Virat Kohli, the star batsman for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and a prominent figure in Indian cricket, has once again etched his name in the history books of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming the first player in IPL history to score 500 or more runs in seven different seasons. This feat places him in a league of his own alongside David Warner, who has achieved the same record. Let’s delve deeper into each of these remarkable seasons to appreciate Kohli’s unparalleled consistency and excellence in the T20 format.
1. 2011 Season: Virat Kohli Era Begins
In the inaugural edition of the IPL, Kohli played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s campaign, scoring 557 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 46.41. This performance not only showcased his talent at a young age but also set the stage for his future record-breaking achievements.
2. 2013 Season:
Kohli continued to impress in the 2013 season, amassing 634 runs in 16 games with a healthy average of 45.28. His performance was instrumental in propelling Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the playoffs that year.
3. 2015 Season:
The 2015 season saw Kohli continue his fine form, scoring 505 runs in 16 matches at an average of 45.91. Despite his consistent performance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru finished the season in third place.
4. 2016: A Virat Kohli Season:
Arguably one of Virat Kohli’s finest IPL seasons, the 2016 campaign saw him set a new benchmark for batting excellence. He scored a staggering 973 runs in 16 games at an average of 81.08, including four centuries and seven half-centuries. Kohli’s record-breaking performance propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the finals, where they eventually finished as runners-up.
5. 2018 Season of Virat Kohli :
Despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s underwhelming season, finishing in sixth place, Virat Kohli remained a standout performer with 530 runs at an average of 48.18. His consistency with the bat was a testament to his unwavering dedication to the game.
6. 2023 Season:
After a relatively quieter season in 2022, where he scored 341 runs at an average of around 22, Kohli bounced back with a bang in the 2023 season. He scored a total of 500 runs, reaffirming his status as one of the most prolific batsmen in the IPL.
7. 2024 Season:
As of April 29, 2024, Kohli has already crossed the 500-run mark in the ongoing IPL season, with 500 runs in 10 innings at an impressive average of 71.42 and a strike rate of 147.49. This performance has once again placed him at the top of the Orange Cap list, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel in different conditions.
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Virat Kohli’s remarkable feat of scoring 500 or more runs in seven different IPL seasons is a testament to his skill, consistency, and determination. His record-breaking performances have not only helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru but have also elevated the standards of the IPL as a whole. As we continue to witness Kohli’s incredible journey in the world of cricket, it’s evident that he has left an indelible mark on the game and will undoubtedly inspire future generations of cricketers to strive for excellence.
