Virat Kohli Matches Jos Buttler's IPL Century Record in Chases
Kohli Achieves Milestone Against KKR
In a remarkable performance, Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) equaled Jos Buttler's record for the most centuries in run-chases in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. He accomplished this feat while playing against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), scoring an impressive 105 not out off 60 deliveries, which included 11 fours and three sixes, achieving a strike rate of 175.00.
Kohli's Chasing Statistics
This century marks Kohli's third in IPL run-chases, placing him alongside Buttler. Over his IPL career, Kohli has amassed 4,285 runs in 138 matches and 131 innings, boasting an average of 42.42 and a strike rate of 136.42. His record includes three centuries and 29 half-centuries, with a personal best of 108 not out. Specifically, in successful chases, he has scored 2,784 runs in 76 matches and 70 innings, averaging 63.27 with a strike rate of 142.69, which also features three centuries and 20 fifties.
Kohli's Dominance in High-Pressure Situations
Kohli has consistently been a key player for RCB in high-stakes chases, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. His contributions in the team's six highest successful chases in IPL history are as follows:
| Match | Opponent | Year | Kohli's Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 228 | LSG | 2025 | 54 (30) |
| 206 | GT | 2026 | 81 (44) |
| 204 | KXIP | 2010 | 16* (12) |
| 202 | SRH | 2026 | 69* (38) |
| 201 | GT | 2024 | 70* (44) |
| 193 | KKR | 2026 | 105* (60) |
In total, Kohli has scored 395 runs in these six innings, averaging 197.50 with a strike rate exceeding 173, including one century and four fifties.
Other Achievements and Orange Cap Standings
Kohli has also tied with Rohit Sharma for the most 'Player of the Match' awards among Indian players in IPL history, with both players having 21 accolades each. In the current IPL 2026 season, he has surged to third place in the Orange Cap race, accumulating 484 runs in 12 matches at an average of 53.77 and a strike rate of 165.75, which includes one century and three fifties.
Match Recap: KKR vs RCB
In the match, RCB won the toss and chose to bowl first, restricting KKR to 48/2 early on. Key contributions from Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who scored 71 not out off 46 balls, and Rinku Singh, who added 49 not out off 32 balls, helped KKR reach a total of 192/4 in their 20 overs. Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar each took one wicket.
During RCB's chase, Kohli lost his opening partner Jacob Bethell (15) early but formed a crucial 92-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 39 off 27 balls. RCB successfully chased down the target in 19.1 overs, winning by six wickets.
Impact on the Points Table
With this victory, RCB has climbed to the top of the points table, boasting eight wins and four losses for a total of 16 points. Conversely, KKR, which had been on a four-match unbeaten streak after a series of six winless matches, now faces significant challenges in their quest for a playoff spot, making their final three matches crucial.