Virat Kohli's 5 best matches as RCB captain
Making his debut in 2008, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli is the leading run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kohli has 8,004 runs in 252 games at an average of 38.67 and eight centuries. The right-hander also holds a record of scoring the most runs (973) in a single season.
Kohli also led the RCB from 2013 to 2021 and secured 66 victories from 143 matches. Under his captaincy, RCB qualified for the playoffs on four occasions, while emerging as the runner-up in the 2016 edition.
Kohli will certainly go down as the finest batter to play in the cash-rich league, due to his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Although, he could not lead the franchise to a title victory, his captaincy will be remembered for the years to come.
On that note, let's take a look at the five best matches for Virat Kohli as RCB skipper.
#5 RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2015, Bengaluru
The game between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Punjab Kings in the 2015 season marks one of the dominating wins for the former in the IPL. Invited to bat first, the opening pair of Chris Gayle and skipper Virat Kohli set a strong foundation for RCB.
Although, Kohli was dismissed for 32, Gayle continued his momentum to hit 117 off 57 balls. The southpaw got support from AB de Villiers (47*), as RCB posted a staggering total of 226.
In response, the Punjab-based franchise were bundled out for a meager 88, with Mitchell Starc and Sreenath Aravind picking up four wickets each. As a result, RCB won by 138 runs, which ranks as their second-biggest victory in terms of runs.
#4 RCB vs PWI, IPL 2013, Bengaluru
This game will be remembered for many reasons - Chris Gayle's record-breaking knock and RCB registering their highest-ever IPL total. Batting first, the franchise got off to a sensational start with the opening duo Chris Gayle and Tillakaratne Dilshan. They stitched together a 167-run stand before Dilshan was dismissed for 33.
Coming at No.3, Virat Kohli couldn't be potent enough, as he perished for 11 off nine balls, while AB de Villiers slammed 31 off eight deliveries. Gayle remained unbeaten on 175* off 66 to lead RCB to a mammoth total of 263. It is still the highest-ever individual score by a batter in IPL.
In response, the now-defunct Pune Warriors India faltered under pressure of a high asking rate. They could only manage 130/9 in their allotted 20 overs. The Virat Kohli-led side went on to win the game by 130 runs.
#3 RCB vs RR, IPL 2021, Mumbai
Skipper Virat Kohli and his opening partner Devdutt Padikkal came up with one of the finest opening partnerships in IPL 2021. The game saw the Royal Challengers Bengaluru clashing with the Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Batting first, the Royals posted a par total of 177 on the board, with impressive cameos from middle-order. Mohammed Siraj took three wickets for RCB.
In response, the Bengaluru-based franchise were off to a flyer with Kohli and Padikkal, as they garnered 59 runs in the powerplay. They continued their onslaught on a belter of a surface and tormented the Royals bowlers.
Padikkal (101* off 52) went to register his first IPL century and Kohli (72* off 47) also looked flawless, as RCB sealed the chase in less than 17 overs. Notably, it is only one of the four 10-wicket wins for the franchise in the league history.
#2 RCB vs GL, IPL 2016, Bengaluru
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered their biggest-ever IPL victory by 144 runs against the now-defunct Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016. Despite losing Chris Gayle early and managing only 42 in the powerplay, the pair of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers looked unstoppable with their six-hitting extravaganza.
The duo stitched together a 229-run stand to lift the RCB's total to 248/3, which is their third-highest total in the tournament. Kohli slammed 109 off 55, while de Villiers struck 129* off 52 balls.
Thereafter, the Lions were bundled out for 104, with Chris Jordan picking up four wickets.
#1 RCB vs RPS, IPL 2016, Bengaluru
The Game 35 of IPL 2016 between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and now-defunct Rising Pune Super Giants saw Virat Kohli play arguably his finest IPL knock. The Giants batted first and posted 191 on the board, with Shane Watson picking up 3/24 for RCB.
Although, Kohli started on a quiet note, he shifted his gears and played as an aggressor in his 94-run stand with KL Rahul (38 off 35). Chasing a big score, RCB could not get support from AB de Villiers (1).
However, Shane Watson (36 off 13) stitched together a quick 46-run stand with Kohli to keep RCB in the hunt. With 40 needed off the last three overs, Kohli unleased his best to chase down the score with three balls to spare. He remained unbeaten on 108 off 58, with eight fours and seven sixes.