Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya lavished praise on Virat Kohli after the former captain crossed a major IPL milestone, reaching 9,000 runs in the league. Kohli’s latest landmark came during RCB’s match against Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium, where he began his cricket journey, and his closing burst helped RCB complete a comfortable 76-run chase.
Key takeaways
- Krunal Pandya described Virat Kohli’s 15–20 years of IPL excellence as “unbelievable,” highlighting his consistency and relentless drive.
- Kohli reached 9,000 IPL runs during RCB’s game against Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
- In the chase, Kohli finished with 23 not out off 15 balls, including a four and two sixes at a strike rate of 153.33.
- RCB’s chase was wrapped up in 6.3 overs, powered by contributions from Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal and Kohli.
- RCB’s win marked their sixth victory in eight matches, taking them to second in the points table, while DC slipped to seventh after their fifth loss of the campaign.
Kohli’s 9,000-run moment and Krunal’s tribute
Speaking at the post-match press conference after RCB’s emphatic win over Delhi Capitals, Krunal underlined what Kohli’s milestone represents: longevity, impact, and an appetite to keep improving. He said Kohli has been among the sport’s greatest performers and noted that the achievements accumulated over the last 15–20 years are “unbelievable,” stressing that such consistency is rare. Krunal also pointed to Kohli’s “hunger” and the way it continues to show in his approach to the game.
The all-rounder further credited Kohli with changing the fitness mindset in Indian cricket. For Krunal, Kohli’s influence goes beyond match-day results, describing how the batter helped shift public perception of the sport through a fitness-first culture. Krunal said Kohli has acted as a flagbearer for how fitness has taken hold across India.
On reflecting on the milestone, Krunal suggested that reaching such heights is driven by years of sustained hard work. He added that when a player reaches a big benchmark, it brings satisfaction that the effort has been rewarded—something every hardworking professional aims to see.
Looking ahead, Krunal expressed hope that Kohli keeps building on his form and continues contributing to more franchise wins. He said he had not yet asked Kohli how he feels about 9,000 runs, but he wants the star to maintain the same rhythm, bring additional victories for RCB, and keep everyone feeling happy.
What Kohli has now, and where RCB sit after the result
After the landmark, Kohli’s IPL tally stood at 9,012 runs across 275 matches. His numbers include an average of 40.05 and a strike rate of 133.05, with eight centuries and 66 fifties. His best IPL score remains 113 not out.
Kohli is also currently fourth in the Orange Cap race. He has made 351 runs in eight innings at an average of 58.50, striking at 162.50, featuring three fifties. His best score in this season is 81.
With the win over DC, RCB moved to their sixth triumph in eight matches and collected 12 points, placing them second in the points standings. For Delhi Capitals, it was their fifth defeat in the same stretch; they have won three matches so far, leaving them seventh in the table.
RCB’s bowling impact and the chase in 6.3 overs
RCB chose to bowl first and quickly tightened the contest. Hazlewood delivered a spell of 4 wickets for 12 runs, while Bhuvneshwar struck 3 wickets for 5 runs, restricting DC to 75 in 16.3 overs. In the middle, Abishek Porel made 30 and David Miller contributed 19, but the DC batting lineup couldn’t build enough resistance.
In reply, RCB’s batters attacked from the outset to complete the chase in 6.3 overs. Jacob Bethell top-scored with 20 off 10 balls, striking boundaries including a four and two sixes. Devdutt Padikkal then played a decisive knock of 34 not out from 13 balls, with three fours and three sixes, while Kohli finished the job with 25 not out off 13 deliveries—again featuring a four and two sixes—sealing the chase with momentum and control.
During the chase, Kohli specifically struck two consecutive sixes to close matters, finishing on 23 not out from 15 balls with a strike rate of 153.33.
