Virat Kohli continued his streak of impressive performances as an opener in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League. Leading the charge for Royal Challengers Bangalore in match No.41 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kohli notched up his 53rd half-century in the tournament. The former RCB skipper’s crucial knock propelled the visitors to a massive total at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Kohli reached his half-century in 37 balls, helping Bangalore reach 133/3 in 13.1 overs against the 2016 champions. Notably, the 35-year-old has recorded four scores of 50 or more in his last four T20 innings at this venue. In the 2023 IPL, Kohli smashed a century when SRH hosted RCB. In the current season’s home game against SRH, Kohli achieved a strike rate of 118.6, his fifth-lowest for a 50-plus score in the IPL.
Kohli’s half-century marked a significant milestone, as he became the first batter to cross the 400-run mark in the 2024 IPL season. The former India skipper also achieved the milestone of 4,000 runs as an opener in the tournament, boasting an impressive average of 61.43 after nine matches in IPL 2024. With his highest score being 113*, Kohli has amassed 430 runs in nine games this season.
Kohli’s batting brilliance was instrumental in RCB posting a formidable total of 206-7 in 20 overs. The batting icon currently leads the Orange Cap standings, followed by Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. Kohli was eventually dismissed by Jaydev Unadkat in the 14th over of the RCB innings.
Kohli’s consistent performances have been a driving force behind Royal Challengers Bangalore’s success in the ongoing IPL season. The team has managed to post a 200-plus total for the third time in IPL 2024, showcasing their offensive prowess.
