Virat Kohli in IPL: 10 Legendary Moments Fans Will Never Forget

When cricket fans talk about greatness in the IPL, one name rises above all others — Virat Kohli. Across 17 seasons, Kohli has delivered iconic innings, emotional comebacks, and unforgettable battles that shaped the identity of both the tournament and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Here are 10 legendary IPL moments that define why Virat Kohli remains the face of the league.

1. The Record-Breaking 973-Run Season (2016)

No IPL performance has ever come close to Kohli’s 2016 run. Scoring 973 runs with four centuries, he set a record that still looks untouchable. Every match felt like a masterclass in timing, temperament, and pure dominance.

2. Playing With Stitches — The Blood-Soaked Century

Perhaps the most “Virat Kohli” moment of all time. Despite stitches on his hand, Kohli smashed a stunning century against KXIP in 2016. Rain poured, the ball flew, and Kohli roared with pain and passion — an image etched forever into IPL history.

3. The Elegant 82 vs Mumbai Indians (2015)

On a lively Wankhede pitch in 2015, Kohli’s unbeaten 82* against Mumbai Indians showed how he could anchor an innings and accelerate exactly when needed. It felt like a trailer of the historic 2016 season that was coming.

4. The Boundary-Line Run-Out That Shocked Everyone (2019)

Kohli produced one of the sharpest run-outs of the IPL against KKR in 2019, sprinting in from near the boundary and firing a direct hit. It was a reminder that his intensity in the field can change a match even when he’s not batting.

5. The Explosive 113 vs Kings XI Punjab (2016)

One of the best T20 knocks ever. Kohli smashed 113 off 50 balls, combining elegance with ruthless hitting. That innings pushed RCB’s momentum and showcased his full range — cover drives, flicks, and controlled aggression.

6. Century vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2023)

In 2023, Kohli smashed a clinical hundred against SRH in Hyderabad, silencing the home crowd and reminding everyone that even in the later stages of his career, he could still own a big game on his own.

7. Blasting 72 vs Rajasthan Royals (2021)

This match is remembered for how Kohli shifted gears. Chasing under pressure, he produced a calm yet commanding 72*, finishing the game with clinical precision — an early glimpse of the “King of Chases.”

8. Fiery Duel with Gautam Gambhir (2013)

Not a batting milestone, but undeniably an IPL moment. The heated exchange between Kohli and Gambhir symbolized his intensity and fearlessness. It became one of the most replayed confrontations in IPL history.

9. First-Ever IPL Century vs Gujarat Lions (2016)

Kohli’s maiden IPL and T20 century came in 2016 against Gujarat Lions in Rajkot — a flawless 100* off 63 balls. Even though RCB lost the match, that innings unlocked a new version of Kohli the T20 run-machine.

10. Emotional Goodbye as RCB Captain (2021)

Kohli’s final match as full-time RCB captain was emotional for fans worldwide. His speech, full of gratitude and pride, reminded everyone that although trophies may not define him, loyalty and legacy absolutely do.

Why Virat Kohli and the IPL Are Inseparable

Across nearly two decades, Virat Kohli has not only broken records — he has helped define what the IPL feels like. From his 973-run season in 2016 and blood-soaked hundred against Punjab, to clutch chases against Rajasthan, Sunrisers and Mumbai, his intensity and consistency turned league matches into global events. For many fans, the IPL simply doesn’t feel complete without Virat Kohli in it.

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