Image Credit: jaisamand.co.in
When you talk about consistency, passion, and an insatiable hunger to succeed in cricket, one name instantly comes to mind — Virat Kohli. Over the years, his relentless pursuit of excellence has turned him into not just a cricketing superstar, but a global sporting icon. While his heroics in international cricket are well documented, Kohli’s journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is equally legendary.
Scoring a century in this fast-paced format demands a blend of skill, temperament, and timing. Yet, Kohli has done it eight times — each one a masterclass in batting, each one delivered when RCB needed someone to stand up. These centuries are not just milestones; they are defining moments that tell the story of his evolution as a batsman and a leader on the IPL stage.
Virat Kohli’s First IPL Century (2016: RCB vs Gujarat Lions)
In the 2016 IPL season, Virat Kohli finally shattered the one criticism that had followed him — the absence of a T20 century. Until then, despite his mountain of runs, some doubters questioned whether he could convert his starts into three-figure scores in the shortest format. Kohli silenced them all with a breathtaking maiden IPL hundred against Gujarat Lions.
The Match Situation:
RCB was up against a strong Gujarat Lions side, packed with hard-hitters, chasing a challenging target of 181. The pressure was on from the very first ball. As wickets fell around him, Kohli took it upon himself to steady the innings, keep the scoreboard ticking, and ensure RCB stayed in the hunt. It was one of those knocks where he perfectly balanced caution with aggression — a true masterclass in pacing a T20 chase.
Highlights:
- Kohli’s 100 runs came off just 63 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and one six.
- His innings were a masterclass in rotating strike and pacing a chase.
- Kohli ensured RCB crossed the line with relative ease, earning crucial points for his team on the league stage.
Why It’s Iconic: This century silenced critics who doubted his T20 credentials and set the stage for the most prolific IPL season for any batsman.
Also Read: RCB Performance Over the Years in IPL: In-Depth Analysis
The Historic 2016 IPL Season: Four Centuries in One Edition
The 2016 IPL season turned out to be a dream run for Kohli — one that even his fiercest fans couldn’t have imagined. He piled up an astonishing 973 runs, a record that still stands untouched. What made this season even more special was the way he kept delivering, match after match. Out of his eight IPL centuries, four came during this incredible run. Each ton had its own flavour, some built on pure aggression, others on calculated control, but all of them left a lasting impact on RCB’s campaign.
109 vs Gujarat Lions (Qualifier)
It was a do-or-die knockout game, and once again, Kohli rose to the big occasion with nerves of steel. With a spot in the finals at stake, he took the attack to Gujarat’s bowlers, blending smart shot selection with fearless aggression. Every boundary carried purpose, every six sent the crowd into a frenzy. His brilliant 109 came off just 55 balls — a perfect mix of power and precision — and played a crucial role in steering RCB into the finals.
113 vs Kings XI Punjab
This was, without doubt, one of Kohli’s most iconic centuries of the 2016 season — and perhaps of his entire IPL career. Battling through a painful hand injury, he delivered a masterclass under pressure. Despite the discomfort, Kohli hammered 113 runs off just 50 balls, peppering the boundary with 12 fours and launching eight towering sixes. His electrifying partnership with AB de Villiers turned the match into a nightmare for Punjab’s bowlers, leaving the opposition helpless and the crowd in awe.
100 vs Rising Pune Supergiant — A Masterclass in Chase
Kohli’s unbeaten century against Rising Pune Supergiant was another reminder of his ability to thrive under pressure. Chasing a stiff target of 192, he remained calm and composed throughout the innings. With precision timing and calculated strokes, he anchored the chase perfectly, taking RCB home without breaking a sweat. It wasn’t just a display of power-hitting, it was a lesson in how to pace a T20 chase to perfection.
Why 2016 Still Stands Apart?
The 2016 season was more than just a record-breaking run for Kohli. It was the year he rewrote the possibilities in T20 cricket. His staggering consistency, calmness in high-pressure situations, and ability to lead from the front made him the heartbeat of that IPL season. Every innings added a new layer to his legend, making him the most talked-about cricketer of the year.
Kohli’s Other Iconic IPL Centuries
2019: 100 vs Kolkata Knight Riders
In 2019, when many were questioning RCB’s form, Kohli once again stood tall. His century against KKR — 100 off 58 balls — was not just about getting runs; it was about rescuing his side when they needed him most. The knock was filled with elegant drives and controlled aggression, reminding everyone why he remains one of the finest in the game.
2023: 101 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
Kohli’s latest IPL century came in 2023, and once again, it was a masterclass in controlled aggression. His unbeaten 101 combined sharp stroke play with smart strike rotation, keeping the scoreboard moving effortlessly. The innings set up a strong total for RCB, keeping their playoff hopes very much alive and showing that Kohli’s hunger for big runs remains as fierce as ever.
2024: 113 vs Rajasthan Royals
Virat Kohli extended his record of the most number of IPL centuries when he smashed unbeaten 113 against Rajasthan Royals at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. However, this century could not contribute to the winning cause. Despite losing the match, this hundred was a memorable one. This was not the quickest innings by King Kohli and he took 72 balls for this inning.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Family – Father, Mother, Siblings, Wife & Kids
What Makes Kohli’s Centuries So Special?
Every century is a perfect lesson in reading the game and adjusting to the situation. Here’s why his hundreds stand out:
- Building the Foundation:
Kohli rarely rushes in. He starts steady, ensuring there’s no early damage. Once he gets his eye in, the gears shift smoothly as he finds boundaries with surgical precision. - Smart Strike Rotation:
One of his biggest strengths is how effortlessly he turns singles into doubles. This constant movement keeps the scoreboard ticking and frustrates the bowlers, forcing them into errors. - Clever Shot Selection:
Kohli never goes for reckless shots. His centuries are built on choosing the right deliveries to attack, always maintaining the perfect balance between aggression and caution.
Analysing Kohli’s Batting Style in Centuries
The Hard Work Behind Kohli’s IPL Centuries
Every Virat Kohli century in the IPL isn’t just a product of natural talent — it’s the result of relentless preparation. His fitness routine is among the most intense in cricket, allowing him to maintain high energy levels even deep into an innings. You’ll often see him sprinting hard for twos, long after most players would settle for singles.
But it’s not just the physical side. Kohli’s mental toughness, sharpened over years of performing under immense pressure, helps him stay locked in no matter how tense the situation gets. Whether RCB is chasing a massive target or setting one, Kohli’s focus rarely wavers — and that’s what sets him apart.
Impact of Kohli’s Centuries on RCB’s Success
Though the IPL trophy has eluded RCB so far, Kohli’s centuries have often been the spark that kept their hopes alive. Time and again, when the team found itself in tough spots, Kohli stepped up and delivered. His big knocks haven’t just added runs to the scoreboard — they’ve inspired the entire squad to fight harder, often carrying RCB through some of their most challenging moments.
Related Read: Virat Kohli School Name
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s IPL centuries aren’t just about the numbers — they’re living proof of his extraordinary skill, fierce determination, and unmatched cricketing brain. Every hundred showcases a different side of his game — whether it’s technical mastery, mental toughness, or the ability to thrive under pressure. For fans, each of these innings is a reminder of why watching Kohli bat is such a special experience. With every season, there’s always the hope that more magical knocks are still to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Virat Kohli has scored seven centuries in the IPL, four of which came in the 2016 season alone, making 2016 a record-breaking year for the Indian cricket superstar.
Kohli’s first IPL century was against Gujarat Lions in 2016. He scored 100 off 63 balls, anchoring Royal Challengers Bangalore’s chase with a masterful batting display.
Virat Kohli’s highest score in the IPL is 113 runs, achieved against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the 2016 season, despite batting with an injured hand.
In the 2016 IPL season, Kohli scored four centuries, the most by any player in a single IPL season, helping him accumulate a record-breaking 973 runs.
Yes, Kohli has scored centuries in multiple IPL seasons, including 2016, 2019, and 2023, showcasing his consistency and adaptability.
Kohli’s centuries stand out for their timing and impact. They often come in high-pressure situations or while chasing challenging targets, highlighting their mental strength and skill.
Teams like Gujarat Lions, Kings XI Punjab, and Kolkata Knight Riders have been at the receiving end of some of Kohli’s best IPL centuries.
Kohli is known for thriving under pressure. His IPL centuries often come in chases or crucial matches, reflecting his ability to handle high-stakes situations.
Kohli’s strike rate during his IPL centuries has been impressive, ranging from steady builds in challenging situations to explosive finishes in high-scoring games.
With Kohli’s form and fitness, more IPL centuries are highly likely. His hunger for runs and passion for the game make him a perennial threat to bowlers.
