500 and counting: Virat Kohli's consistency is unmatched, extends his IPL record

Virat Kohli smashed a fluent 58 off 37 balls to extend his all-time IPL record and power RCB to a competitive 222 for 4 against Punjab Kings here on Sunday.

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With this innings, Kohli became the first batsman in IPL history to score nine separate 500-run seasons, well eclipsing KL Rahul and David Warner, who hauled in seven seasons each. The knock also marked Kohli’s 210th fifty-plus partnership in men’s T20 history and moved him level with England’s Alex Hales at the absolute pinnacle of global T20 cricket.

Batters involved in most 50+ partnerships in T20s

210 – Alex Hales
210 – Virat Kohli
200 – David Warner
196 – Babar Azam
191 – Chris Gayle

KOHLI, IYER SEPTEMBER IN DHARAMSALA

Kohli’s master class came at a crucial moment for the table players who were forced to scramble for the lead before the match. Regular captain Rajat Patidar was ruled out of the encounter due to a sudden injury and Jitesh Sharma was given the alternate captaincy duties.

Stepping up in the absence of their regular skipper, the iconic opener hit four boundaries and three sixes to lay a solid foundation. First, he steadied the innings by putting together a vital 76-run partnership for the second wicket with Devdutt Padikkal, who made a brisk 45.

After Padikkala’s dismissal, Kohli combined with Venkatesh Iyer to put on a quick 60-run stand for the third wicket to keep RCB firmly in control.

The left-handed Iyer became the destroyer-in-chief after Kohli’s departure. Iyer smashed an unbeaten 73 off just 40 balls, punishing the Punjab bowling attack with eight boundaries and four maximums. His explosive finish made the 200-run mark look remarkably easy, leaving the Punjab Kings with a daunting target of 223 runs. Tim David provided the final flourish with a quick-fire 28 off 12 deliveries which ensured RCB completed their 20 overs at an absolute maximum.

Punjab Kings had earlier won the toss and opted to bat first at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association’s scenic stadium, a decision that quickly backfired under the weight of RCB’s authoritative batting depth. Harpreet Brar was the pick of the bowlers for Punjab claiming two wickets but the rest of the attack struggled to keep the run flow flowing on a real batting surface.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

17 May 2026 16:46 IST