Kohli Creates History, Becomes 1st Batter to Score 8,000 IPL Runs

 

In a remarkable achievement, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) icon Virat Kohli has become the first player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to score 8,000 runs. Kohli’s latest milestone adds another feather to his already illustrious cap in the world’s richest T20 league.

 

Kohli reached the 8,000-run mark during RCB’s clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Despite RCB’s exit from the tournament following a defeat to Sanju Samson‘s Rajasthan Royals, Kohli’s individual performance has been nothing short of spectacular this season.

 

Kohli’s total IPL runs now stand at 8,004 from 233 innings, with an impressive average of 38.66 and a strike rate of 131.97. His IPL career includes 55 half-centuries and eight centuries, along with 272 sixes. This season, he has amassed 741 runs, making him the current Orange Cap holder for the highest run-scorer in IPL 2024.

 

To put Kohli’s achievement in perspective, the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history, Shikhar Dhawan, has 6,769 runs, while Indian national team captain Rohit Sharma follows with 6,628 runs. Kohli’s consistency and dedication to RCB, the only franchise he has played for since the league’s inception in 2008, highlight his commitment and skill.

 

In the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals, Kohli opened the batting with RCB captain Faf du Plessis and scored a steady 33 runs from 24 balls before being dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal. His innings included three boundaries and a six. Despite his efforts, RCB could only post a total of 172-8, which Rajasthan chased down with an over to spare, winning by four wickets.

 

Kohli’s record-setting season also saw him surpassing Chris Gayle’s record by crossing the 700-run mark for the third time in an IPL season. Only Gayle and Kohli have achieved this feat, with Gayle doing it twice for RCB in 2012 and 2013. This year, Kohli has been the standout performer, scoring five half-centuries and a century, maintaining an average above 60 and a strike rate of 154.69 in 15 games.

 

Although RCB’s journey in IPL 2024 ended in the Eliminator, Kohli’s personal achievements and records will be remembered as significant milestones in the league’s history. His consistent performances continue to inspire fans and fellow cricketers alike, cementing his status as one of the greatest T20 players of all time.