Virat Kohli continued to rewrite the record books, becoming the first batter to score 9000 runs in the history of the Indian Premier League. He achieved the milestone during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s nine-wicket win over Delhi Capitals on Monday, April 27, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Kohli needed 11 runs to reach the landmark and got there comfortably. On the final ball of the powerplay, with RCB chasing 76, he drove Axar Patel down the ground to long-off for a single to bring up the milestone. The feat further strengthened his position at the top of the all-time run charts, with second-placed Rohit Sharma trailing by around 1900 runs.
In 275 IPL matches, Kohli has amassed 9012 runs at an average of 40.05 and a strike rate of 133.80, including eight centuries and 66 half-centuries.
KOHLI KEEPS SHOWING HIS CLASS
Kohli didn’t have to work too hard as Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar ensured the Capitals were bowled out for just 75 in 16.3 overs. He then paced his innings to perfection in a straightforward chase, guiding RCB home with 81 balls to spare. Walking in early, Kohli began watchfully, assessing the conditions and the bowlers before settling in.
He got off the mark with a crisp boundary off Dushmantha Chameera, lofting a full delivery straight down the ground, a shot that set the tone for his measured approach. Despite a few quiet deliveries early on, Kohli rotated the strike smartly, picking up singles against Chameera and Kyle Jamieson while avoiding unnecessary risks against the moving ball.
With the target well within reach, Kohli shifted gears in the final over. Facing T Natarajan, he showcased his class with back-to-back sixes, first pulling a short ball over deep mid-wicket and then lofting a full delivery straight down the ground to seal the chase in style.
Kohli is currently the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL 2026, having amassed 351 runs from eight matches at an average of 58.50, including three half-centuries and a top score of 81.
