Indian Cricket sensation Virat Kohli has made history by becoming the first player to play in all 19 IPL seasons. He plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2026 and continues to amaze fans with his consistent and record-breaking performances.
Since Virat Kohli made his IPL debut in 2008 against the Kolkata Knight Riders, he has always played for RCB. He is the first player in IPL history to have stayed with a single team throughout his career, and fans around the world are supporting him for his loyalty to the team. He is playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first match of IPL 2026. The game is on Saturday, March 28, at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
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Highlights from Kohli's IPL career
Virat Kohli started playing IPL on April 18, 2008, and over 19 seasons, he has broken many records and set high standards in cricket. He has scored the most runs in IPL history, 8,661, the most centuries, 8, and the most half-centuries, 63. He has hit a total of 1,062 boundaries, including fours and sixes, and all his runs have been for RCB, making him the highest scorer for one team. His best season was 2016, scoring 973 runs. He also scored the most runs against the Punjab Kings, 1,159 in 36 matches, and 3,202 runs at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in 94 matches.
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In IPL 2026, Virat Kohli is playing for RCB in their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. At 36, he is still a key and most important player, inspiring younger teammates and chasing more records. He won his first IPL title in 2025 and has also earned two Orange Caps. His hard work, fitness, and love for cricket make him an important figure in the league, inspiring many and earning their admiration.
Records and achievements of Kohli
Virat Kohli holds several remarkable IPL records that underline his consistency and longevity with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He has featured in 267 matches for a single franchise, the most by any player, and has also scored a record 3,202 runs at one venue, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, across 94 games.
He boasts the highest number of 50-plus scores (71) in IPL history and has smashed the most sixes for a single team (291). His standout season came in 2016, when he amassed a record 973 runs in just 16 matches, a benchmark that still stands unmatched. These milestones cement his place among the greatest batters in IPL history.
Against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kohli has played 24 matches, scoring 805 runs: the most by any player against the franchise. Notably, SRH clinched their only IPL title in 2016, defeating RCB in the final at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Virat Kohli playing in all 19 IPL seasons is a big achievement. His record runs, centuries, and loyalty to RCB make him a cricket star. Fans are excited to see what he does in IPL 2026.