Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century against Kolkata Knight Riders was more than just another match-winner. For Sunil Gavaskar, it was a timely reminder that the so-called old guard is far from over.
With much of the IPL 2026 conversation focused on rising stars and the rise of the next generation, Kohli gave a strong response in Raipur, smashing an unbeaten hundred to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket victory and top the points table.
The 37-year-old, who came into the competition on the back of two consecutive ducks, faced questions over his form. However, Gavaskar saw Kohli’s response as classic champion behaviour.
RCB vs KKR: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
“Virat Kohli was absolutely outstanding against KKR. He knows how to build a chase better than most,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.
“While everyone was talking about this being the season of Gen Next, Kohli showed that he is still around. He silenced the doubters with a century and moved to third place in the Orange Cap race. He proved that the old generation is still the best.”
Kohli made KKR pay for expensive early reprieve
Kohli’s latest master class added another chapter to a remarkable T20 career that continues to redefine consistency.
Highlighting the extent of Kohli’s achievements, Gavaskar noted that while records are made to be broken, it may take years before they are challenged.
“In terms of T20 centuries, he is third on the list with 10, behind Chris Gayle and Babar Azam. But he is the fastest to 14,000 T20 runs and has nine IPL hundreds.”
“Records are meant to be broken, but it will take a very long time to match what Kohli has consistently delivered, match after match, season after season. This hundred by Virat Kohli was one of those special moments that remind us of his greatness.”
Gavaskar also pointed to a decisive moment that changed the complexion of the match.
Kohli was given a reprieve early in his innings when Rovman Powell converted a tough chance, a mistake that KKR immediately regretted.
“Before that RCB-KKR gameKKR’s catch efficiency has been consistently the best in the IPL this season. But this hurt a lot.”
“Rovman Powell had a chance to dismiss Virat Kohli early. He jumped high, timed the jump well but the ball slipped away. You can’t drop Kohli early in his innings. He makes you pay every time.”
That’s exactly what happened as Kohli turned the lifeline into another memorable hundred.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
May 14, 2026 1:04 PM IST
