Virat Kohli enters elite IPL league of legends with double milestone night in high-pressure Gujarat Titans chase

Virat Kohli starred in the clash vs Gujarat Titans with 81 off 44, becoming the first to 800 fours and joining the 300 sixes club.

Updated on: Apr 24, 2026, 22:44:53 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Virat Kohli continued his sublime form in IPL 2026, with the run-machine shifting into full flow after an early scare against Gujarat Titans. The RCB stalwart was dropped on a golden duck by Washington Sundar off Mohammed Siraj, a moment that proved costly as he went on to take control of the chase. From there on, Kohli dictated terms, finding gaps with ease and ensuring the required run rate never became a concern in the pursuit of 206. His approach remained measured, mixing caution with calculated aggression, while consistently keeping the scoreboard moving.

Virat Kohli registers his name in some record books. (PTI)

Early in the innings, Kohli also etched his name into the record books, becoming the first batter to cross 800 fours in IPL history. He now stands well clear at the top of the list, with Shikhar Dhawan next with 768, though he has stepped away from the league. David Warner (663) and Rohit Sharma (653) are the only others to breach the 600-mark, highlighting Kohli’s remarkable consistency and longevity at the highest level.

Meanwhile, the ex-RCB skipper added another milestone to his remarkable career, bringing up 300 IPL sixes with a clean strike off Rashid Khan just after the powerplay. With that hit, he became only the third batter in the league’s history to reach the mark, joining an elite list alongside Rohit Sharma and Chris Gayle.

While Kohli’s game has largely been built on timing and placement, the landmark also reflects his evolution as a T20 batter over the years. He now stands among the top power-hitters in the competition, even without relying solely on big hitting. Gayle continues to lead the charts with 357 sixes in just 141 innings, a record that remains unmatched, while Rohit sits second with 310 sixes from 271 innings. Kohli’s entry into this group further highlights his longevity and adaptability in the format.

Also Read - Sai Sudharsan enters Chris Gayle territory with historic three-peat IPL centuries, becomes first Indian on elusive list

Kohli brought up his half-century in just 30 balls, anchoring Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s chase of 206 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and keeping his side firmly in control with a composed and well-paced innings. Meanwhile, after reaching the milestone, Kohli shifted gears and accelerated smoothly, even targeting Jason Holder with two superb sixes as he looked set to push towards a century. However, he eventually fell for 81 off 44 balls, chopping a slower bouncer back onto his stumps. His innings included 8 fours and 4 sixes, underlining both control and intent in a high-pressure chase.

Sudharsan's ton powers GT to 205/3

Earlier, Sai Sudharsan produced a magnificent 100 that stood in contrast to conventional T20 batting, yet proved more than enough to power Gujarat Titans to a competitive 205 for three.

Sudharsan’s 58-ball knock, his third IPL hundred, formed the backbone of GT’s trend-defying effort with the bat. The left-hander dominated the 128-run opening stand with captain Shubman Gill (32 off 24) right from the outset, facing 29 deliveries in the Powerplay compared to Gill’s seven, and setting the tone early.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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