Virat Kohli and Phil Salt struck with intent as Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a rapid start against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. The visitors benefited from a dominant opening stand of 120 runs, giving their innings a platform to build on.
Quick facts
- RCB got a flying start at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday against Mumbai Indians.
- Kohli and Salt shared a 120-run opening partnership.
- Salt scored 78 off 36 balls, while Kohli provided the anchor role.
- The stand became RCB’s second-highest opening effort versus Mumbai Indians in IPL history.
- Kohli reached his 47th century partnership in T20 cricket, the most by any batter in the format.
- Kohli was dismissed for 50, with Hardik Pandya taking the wicket.
- RCB are the defending champions after winning the IPL 2025 title, beating Punjab Kings in the final.
Salt set the tempo early, smashing 78 off 36 deliveries, while Kohli took charge of the structure, keeping the pressure on while the boundaries kept coming. Together, they dismantled Mumbai’s bowling attack and ensured RCB were already well ahead in the contest before the middle overs even arrived.
The 120-run stand also carved out a place in RCB’s record book. It became Bengaluru’s second-best opening partnership against Mumbai Indians in IPL history, trailing only the 148-run opening effort produced by Kohli and Faf du Plessis in Bengaluru in 2023.
Kohli’s T20 milestone
Kohli’s knock carried more than just value for the scoreboard. During the innings, he reached the landmark of 47 century partnerships in T20 cricket—an all-time high for any batter in the format. In the process, he passed Babar Azam, who has 46 such partnerships, and moved beyond several big names including Chris Gayle (46), David Warner (45), and Faf du Plessis (40).
Eventually, Kohli’s stay ended at a well-set 50. Hardik Pandya struck to remove him after the batter had done the key job of setting up the innings with a strong opening.
Kohli has been a pillar for RCB since the franchise’s first IPL season in 2008, and this innings reinforced his importance at the top. With RCB also arriving as the defending champions—having secured the IPL 2025 title by beating Punjab Kings in the final—their early momentum underlined why they remain a team built to challenge in every phase.
Most century partnerships in T20 cricket: 47—Virat Kohli; 46—Chris Gayle; 46—Babar Azam; 45—David Warner; 40—Faf du Plessis.
