7 Centuries: Virat Kohli Total Centuries in IPL
Virat Kohli is synonymous with batting brilliance and fierce captaincy. He has carved his name into the records of cricket history. His international exploits are widely celebrated. That’s why Kohli’s dominance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) deserves a special spotlight. This article delves into Kohli’s remarkable journey in the IPL. Here, we will focus on his record-breaking innings. We’ll also delve into the number of Virat Kohli total centuries in IPL and the impact they have had on the tournament.
A Look at Virat Kohli Total Centuries in IPL Tally
Virat Kohli total centuries in IPL stands tall with a phenomenal seven centuries, the highest for any player. His nearest competitors are Chris Gayle (6) and Jos Buttler (5). This highlights Kohli’s exceptional ability to convert fifties into tons. This feat becomes even more impressive considering the pressure-cooker environment of the IPL. Add to this the quality of bowling attacks he faces.
| Season | Opponent | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Gujarat Lions | 109 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore |
| 2013 | Kings XI Punjab | 100 | Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali |
| 2016 | Gujarat Lions | 109 | Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot |
| 2016 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 100 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore |
| 2016 | Gujarat Lions | 129 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore |
| 2016 | Kings XI Punjab | 113 | Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali |
| 2019 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 100 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
- Kohli’s fastest century came in 2016 against Kings XI Punjab, scoring 113 runs off just 58 balls.
- His highest IPL score is 129 runs, also scored in 2016 against Gujarat Lions.
- He has scored four centuries in a single season, achieved in 2016.
- Virat Kohli total centuries in IPL while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Virat Kohli Total Centuries in IPL: Most Centuries (2008-2023)
Virat Kohli total centuries in IPL is the most centuries in the history of the IPL, hitting 7 in 237 matches. Chris Gayle follows with 6 centuries in 142 matches in the Indian T20 League.
Jos Buttler holds the third spot with 5 centuries. KL Rahul, Shane Watson, and David Warner have each scored 4 centuries in the league. Sanju Samson, AB de Villiers, and Shubman Gill have achieved 3 centuries each. Additionally, 9 players have notched up 2 centuries each.
As Kohli continues to grace the IPL stage, one can only anticipate the new records he sets and the new chapters he adds to his already illustrious legacy. Will he add to his tally of centuries? Will he finally lead RCB to their maiden IPL title? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Virat Kohli, the King of Centuries, will continue to reign supreme in the IPL for years to come.
Top 10 List of Most Centuries in IPL by a Player
| Rank | Player | Centuries | Matches | Strike Rate |
| 1 | Virat Kohli | 7 | 237 | 129.62 |
| 2 | Chris Gayle | 6 | 142 | 148.96 |
| 3 | Jos Buttler | 5 | 95 | 148.49 |
| 4 | KL Rahul | 4 | 118 | 134.55 |
| 5 | David Warner | 4 | 175 | 139.75 |
| 6 | Shane Watson | 4 | 145 | 137.94 |
| 7 | Sanju Samson | 3 | 151 | 137.26 |
| 8 | AB de Villiers | 3 | 184 | 151.68 |
| 9 | Shubman Gill | 3 | 90 | 133.48 |
| 10 | Shikhar Dhawan | 2 | 216 | 127.16 |
Kohli's IPL Centuries: Unraveling the Cricket Dominance
The Art of Chasing
Kohli thrives in high-pressure situations, often crafting match-winning centuries while chasing. His average in chases while scoring centuries is a staggering 88.50. This highlights his exceptional composure under pressure. His highest score of 113 came in a chase against Kings XI Punjab in 2016, forever etching his name in IPL folklore.
Pacing Perfection
He starts cautiously and builds a solid foundation. Then, he will explode in the latter stages, often chasing down seemingly impossible targets. This ability to adapt to match situations and his hunger for big scores make him a nightmare for bowlers.
The Power of Consistency
While centuries grab the headlines, it’s crucial to remember that Kohli has been a consistent performer throughout his IPL career. He is the highest run-scorer for RCB with over 6000 runs and an overall average of 38.2. This consistency, coupled with his explosive stroke-making ability, makes him a truly well-rounded batsman.
Inspiring Leadership
Beyond his batting prowess, Kohli’s impact extends to his leadership. He is a charismatic figure who inspires his teammates and creates a positive team atmosphere. This was evident in RCB’s run to the final in 2016 under his captaincy.
Recap of Virat Kohli Total Centuries in IPL
1. 113 vs Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2016
This marked the fourth century that Kohli achieved in the 2016 edition of the IPL. This is also his highest IPL score so far. The knock – a 50-ball 113 – powered RCB to an 82-run win over KXIP via the Duckworth Lewis method. It also helped them stay afloat in the race for the playoffs.
The century was special because Kohli scored it while he was injured. On May 16, the batsman got hit on his hand against the Kolkata Knight Riders. This incident led to him sustaining nine stitches. But only two days later, while the injury was still fresh, Kohli scored one of the finest knocks in the IPL. With that knock, Kohli became the only batsman to score more than 800 runs in a single edition.
During the 113-run knock, Kohli smashed 8 sixes and 12 fours, batting at a strike-rate of 226.00. With the help of this knock, RCB, playing at their home ground piled up a total of 211/3 in 90 balls. In response, the Punjab team concluded with a score of 120/9. That season, RCB made it to the finals for the first time but lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.
2. 109 vs Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016
Since joining RCB in 2011, Ab de Villiers along with Kohli has stitched many memorable partnerships, and one of the finest among those came in 2016. RCB were hosting the now-defunct Gujarat Lions in match no. 44 of the season. Put to bat first, the hosts lost Chris Gayle for just 6 runs off 13 balls. However, what transpired next was a record partnership between Kohli and de Villiers. The South African batsman reached his half-century in 26 balls, and converted that to a 52-ball 129, laced with 10 fours and 12 sixes.
Kohli, on the other hand, scored a 55-ball 109, smashing 5 fours and 8 sixes. The duo stitched a 229-run stand, with as many as 112 runs coming in the last five overs. RCB posted a total of 248 runs on the board, and they bundled out the Gujarat team for 104 runs in reply. While Chris Jordan picked up four wickets, Yuzvendra Chahal chipped in with another three.
This was the first-ever instance in the IPL when two batsmen made a century each in the same innings. The partnership between Kohli and AB still remains the highest partnership in the tournament.
3. 108 vs Rising Pune Supergiants in IPL 2016*
The 35th match of IPL 2016 was being played in Bangalore. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, the Supergiants put up 191 runs on the board, with Ajinkya Rahane top-scoring with a 48-ball 74. On that day, Shane Watson stood out as RCB’s sole disciplined bowler, maintaining an economy rate of 6.00. He also took three wickets during his four-over spell.
Chasing 192 runs to win, Kohli opened the batting with KL Rahul. In fact, the partnership was not broken until the 11th over when the two had scored 94 runs together. While Kohli remained unbeaten on 108, hitting 8 fours and 7 sixes, KL Rahul scored a slow 35-ball 38. Later, Shane Watson chipped in with 36 runs from 13 balls to help RCB gun down the target in 19.3 overs. This marked Kohli’s second century of the season. It also earned him the Player of the Match award.
4. 100 vs Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016*
This century will always be special for Kohli because it was his first in the tournament. RCB visited Gujarat Lions for the 19th match of the 2016 season. Kohli, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, aimed to give his team a good start. Despite Shane Watson and Ab de Villiers not providing much support, Kohli continued to bat from one end. It wasn’t until KL Rahul joined him that Kohli found a stable partnership.
Displaying a wide range of strokes, Kohli scored an unbeaten 100 off 63 balls with a strike rate of just over 158. Initially, RCB was 59-2 in eight overs. However, in the last five overs, there was a run-fest, with 65 runs scored. This helped the visitors reach a total of 180. KL Rahul, playing only his third IPL match, contributed with a 35-ball 51.
5. 100 vs Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2013
This century played a crucial role in RCB’s victory over Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) during the 2013 edition. Batting first, RCB was struggling at 59/3 in the 10th over when Kohli came to the crease. He built a solid partnership with AB de Villiers and stitched together 119 runs for the fourth wicket. Kohli’s 100-run knock came off 63 balls, with 9 fours and 4 sixes, laying the foundation for a competitive total of 191/5. RCB successfully defended the target, restricting Kings XI Punjab to 183/8. Kohli’s knock not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also helped RCB maintain their playoff hopes.
6. 100 vs Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2019
This century came in a high-pressure encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. Chasing a challenging target of 214 runs, RCB lost Parthiv Patel and Akshdeep Nath early, leaving them at 18/2. However, Kohli, along with Moeen Ali, took charge and stitched together a remarkable partnership of 132 runs for the third wicket. Kohli’s 58-ball century, studded with 9 fours and 4 sixes, provided the much-needed momentum for RCB’s chase. Despite falling short by 10 runs, Kohli’s century showcased his ability to perform under pressure and almost take his team home.
7. 100 vs Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022
This century marked Kohli’s return to form after a period of struggle with his batting. Chasing a modest target of 152 runs set by Rajasthan Royals, RCB lost skipper Faf du Plessis early. However, Kohli anchored the chase alongside Glenn Maxwell, building a crucial partnership of 94 runs for the second wicket. Kohli’s 60-ball century, featuring 8 fours and 2 sixes, helped RCB chase down the target comfortably with 5 overs to spare. This century not only provided RCB with valuable points. It also boosted Kohli’s confidence and morale after a challenging phase in his career.
Beyond Centuries: Kohli's Overall Contribution to the IPL
While centuries grab the headlines, it’s crucial to remember that Kohli has been a consistent performer throughout his IPL career. He is the highest run-scorer for RCB with over 6000 runs and an overall average of 38.2. He has also captained RCB for several seasons, leading them to the final in 2016. Now, Virat Kohli total centuries in IPL is also the most centuries that an IPL player has ever played.
Kohli’s impact extends beyond his batting and captaincy. He is a charismatic leader who inspires his teammates and creates a positive team atmosphere. He is also a true ambassador for the IPL, attracting fans from all over the world with his passion and dedication to the game.
A Chapter Yet to Be Written
As Kohli continues to grace the IPL stage, one can only anticipate the new records he sets and the new chapters he adds to his already illustrious legacy. Will he add to his tally of centuries? Will he finally lead RCB to their maiden IPL title? Will Virat Kohli total centuries in IPL remain the most centuries amongst the players? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Virat Kohli, the King of Centuries, will continue to reign supreme in the IPL for years to come.
Conclusion: A Legacy Carved in Gold
Virat Kohli’s journey in the IPL has been nothing short of phenomenal. Virat Kohli total centuries in IPL stand as a testament to his skill, temperament, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond the numbers, his impact on the tournament and his team has been immense. He has captivated audiences with his aggressive batting, inspired teammates with his leadership, and helped make the IPL a global phenomenon. As he continues to grace the IPL stage, one can only wait with anticipation to see what new records he sets and what chapters he adds to his already illustrious legacy.
