Out came Virat Kohli, loud and clear, smashing a ninth IPL century – one more than anyone else now – guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru straight to the top of the ladder by beating Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets midweek. A sharp glance at the scoreboard followed his first run in three games, taken quietly through a single early on, then everything changed fast. From there, control shifted firmly into his hands as he shaped yet another brilliant chase under pressure. Nine centuries stand next to his name in the tournament’s history books, moving him ahead of both MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma who once led that list. Reaching triple figures without getting dismissed marked his return to big scores after going quiet since 2023. That night also carved new ground: he climbed past every other Indian batter to become the only one with 14,000 T20 runs
Fours flew off Kohli’s bat eleven times, three sixes too, through sixty calm deliveries. Unshaken under pressure, he steered RCB toward 194 for four across nineteen overs and one ball. Chasing big numbers felt routine. KKR had posted 192 for four earlier that evening.
“The celebration was not a big one because we know the importance of the points. It is a conscious effort to contribute more to the team. The fact that I did not score runs eats me up because I have been playing well. It bothers you because that has been the goal – to be the best version. Century or no century, the more important thing is to finish the game,” Kohli said after the game.
“There is a reason people say pressure is a privilege – it keeps you humble. Good pressure always helps you improve your game. I was nervous, I just wanted to get off the mark. It takes a lot of effort, but it helps your game go up. Those failures are so important because they put you in a place to get back to where you have been and do what has gotten you there.”
Out of nowhere, Kohli smiled when the topic turned to records. He spoke softly, almost like he was remembering something old. Just doing what I enjoy most, swinging that bat – still gets me every time. Being here now, facing top players, feels unreal. A deep breath before each game because nothing lasts forever. Giving everything isn’t a choice – it just happens. Pressure pushes me. When things get hot, that is when I step up, testing whether I can reach further. Going hard in tough moments shapes how I act later. Sports shape who you become. Tough plays teach quiet strength
“Even after all these years, it is the love for the game. I just love hitting the ball in the middle of the bat. That joy is still there, and it is all God’s grace, and I am thankful and grateful.”
