Virat Kohli, the talismanic batter and former captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), holds the record for the most centuries in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). As of April 2025, Kohli has scored eight IPL centuries, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in the league’s history.
Breakdown of Kohli’s IPL Centuries
1. First Century (2016): Kohli’s maiden IPL century came against Gujarat Lions in 2016. This season marked a turning point in his career, as he went on to score three more centuries, making it a record-breaking total of four hundreds in a single IPL season. His aggregate of 973 runs in IPL 2016 remains the highest by any player in a single season.
2. Subsequent Centuries:
- Kohli scored his fifth IPL century in 2019 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
- In IPL 2023, he added three more centuries to his tally, including back-to-back hundreds against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans during the league stage.
3. Latest Century (2024): Kohli’s eighth IPL century came during a match against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on April 6, 2024. He scored an unbeaten 113 off 67 balls, further extending his lead as the player with the most centuries in IPL history.
Key Records Associated with Kohli’s Centuries
- Most IPL Hundreds: Kohli leads the charts with eight centuries, ahead of Chris Gayle (6) and Jos Buttler (5).
- Most Hundreds in a Single Season: Four centuries during IPL 2016, a record he shares with Jos Buttler.
- Consistency Across Seasons: Kohli’s centuries span multiple seasons, showcasing his adaptability and dominance over time.
Significance of Kohli’s Centuries
Kohli’s ability to score centuries reflects not just his technical brilliance but also his mental toughness. His hundreds often come in high-pressure situations, turning games in RCB’s favor. For example:
- His century against Gujarat Lions in 2016 helped RCB secure a crucial win during their campaign to reach the finals.
- Back-to-back tons in IPL 2023 demonstrated his ability to rise to challenges even after years of playing at the highest level.
Comparison with Other Players
While Kohli tops the list with eight IPL centuries, other notable players include:
- Chris Gayle: Known for explosive batting, Gayle has six IPL hundreds.
- Jos Buttler: The Rajasthan Royals opener has five centuries to his name.
Players like KL Rahul, Shane Watson, and David Warner have four each.
Legacy
Virat Kohli’s eight IPL centuries are a testament to his unparalleled consistency and dominance in franchise cricket. His achievements have not only elevated RCB but also set benchmarks for other players to aspire to. As he continues to play for RCB, fans eagerly await more milestones from this cricketing legend.
