NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart Virat Kohli has etched his name in the annals of cricketing history by becoming the first player ever to hit 1,000 boundaries in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This remarkable feat was achieved during RCB’s high-octane clash against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday.
Kohli, known for his aggressive strokeplay and unparalleled consistency, reached the historic milestone with a spectacular six, sending the buzzing home crowd into a frenzied celebration. The moment was not just a testament to his skill but also his enduring impact on the game. Kohli’s tally includes 721 fours and 280 sixes, showcasing his versatility as a batsman capable of dominating bowlers across all parts of the ground.
Despite the joy of the landmark, Kohli’s innings was short-lived. He was dismissed for 22 runs off 14 balls by DC’s young leg-spinner Vipraj Nigam. The dismissal came from a teasing leg-break that tempted Kohli into a drive, only for the ball to be caught stunningly by Mitchell Starc at long-off, momentarily silencing the electrified crowd.
Earlier in the day, DC skipper Axar Patel won the toss and chose to bowl first, aiming to exploit the challenging conditions. Delhi, entering the game with an impeccable record, made a strategic change by introducing Faf du Plessis in place of Samir Rizvi. On the other hand, RCB opted to maintain their consistent lineup, a decision influenced by captain Rajat Patidar’s focus on building momentum and securing home victories.
“We would have loved to chase, but the surface looks hard; we’ll look to put up a good total and defend it. I always back my instincts, but I do plan as well. It’s important to win home matches as well, important to have the momentum going,” RCB batter Rajat Patidar commented at the toss, encapsulating the team’s strategy and the significance of their home ground advantage.
With over 8,190 runs in the IPL, Kohli’s new record further solidifies his status as the tournament’s most consistent performer, a title he’s held dearly through years of exceptional cricket. This milestone not only highlights his individual achievements but also sets a new benchmark for aspiring cricketers around the globe.