Virat Kohli shines with ‘Match-Winning Century,’ Equals Record for Most Centuries in IPL History

The “Chasemaster” Virat Kohli stamped his class in the Indian Premier League 2023 with a stellar ‘Match-Winning Century’ on Thursday against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Kohli broke a four-year hiatus from IPL centuries, smashing the bowlers all around the field. This century was his first in the ongoing season and saw him equal the league’s record of six centuries, previously held by his ex-teammate Chris Gayle. The win was even more commendable as Kohli quashed criticism about his slow starts, hitting his century in just 62 deliveries.

Should we bow? Yes, he’s a King! 👑

NGL, this is all of us right now 🙇‍♂️#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2023 #SRHvRCB pic.twitter.com/n5SGb3d5Up

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) May 18, 2023

This remarkable century was Kohli’s first in the IPL 2023 season and allowed him to match the record set by his former teammate, Chris Gayle. Both now hold the prestigious title of scoring the most centuries (6) in the history of the league. This performance was even more significant as it was Kohli’s first IPL century since a game in April 2019.

Despite having an impressive form in the ongoing season, Kohli has faced some criticism for his relatively slow starts in the matches. However, he silenced his critics on Thursday night, masterfully reaching his century in just 62 deliveries. Though Kohli’s overall performance in the IPL 2023 has been outstanding, his strike rate during the middle overs had been under scrutiny until this match.

The star batter demonstrated his remarkable ability to dominate during the middle overs of the game, in addition to his already well-established prowess during the powerplay. He achieved the century in the 18th over, reaching the milestone with his 62nd ball.

However, after hitting the century, Kohli was dismissed on exactly 100. His departure from the pitch came immediately after reaching the century milestone, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar claiming his wicket in the same 18th over.

What is the secret of the highly successful Virat-Faf pair?🤔

We will let King Kohli spill the beans 😉#TATAIPL | #SRHvRCB | @RCBTweets | @imVkohli | @faf1307 pic.twitter.com/BEKGcALbZK

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 18, 2023

Virat-Faf’s duo completes 1000 runs as opening pair

Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis have also accomplished a milestone of 1000 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Dominating the game with a 172-run partnership, Kohli scored a century, his sixth in IPL history, and du Plessis delivered a strong support with 71 runs. Despite Sunrisers Hyderabad’s attempts to interrupt the powerful partnership, the pair seemed unstoppable, with both reaching half-centuries and steering RCB to a commanding position. Even as SRH managed to dismiss the RCB openers, it was too late; RCB had successfully chased down the target with four balls to spare, resulting in a resounding 8-wicket victory.

The internet was on fire last night and looks like it will be this way for a little while longer 😮‍💨

What an innings, what a player! 🤌#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2023 #SRHvRCB #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/eWBveUY1dK

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) May 19, 2023

Key Innings Highlights:

1. Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis establish an astounding 172-run partnership, securing a commanding victory for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
2. Kohli delivers a sensational performance, scoring 100 runs off 63 balls, contributing significantly to the team’s victory.
3. The “Chasemaster” showcases his mastery with 12 boundaries and 4 massive sixes during his innings.
4. Kohli’s strike rate stands out at an impressive 158.73, highlighting his aggressive and effective batting style in the game.
5. Was caught by Glenn Phillips off Bhuvneshwar Kumar right after scoring 100 runs.