King Virat Kohli: Unraveling the Dominance of King Kohli in IPL
Updated on: Feb 27, 2023 2:27 pm IST
King Virat Kohli: Virat Kohli, popularly known as the Run Machine, is a name synonymous with excellence in cricket. The former captain of the Indian cricket team and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has established himself as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at King Virat Kohli’s IPL career and his journey with RCB.
The Early Years
Virat Kohli made his debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008 when he was signed up by RCB. He was just 19 years old at the time and was a relatively unknown player. Kohli made his presence felt in the very first season of the league, scoring 165 runs in 13 matches. Though his team didn’t perform well that year, Kohli had shown glimpses of his potential as a top-order batsman.
Also Read: Virat Kohli’s Batting Performance at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in last 5 IPL seasons
Leadership Role
In 2011, King Virat Kohli was appointed as the vice-captain of RCB, and in 2013, he took over as the full-time captain of the franchise. Since then, he has led the team in 140 matches, winning 66 and losing 70. Kohli’s leadership skills have been praised by many, and he has been credited with bringing a new level of aggression and intensity to RCB’s style of play.
The making of ‘King’ Virat Kohli
When it comes to batting, Virat Kohli needs no introduction. He is regarded as one of the finest batsmen of his generation and has consistently been among the top run-scorers in the IPL. Kohli is the only player in the history of the IPL to score more than 6,000 runs and is also the all-time leading run-scorer for RCB. He has scored five centuries and 44 half-centuries in the league and has an impressive strike rate of 129.15.
| Year | Mat | No | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 223 | 32 | 6624 | 113 | 36.20 | 5129 | 129.15 | 5 | 44 | 578 | 218 | 94 | 0 |
| 2022 | 16 | 1 | 341 | 73 | 22.73 | 294 | 115.99 | 0 | 2 | 32 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| 2021 | 15 | 1 | 405 | 72* | 28.92 | 339 | 119.46 | 0 | 3 | 43 | 9 | 8 | 0 |
| 2020 | 15 | 4 | 466 | 90* | 42.36 | 384 | 121.35 | 0 | 3 | 23 | 11 | 3 | 0 |
| 2019 | 14 | 0 | 464 | 100 | 33.14 | 328 | 141.46 | 1 | 2 | 46 | 13 | 5 | 0 |
| 2018 | 14 | 3 | 530 | 92* | 48.18 | 381 | 139.10 | 0 | 4 | 52 | 18 | 8 | 0 |
| 2017 | 10 | 0 | 308 | 64 | 30.80 | 252 | 122.22 | 0 | 4 | 23 | 11 | 6 | 0 |
| 2016 | 16 | 4 | 973 | 113 | 81.08 | 640 | 152.03 | 4 | 7 | 83 | 38 | 6 | 0 |
| 2015 | 16 | 5 | 505 | 82* | 45.90 | 386 | 130.82 | 0 | 3 | 35 | 23 | 7 | 0 |
| 2014 | 14 | 1 | 359 | 73 | 27.61 | 294 | 122.10 | 0 | 2 | 23 | 16 | 7 | 0 |
| 2013 | 16 | 2 | 634 | 99 | 45.28 | 457 | 138.73 | 0 | 6 | 64 | 22 | 7 | 0 |
| 2012 | 16 | 2 | 364 | 73* | 28.00 | 326 | 111.65 | 0 | 2 | 33 | 9 | 7 | 0 |
| 2011 | 16 | 4 | 557 | 71 | 46.41 | 460 | 121.08 | 0 | 4 | 55 | 16 | 7 | 0 |
| 2010 | 16 | 2 | 307 | 58 | 27.90 | 212 | 144.81 | 0 | 1 | 26 | 12 | 3 | 0 |
| 2009 | 16 | 2 | 246 | 50 | 22.36 | 219 | 112.32 | 0 | 1 | 22 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
| 2008 | 13 | 1 | 165 | 38 | 15.00 | 157 | 105.09 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
Kohli’s Best Season
Virat Kohli’s best season in the IPL came in 2016 when he scored a staggering 973 runs in 16 matches, including four centuries and seven half-centuries. He finished the season as the leading run-scorer and was awarded the Orange Cap. Kohli’s remarkable consistency and hunger for runs make him a dangerous player for any opposition.
King Virat Kohli Contribution to RCB
Virat Kohli’s contribution to RCB cannot be overstated. He has been the face of the franchise for over a decade and has played a pivotal role in taking the team to the playoffs on several occasions. Kohli’s leadership skills, combined with his batting prowess, have made him a valuable asset to RCB. The franchise has always retained Kohli ahead of the IPL auctions, and he has been the highest-paid player in the league for several years.
The Final Season as RCB Captain: Ahead of the start of the 14th edition of the IPL, Virat Kohli announced that this would be his final season as the captain of RCB. He confirmed that he would always remain a loyal player of the franchise, and his decision was based on a desire to focus more on his batting. Kohli has been an inspirational leader for RCB, and his contribution to the team’s success will be remembered for years to come.
Also Read: Batting Performance of Virat Kohli in 2022 IPL
Conclusion
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s IPL career has been nothing short of exceptional. He has been a valuable asset to RCB and has established himself as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the league. Kohli’s leadership skills, combined with his batting prowess, have made him a fan favorite and an inspiration to many young cricketers. As he enters the IPL 2023 season, it will be exciting to see Kohli take to the field once again and contribute the best for his team.
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