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Virat Kohli is known for his persistence, brilliance, and unmatched hunger for success. His continuous performances and competitiveness have made him a global icon now. Along with international cricket across formats, Virat Kohli has made his unique space in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well. From his early days with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to becoming the league’s all-time leading run-scorer, Kohli has continually raised the bar.
Among his myriad achievements, his centuries stand out not just for their frequency but also for their context and impact. Centuries in T20 cricket are rare due to the format’s limitations. Yet, Kohli has scored seven IPL centuries—a testament to his extraordinary skill and adaptability.
These knocks were not just about piling up runs but often came when RCB needed a hero. Each century is a chapter in Kohli’s IPL story, showcasing his growth as a batsman and a leader.
Virat Kohli’s First IPL Century (2016: RCB vs Gujarat Lions)
In the 2016 IPL season, Virat Kohli broke the glass ceiling by scoring his maiden T20 century against Gujarat Lions. Before this, he was often criticised for failing to reach three figures in the shortest format.
Match Context: RCB was chasing a target of 181 against a Gujarat side stacked with power hitters. Kohli’s responsibility was to anchor the innings while keeping up with the required run rate.
Highlights:
- Kohli’s 100 runs came off just 63 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and one six.
- His innings were a masterclass in rotating strike and pacing a chase.
- Kohli ensured RCB crossed the line with relative ease, earning crucial points for his team on the league stage.
Why It’s Iconic: This century silenced critics who doubted his T20 credentials and set the stage for the most prolific IPL season for any batsman.
The Historic 2016 IPL Season: Four Centuries in One Edition
The 2016 IPL season was nothing short of magical for Kohli. He amassed a record-breaking 973 runs, a feat that remains unmatched today. Four of his seven IPL centuries came in this season, each different in its approach but equally impactful.
109 vs Gujarat Lions (Qualifier)
This was a knockout game, and Kohli rose to the occasion once again. He took on Gujarat’s bowlers with calculated aggression, ensuring RCB made it to the finals. His 109 came off just 55 balls, with towering sixes and elegant strokes.
113 vs Kings XI Punjab
Perhaps his most iconic century of the season, this knock came under challenging circumstances. Battling a hand injury, Kohli smashed 113 runs off 50 balls, hitting 12 fours and eight sixes. His partnership with AB de Villiers was a nightmare for Punjab’s bowlers.
100 vs Rising Pune Supergiant*
Kohli’s unbeaten ton was a lesson in composure and timing. Chasing 192, he held the innings together, confidently finishing the game.
Why This Season Stands Out:
Kohli’s 2016 campaign wasn’t just about numbers. It was about redefining what’s possible in T20 cricket. His consistency, ability to handle pressure, and leadership qualities made him the most talked-about player of the season.
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Kohli’s Other Iconic IPL Centuries
2019: 100 vs Kolkata Knight Riders
In 2019, Kohli again proved his critics wrong with a sensational century against KKR. His 100 off 58 balls came at a time when RCB’s campaign was faltering. The innings included some exquisite strokes, reminding everyone of his unmatched class.
2023: 101* vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
Kohli’s most recent IPL century was a display of controlled aggression. His 101 not-out featured precise shot selection and clever strike rotation. The knock ensured RCB posted a formidable total, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Analysing Kohli’s Batting Style in Centuries
Virat Kohli’s centuries are a masterclass in adapting to different match situations. Here’s what makes his knocks unique:
- Building the Innings: Kohli starts cautiously, ensuring his team doesn’t lose early wickets. Once settled, he accelerates, often scoring boundaries with ease.
- Strike Rotation: His ability to convert ones into twos keeps the scoreboard ticking, putting pressure on bowlers.
- Shot Selection: Kohli’s centuries are marked by intelligent shot selection, balancing risk and reward effectively.
The Mental and Physical Preparation Behind Kohli’s Centuries
Behind every Virat Kohli IPL century lies hours of preparation. Kohli’s fitness regime is among the most rigorous in the cricketing world, enabling him to run hard between the wickets even during the latter stages of his innings. His mental strength, honed through years of playing under pressure, ensures he remains focused regardless of the match situation.
Impact of Kohli’s Centuries on RCB’s Success
While RCB has not yet lifted the IPL trophy, Kohli’s centuries have kept the team competitive. His ability to step up during critical matches has often carried the team through challenging phases.
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Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s IPL centuries are not just records; they are a testament to his unparalleled skill, determination, and cricketing genius. Each century reflects a different facet of his game, from technical brilliance to sheer resilience under pressure. As fans, we can only marvel at his journey and look forward to more incredible knocks in the coming seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Virat Kohli has scored seven centuries in the IPL, four of which came in the 2016 season alone, making 2016 a record-breaking year for the Indian cricket superstar.
Kohli’s first IPL century was against Gujarat Lions in 2016. He scored 100 off 63 balls, anchoring Royal Challengers Bangalore’s chase with a masterful batting display.
Virat Kohli’s highest score in the IPL is 113 runs, achieved against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the 2016 season, despite batting with an injured hand.
In the 2016 IPL season, Kohli scored four centuries, the most by any player in a single IPL season, helping him accumulate a record-breaking 973 runs.
Yes, Kohli has scored centuries in multiple IPL seasons, including 2016, 2019, and 2023, showcasing his consistency and adaptability.
Kohli’s centuries stand out for their timing and impact. They often come in high-pressure situations or while chasing challenging targets, highlighting their mental strength and skill.
Teams like Gujarat Lions, Kings XI Punjab, and Kolkata Knight Riders have been at the receiving end of some of Kohli’s best IPL centuries.
Kohli is known for thriving under pressure. His IPL centuries often come in chases or crucial matches, reflecting his ability to handle high-stakes situations.
Kohli’s strike rate during his IPL centuries has been impressive, ranging from steady builds in challenging situations to explosive finishes in high-scoring games.
With Kohli’s form and fitness, more IPL centuries are highly likely. His hunger for runs and passion for the game make him a perennial threat to bowlers.
