Virat Kohli’s 3 best IPL knocks at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 36th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Sunday.
Host KKR have started their season on a high note, having won four out of six matches. However, they lost their last match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on the last ball, defending 223 runs. Kolkata currently sit third on the points table and will be looking to bounce back when they face RCB.
On the other hand, RCB have had a dismissal season so far. The Bangalore-based franchise are currently at the bottom of the table, having won one game out of seven matches. RCB lost their last game against SRH and now will be looking to get some momentum before they crash out of the top four race.
In this forgettable season so far, one player who has again stood out for RCB is their former captain, Virat Kohli. The Indian batter is also currently at the top of the Orange Cap list, having scored 361 runs in seven innings, including a century.
With all eyes on Virat when RCB takes on rival KKR, in this article, we'll look at the top three knocks by the RCB batter at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
#3 Virat Kohli played a supportive role in guiding RCB to victory (30* off 23 balls)
Bengaluru won the toss and elected to bowl first in the 24th match of the IPL 2011, played at Eden Gardens. Batting first, KKR scored 171 runs, thanks to some decent knocks by Gautam Gambhir (48) and Yusuf Pathan (46).
Chris Gayle responded by going bonkers and hitting an outstanding century, with Virat Kohli providing solid support at the other end. The West Indian batter remained unbeaten on 102 runs, while Kohli scored 30 runs off 23 balls, guiding RCB to an easy win while chasing 172 runs.
#2 Chase Master Kohli at work at Eden Gardens (75* off 51 balls)
The Kolkata Knight Riders scored 183 runs in their 20 overs after being invited to bat first in the 48th match of the IPL 2016 held at Eden Gardens. Gautam Gambhir and Manish Pandey scored half-centuries, while Andre Russell chipped in quickfire 39 runs to help KKR to put up a decent total.
In response, Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle started well; the latter got out on 49 runs. However, Virat guided RCB to victory along with AB de Villiers. The former RCB skipper remained unbeaten on 75 runs in 51 balls. His innings included five fours and three sixes.
Kohli was well supported by de Villiers, who also remained unbeaten on 59, guiding RCB to a thumping win over rivals KKR.
#1 Virat Kohli show at Eden Gardens (100 off 58 balls)
Kolkata was pitted against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 35th match of the IPL 2019, played at Eden Gardens. KKR won the toss and elected to field first, and then it was Virat Kohli's show for 20 overs. The leading run scorer in IPL history went on to score his maiden IPL century at Eden Gardens.
Kohli scored 100 runs in 58 balls. His innings were studded with nine fours and four sixes. He was well supported by Moeen Ali (66 runs in 28 balls), as RCB posted a huge total of 213 runs.
While chasing, KKR lost early wickets, but fifties from Nitish Rana (85) and Andre Russell (65) brought them back into the game. This time Virat Kohli showed his fielding skills as he sent Russell packing after he was found short of his crease. KKR tried hard but fell short by 10 runs. Meanwhile, Kohli was declared Player of the Match for his amazing knock.