IPL 2024: Star Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batsman Virat Kohli achieved a remarkable feat in the Indian Premier League (IPL), becoming the first Indian player to achieve two seasons with 700-plus runs. This milestone was reached during RCB’s match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Bengaluru.
In the game, Kohli contributed 47 runs off just 29 balls, including three fours and four sixes, at a strike rate of 162.06. Across 14 matches this season, Kohli leads the run-scoring charts with 708 runs at an impressive average of 64.36 and a strike rate of 155.60, marking his highest strike rate in an IPL season.
Previously, Kohli crossed the 700-run mark in 2016, amassing 973 runs in 16 matches at an average of 81.08 and a strike rate exceeding 152, with four centuries and seven fifties. He joins Chris Gayle as the second player overall to achieve the 700-run mark in a single IPL edition on two or more occasions.
Additionally, Kohli concluded the league stage of IPL 2024 with 37 sixes, the most by any batter this season. His all-time high tally of sixes in an IPL season stands at 38, achieved back in 2016.
Notably, May 18 holds special significance for RCB and Kohli, as they have won every game played on this date. Kohli’s exceptional performances on May 18 include scores of 56* (2013), 27* (2015), 113 (2016), and 100 (2023), accumulating 343 runs at an average of 85.75, with two centuries and a fifty.
As for the match against CSK, they won the toss and chose to bowl first, with both teams fielding their respective playing XIs.