Virat Kohli’s match-winning century against Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur drew high praise from former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who highlighted the batter’s continued impact despite the rise of younger players in the IPL.
Kohli struck his ninth IPL hundred, remaining unbeaten on 105 to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket win. The innings came at an important stage of the tournament, especially after he had registered consecutive ducks in his previous two matches.
Gavaskar Applauds Kohli’s Chase Mastery
Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar emphasised Kohli’s ability to control a chase under pressure.
“Virat Kohli was absolutely outstanding against KKR,” he said. “ He knows how to construct a chase better than most. When it comes to T20 centuries, he is third on the list with 10, behind Chris Gayle and Babar Azam. But he is the fastest to 14,000 T20 runs and has nine IPL hundreds. Records are there to be broken, but it will take a very long time for anyone to match what Kohli keeps delivering, game after game, season after season.”
Kohli’s 105 came off 60 balls and included 11 fours and three sixes, at a strike rate of 175.00.
More Read
Veteran Impact in a Young League
Gavaskar also reflected on Kohli’s place in the current IPL, where younger players have been in focus.
“While everyone was talking about this being the season of ‘Gen Next’, Kohli showed he is still around,” he added. “He silenced the doubters with a century and moved to third in the Orange Cap race. He proved that the old generation is still the best. Even though the young stars are taking centre stage, the experienced greats are not done yet. This hundred from Virat Kohli was one of those special moments that remind us of his greatness.”
Kohli Climbs Orange Cap Standings
The century also marked Kohli’s ninth IPL hundred and saw him become the fastest batter to reach 14,000 runs in T20 cricket. He currently sits third in the Orange Cap standings with 484 runs from 12 matches, averaging 53.77 at a strike rate of 165.75.
More Read
With the victory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru moved to the top of the points table with eight wins from 12 matches. They are set to face Punjab Kings in their next fixture on May 17 in Dharamshala.
