Virat Kohli Shines as RCB Tops IPL Table with a Century
RCB's Victory Over KKR
In a thrilling match on May 13, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) triumphed over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, reclaiming the top position in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) standings with just two matches remaining in the season. Virat Kohli was the standout performer, scoring a remarkable century as RCB chased down a target of 193 runs with five balls to spare. After experiencing two consecutive ducks, the former RCB captain delivered an impressive unbeaten innings of 105 runs off 60 balls, featuring 11 fours and three sixes, achieving a strike rate of 175.
Kohli's Playful Stump-Mic Moment
Virat Kohli's Playful Stump-Mic Moment
Kohli's light-hearted exchange with Manish Pandey caught the attention of fans online, as he humorously expressed his newfound freedom to play innovative shots, stating he no longer has to play for India. While mimicking a ramp shot, he said, 'Ab toh maarunga main. Aaise Vale (makes a ramp shot gesture). Ab India ke liye thode na khelna hai. Ab toh har shot lagega (Yes, I will hit now). Like these. Now, I don't have to play for India. Now I will play every shot).'
🚨VIRAT KOHLI IN STUMP MIC TO PADDIKAL 🚨🎙️ - "Ab to India ke liye thodi na khelna h, ab to har shot lagega"😂 pic.twitter.com/6UH7Ey5bD2
— Sam (@Cricsam01) May 14, 2026
Understanding Kohli's Comments
Understanding Kohli's Comments
Although Kohli has stepped back from T20I and Test formats, he continues to represent India and has been in exceptional form, accumulating three centuries and three fifties in his last nine matches. He is expected to play a crucial role in the Indian batting lineup for the upcoming 2027 Cricket World Cup. It seems Kohli's remarks were directed at his retirement from Test cricket, as he previously noted the need to maintain his technique with the format's demands. After his century against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2023 season, he emphasized the importance of technique, stating, 'I've never been a guy who plays so many fancy shots... We've got Test cricket (coming up) after the IPL, have to stay true to my technique.' Kohli retired from red-ball cricket in May of the previous year after participating in 123 Test matches for India. Since then, his batting style has noticeably evolved, with a significant increase in his strike rate across both IPL and ODI formats. In the current IPL season, he ranks as the third-highest run-scorer with 484 runs in 11 matches, boasting an average of 53.77 and a strike rate of 165.75.