There is excitement in the air for the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru get ready to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match. The game will be played at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28.
All eyes will be on Virat Kohli who was a big part of the winning team last season. His reliable batting and effective captaincy made him one of the most valuable players in the tournament.
As the new season begins, Kohli is looking to defend the championship while chasing a handful of historic records that would further cement his legacy in T20 cricket.
1. First Player to Score 9,000 Runs in IPL History
Virat Kohli already holds the record for scoring the most runs in IPL history. He’s been a consistent performer over the years and one of the most reliable batters in the league.
He is just a few hundred runs short of the massive milestone of 9,000 IPL runs, a mark that no player has yet reached.
This record would reflect his long-standing consistency and devotion to the game.
Why this record matters:
- It will create a new benchmark in IPL history
- It is a testament to the longevity of his career in the professional game
- It cements his place among the all-time greats of T 20 cricket
To get there early in the season would be a big moment for the fans and the team.
2. First Player to Hit 300 Sixes for a Single Franchise
Kohli is also closing in on another milestone as he needs just 300 sixes to score for a single IPL team.
Since his arrival, he has remained loyal to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise and has developed a strong rapport with the fans. His power hitting and timing have produced some memorable moments in the stadium.
Just a handful more sixes needed to reach this unique milestone.
Importance of this record:Key facts:
- It emphasises his devotion to one franchise
- It shows his consistent hitting power
- It celebrates his long-time association with the team
It will be a proud moment for the player and the fans.
3. First player to score 4000 T20 runs at a single venue
Virat Kohli has always been good at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. His success in T20 cricket has been synonymous with the venue.
He is already the highest run scorer at this stadium and requires a few more runs to get to 4,000 runs at a single venue, which will be a historic accomplishment.
Why this milestone is significant:
- It shows his supremacy on one ground
- It shows how good he is in home games
- It is an unmatched record in the history of cricket
But fans who come to the stadium for matches will be hoping to see this moment during the season.
4. Most Centuries in the IPL by a Player
Due to the high pace of the game, centuries are rare in T20 cricket. Virat Kohli has already scored a few hundreds in the IPL, showing his capability of building long innings.
He is on course to be the first player to hit 10 hundreds in the tournament.
If he can do it, it will place him above many of the best in the world.
Why this record is important:
- It shows a lot of batting skill
- Proven ability to perform under pressure
- It is the new standard for future players
A good start to the season could see him closer to this record.
5. First Indian to score 14,000 runs in T20s
Besides IPL, Kohli is also close to another big milestone in all T20 cricket.
He needs a few hundred more runs to become the first Indian player to aggregate 14,000 runs in the format. This achievement would make him one of the most successful T20 batters in the world.
What’s special about this record:
- It is a reflection of his success in few tournaments
- It shows his lengthy career at the top level
- It highlights his consistent performances in international cricket
If he plays in his usual vein, this landmark could be achieved in the course of the IPL season.
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