Virat Kohli (Image credit: RCB) Virat Kohli is on the verge of rewriting the record books once again. Ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s clash against Mumbai Indians on Sunday, Kohli is just 20 runs shy of becoming the first batsman in T20 history to score 1,000 runs against the five-time champions.Already the leading run-scorer against MI in T20 cricket, Kohli has amassed 980 runs in 35 innings across the IPL and the now-defunct T20 Champions League. His consistency against one of the league’s most successful teams highlights both his longevity and dominance at the highest level.Kohli’s dominance vs Mumbai IndiansKohli’s record against MI reflects his ability to perform across seasons:
- Shifts: 35
- Raids: 980
- Average: 31.61
- Interest rate: 129.11
- 50+ score: 6
- Highest score: 92*
- Sixes: 36
His tally already puts him ahead of several IPL greats including KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni in terms of T20 runs against Mumbai.
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Race with KL Rahul adds intrigue
While Kohli leads the T20 total, the IPL-only race tells a slightly different story. KL Rahul scored 976 runs against MI in just 20 innings, making him the most prolific batsman in IPL history so far.Meanwhile, Kohli has 922 runs in 34 IPL innings against MI and needs 78 more to reach the 1000-run mark in the league itself. This adds another layer of competition between the two best modern batters in India.
Wankhede: The Happy Hunting Ground
The venue for today’s match, the Wankhede Stadium, has been particularly kind to Kohli over the years. 401 runs in 12 innings vs MI at Wankhede at an average of: 45.55 During his IPL career at the venue, Kohli has scored 641 runs at an average of 45.78, underscoring his comfort on a batting-friendly surface.
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If he crosses the 1,000-run mark today, MI will be the fifth team against whom Kohli has achieved this milestone in the IPL. He has already reached 1000 runs against Chennai Super Kings (1174), Delhi Capitals (1130), Punjab Kings (1159) and Kolkata Knight Riders (1021).
