NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli’s remarkable resurgence versus Kolkata Knight Riders drew more than cheers from the stands—it also sparked an emotional nod from IPL legend Dwayne Bravo. After Kohli powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket victory in Raipur, Bravo made his way into the RCB dressing room to offer a personal congratulatory hug to the former India captain.
Later, RCB posted a clip on social media showing the KKR mentor embracing Kohli and delivering a message that stood out for its warmth: “Play as long as possible, the sport needs you.” The video spread quickly across cricket circles, with fans highlighting the mutual respect between two of T20 cricket’s most prominent figures.
Kohli had walked into the game under pressure following two straight dismissals for ducks, but he answered in his usual style. Chasing a demanding target of 193, he anchored the chase brilliantly with a career-best kind of control—finishing unbeaten on 105 off just 60 balls. His innings included 11 boundaries and three maximums, setting the tone for RCB’s successful chase.
Just as important was the partnership he built with Devdutt Padikkal. The pair put together a decisive 92-run stand, with Padikkal contributing 39, helping RCB steady the innings after an early wicket threatened to disrupt the chase.
The hundred was Kohli’s ninth IPL century, reinforcing his reputation for delivering in pursuit of big totals. With a calm, calculated approach, RCB reached the required score with five balls to spare. The win also propelled them to the summit of the IPL 2026 points table on net run rate.
Earlier in the match, KKR had posted 192/4, largely driven by a standout 71 from Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Rinku Singh then provided a late surge, remaining unbeaten on 49, while Cameron Green added 32 during the middle overs to help set a demanding platform for the chase.
Even though Kartik Tyagi struck three times, KKR were unable to slow Kohli’s momentum. He dominated the chase from start to finish, ensuring that the target never felt out of reach once he took control.
For Bravo, the praise carried extra meaning. Having shared countless IPL battles with Kohli over the years, he clearly recognised what this innings represented. His message captured a sentiment many supporters and players continue to share—that talents like Kohli are special, and the sport is better when they are still playing.
