Virat Kohli Makes History: First Indian to Score 100 T20 Half-Centuries
In a spectacular display of skill and consistency, Virat Kohli carved his name into the annals of cricket history on Sunday, becoming the first Indian to amass 100 half-centuries in T20 cricket. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) talisman reached this monumental milestone during an unbeaten knock of 62 runs off 45 balls against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
This remarkable achievement came in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, where Kohli notched up his third fifty of the campaign. With this innings, his career tally in T20 cricket now stands at an astonishing 100 fifties and 9 centuries across 405 matches. Globally, Kohli trails only Australia’s David Warner, who leads the charts with 108 fifties and 8 centuries from 400 games, cementing Kohli’s place as one of the format’s all-time greats.
Kohli celebrated his milestone in emphatic fashion, smashing a towering six off Wanindu Hasaranga in the 15th over during RCB’s chase of 174 runs. His composure and aggression were on full display as he anchored the innings, forming a sizzling 92-run opening stand with Phil Salt, who blazed his way to 65 off 33 balls. Kohli then stitched an unbeaten 83-run partnership with rising star Devdutt Padikkal (40 off 28), guiding RCB to a commanding nine-wicket victory with 15 balls to spare.
Earlier in the match, Rajasthan Royals had put up a fighting total of 173/4, thanks largely to a fluent 75 off 47 balls from opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, their efforts were overshadowed by RCB’s ruthless batting firepower, led by Kohli’s masterclass.
This milestone not only underlines Kohli’s status as a modern-day legend but also highlights his adaptability and hunger for runs even after over a decade at the top. In the elite list of T20 half-century makers, Kohli sits above Pakistan’s Babar Azam (90 fifties), West Indies’ explosive Chris Gayle (88 fifties), and England’s dynamic Jos Buttler (86 fifties). His consistency across formats and longevity in the high-pressure world of T20 cricket make this feat even more extraordinary.
Reflecting on Kohli’s journey, it’s worth noting some staggering stats: since his T20 debut in 2007, he has amassed over 12,000 runs in the format at an average hovering around 40 and a strike rate exceeding 130. His ability to dominate both as an aggressive opener and a steady middle-order batter showcases his versatility, a trait that has made him a nightmare for bowlers worldwide.
As Kohli continues to shatter records, fans and critics alike are left marveling at his relentless pursuit of excellence. With RCB showing signs of dominance in IPL 2025, Kohli’s form could well be the catalyst for ending their long wait for the coveted title. For now, though, the cricket world pauses to celebrate a true icon rewriting the T20 playbook.