kohli in scintillating form, leading RCB’s batting charts with 548 runs in 12 innings. Averaging a staggering 60.88 with a strike rate of 145.35, he has notched up seven fifties, with a highest of 73*. Currently, he sits sixth among the top run-scorers this season, a testament to his enduring brilliance at the age of 36. Beyond numbers, his leadership and passion continue to inspire RCB, a team yet to clinch the IPL title despite reaching the finals thrice.
What Lies Ahead: With this historic achievement, Kohli’s hunger for runs shows no signs of waning. If RCB secures a victory against LSG, they will confirm a top-two finish in the league standings, earning a shot at Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings (PBKS). This would provide RCB with two opportunities to reach the IPL final, a dream Kohli has chased relentlessly for over a decade. Fans will hope this milestone sparks the momentum needed for RCB to finally lift the elusive trophy.
Conclusion: Virat Kohli’s journey to 9,000 T20 runs for RCB is not just a statistical triumph but a symbol of dedication, resilience, and unparalleled skill. As the modern-day batting maestro continues to rewrite record books, cricket enthusiasts worldwide celebrate a player who embodies the spirit of the game. Will this be the year Kohli leads RCB to glory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—his legacy is already immortal.