Virat Kohli Makes History with 100th T20 Fifty in IPL 2025
Apr, 14 2025
Virat Kohli has etched his name in cricket history yet again, achieving a feat that highlights his enduring prowess and skill in the T20 format. During the IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 13 at the famed Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Kohli reached his 100th T20 fifty. This milestone makes him the first Indian and only the second cricketer globally to do so, a testament to his extended dominance in the shortest format of the game.
In this particular match, Virat Kohli was in sublime touch, recording an unbeaten 62 runs off just 45 deliveries. It was a crucial innings, highlighted by his aggressive stroke play and strategic placement, that guided RCB to a commanding nine-wicket win over RR. Kohli reached this milestone in style, hammering a six off Wanindu Hasaranga in the 15th over, further underlining his ability to perform under pressure.
With this achievement, Kohli matches the record of most 50+ scores in the IPL (66) previously held by David Warner, another stalwart of T20 cricket. Globally, he now stands second in the tally of T20 fifties, only behind Warner's 108, showcasing his consistency and elite batting skill. Additionally, Kohli has distanced himself from other prominent names like Babar Azam (90), Chris Gayle (88), and Jos Buttler (86), further elevating his status in the cricketing world.
Kohli's IPL 2025 Journey
As of now, IPL 2025 has been another stage for Kohli to display his cricketing brilliance. He has accumulated 248 runs at an impressive average of 62 and a strike rate of 143.35 across just a handful of games, driving RCB up to the third spot in the league standings. The team’s splendid performance, marked by four consecutive away victories, has a lot to do with Kohli's form.
In the match against Rajasthan Royals, Kohli acted as the anchor for the innings but also played some breathtaking shots. His partnership at the top with Phil Salt reaped a 92-run stand, with Salt contributing a brisk 65 off 33 balls. Following Salt's dismissal, Kohli combined forces with Devdutt Padikkal, with whom he shared an unbroken 83-run partnership to finish the game effectively.
The Rajasthan Royals, despite a solid score of 173/4, largely built on Yashasvi Jaiswal's 75, struggled against the calculated aggression and precision of RCB's chase. With this victory, RCB underscored their rising form in the tournament, though the defeat cost Rajasthan Royals a place in the standings, dropping them to the seventh spot.
Having retired from international T20s after the 2024 World Cup, Kohli's ongoing performance in franchise cricket solidifies his legacy as one of the modern greats. His knack for thriving under pressure and delivering match-winning performances continues to captivate fans and experts alike, ensuring he remains a pivotal figure in cricket lore.