Virat Kohli, one of the most iconic cricketers in contemporary times, holds the record for the most centuries in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with eight centuries to his name. These centuries underline his consistency, skill, and dominance over more than a decade of IPL cricket.
Virat Kohli’s IPL Centuries Overview
Kohli’s journey to these eight centuries is remarkable considering the high-pressure environment in IPL matches and the varied bowling attacks he has faced. His centuries are spread across multiple seasons, with four of them coming in the extraordinary 2016 season alone—a year in which he scored 973 runs, the highest individual season tally in IPL history. This feat not only showcased his technical mastery and mental toughness but also solidified his reputation as a leading batsman in T20 cricket.
The centuries he scored include unbeaten innings as well as hard-fought completed innings with scores ranging from exactly 100 runs to a top score of 113*. Notably, Kohli’s ability to convert starts into big innings contributed heavily to his team’s success over the years.
Detailed List of Kohli’s IPL Centuries
- 2016 season was groundbreaking for Kohli as he scored four back-to-back IPL centuries, including a memorable 113 off 50 balls against Kings XI Punjab at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
- His first IPL century came against Gujarat Lions in 2016, scoring 100* off 63 balls despite the team losing the match.
- He scored centuries against several teams including Rising Pune Supergiants, Kolkata Knight Riders, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals across different seasons.
- His latest centuries include an unbeaten 113* against Rajasthan Royals in 2024 and multiple centuries in the 2023 season.
Why Kohli’s IPL Centuries Matter
Kohli’s centuries are not just statistical milestones; each has come in contexts where his team relied on his batting prowess to set or chase competitive targets. His centuries highlight a blend of classical technique, strategic thinking, and adaptability to T20’s fast-paced demands. Kohli’s ability to maintain high strike rates while scoring big hundreds in a challenging format has set him apart from many peers.
Moreover, his fitness and intent to constantly improve have allowed him to sustain his high-performance levels over 17 IPL seasons, making him a valuable leader and team anchor.
Comparisons and Legacy
With eight IPL centuries, Kohli leads the all-time list, followed by players like Jos Buttler with seven and Chris Gayle with six centuries. Kohli is also one of the very few players to have scored centuries in consecutive IPL matches and has the record for the most centuries by an Indian in IPL.
His performances have played a key role in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) campaigns, culminating in their maiden IPL title win in 2025 after an 18-year wait, with Kohli contributing significantly throughout that season.
Summary Table of IPL Centuries by Kohli
| Century No. | Score (Balls) | Opponent | Venue | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100* (63) | Gujarat Lions | Rajkot | 2016 | Lost |
| 2 | 108* (58) | Rising Pune Supergiants | Bengaluru | 2016 | Won |
| 3 | 109 (55) | Gujarat Lions | Bengaluru | 2016 | Won |
| 4 | 113 (50) | Kings XI Punjab | Bengaluru | 2016 | Won |
| 5 | 100 (58) | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | 2019 | Won |
| 6 | 100 (63) | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Hyderabad | 2023 | Won |
| 7 | 101* (61) | Gujarat Titans | Bengaluru | 2023 | Lost |
| 8 | 113* (72) | Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur | 2024 | Lost |
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s eight IPL centuries are a testament to his excellence in T20 cricket and his crucial role in the IPL landscape. His blend of technical skill, fitness, mental strength, and consistency have not only earned him personal accolades but also inspired cricket fans around the world. As he continues to play, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates further milestones from this legendary batsman.
Kohli’s IPL centuries stand as chapters in a saga of relentless pursuit of excellence, reflecting why he is considered one of the greatest players in IPL history.
