Virat Kohli has once again proved why he remains one of the most reliable batters in IPL history. Scripting another major milestone during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s high-pressure Qualifier 1 clash against Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala on Tuesday, the former RCB captain became the first player in IPL history to score 600 or more runs in four consecutive seasons, continuing a remarkable run of consistency that has redefined the latter phase of his T20 career.
What makes the achievement even more special is the journey behind it. The 2022 season was among the toughest of Kohli’s IPL career, as he managed only 341 runs in 16 matches and struggled for rhythm and confidence. Questions over his future in T20 cricket only grew louder with every passing game. Kohli, however, responded in the only way he knows: with runs.
Since 2023, the Indian batting icon has looked refreshed, more aggressive and far more assured at the crease. His powerplay intent has improved significantly, his strike rotation has become sharper and he has added more attacking options to his game.
The transformation has produced extraordinary numbers. Kohli scored 639 runs in the 2023 season before taking things to another level in 2024 when he amassed 741 runs to finish as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. He followed it up with 657 runs in 16 matches in 2025.
Now, with another 600-run campaign in 2026, Kohli has achieved something no batter had managed before in the IPL. Before him, only players like Chris Gayle, KL Rahul and David Warner had recorded three consecutive IPL seasons with 600-plus runs. Interestingly, Warner’s streak came across the 2016, 2017 and 2019 seasons after he missed the 2018 edition due to suspension.
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The landmark moment arrived during Kohli’s fluent knock against Gujarat Titans. Needing 43 runs before the match to reach the 600-run mark for the season, Kohli got there comfortably inside the eighth over. He looked in complete control from the beginning, playing with the authority and confidence fans have come to associate with him over the years. Kohli eventually scored a brisk 43 off just 25 deliveries, hitting five fours and a six before being dismissed.
After 15 matches this season, Kohli now has 600 runs at an average of 50. Even more impressive has been his strike rate of over 164, the highest in his IPL career so far. For a player once criticised for batting too cautiously in T20 cricket, the evolution in Kohli’s approach over the last few seasons has been striking.
Even after retiring from T20 internationals following India’s World Cup triumph in 2024, Kohli’s standards in franchise cricket have not dipped. If anything, he appears freer and more focused in the IPL, continuing to deliver match-winning performances season after season for RCB. The result has been a level of consistency very few players in IPL history have managed to sustain.
BY JOE WILLIAMS
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