Virat Kohli walked out in Dharamshala with Royal Challengers Bengaluru needing stability, authority and a little bit of old-fashioned control. RCB were put in to bat by Punjab Kings, and with captain Rajat Patidar missing the game through injury, the responsibility on Kohli became even greater.
Punjab had their own pressure, coming in after five straight defeats, while Bengaluru were looking to move closer to sealing their playoff spot. The HPCA Stadium crowd did not have to wait long for Kohli to settle into his familiar rhythm.
After an early wicket, he stitched the innings back together with calm but attacking strokeplay. By the time he reached his half-century, Kohli had steadied RCB and broken multiple IPL records without turning the innings into a personal parade.
PBKS vs RCB: Virat Kohli reaches another 500-Run IPL season
Kohli crossed the 500-run mark in IPL 2026 during his innings against Punjab Kings. The landmark came in the fourth over when he stepped out to Lockie Ferguson and launched a trademark flick over deep mid-wicket for six. It was classic Kohli: quick feet, strong wrists, clean balance, and the ball disappearing into the crowd.
This is now Kohli’s ninth IPL season with 500 or more runs, the most by any batter in tournament history. Former Australia opener David Warner and India batsman KL Rahul are next with seven such seasons each, while Shikhar Dhawan achieved the feat five times.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised the achievement on X, writing, “Another 500 runs season for Virat Kohli in the IPL. His mindset is what makes him so special.”
PBKS vs RCB: Virat Kohli extends his own record against Punjab Kings
Kohli also improved his record for most runs by a batter against a single opponent in IPL history. Punjab Kings have been one of his favorite opponents over the years, and this innings pushed that dominance even further.
Most runs vs an opponent in IPL:
1189* – Virat Kohli vs PBKS, average 37.15
1174 – Virat Kohli vs CSK, average 37.87
1172 – Virat Kohli vs DC, average 48.83
1161 – Rohit Sharma vs KKR, average 40.03
1134 – David Warner vs PBKS, average 49.3
1126 – Virat Kohli vs KKR, average 45.04
The list is almost funny in a serious way because Kohli appears three times in the top six. He has not just been consistent against one team; he has built entire rivalries out of run-scoring.
Also READ: Why are Rajat Patidar and Marco Jansen not playing today’s PBKS vs RCB game in Dharamshala?
Virat Kohli anchors RCB after early setback vs PBKS
RCB lost Jacob Bethell early for 11 to Harpreet Brar, but Kohli ensured the innings did not stall. Devdutt Padikkal joined him and played a sharp 45 off 25 balls, giving Bengaluru the tempo they needed after the early blow.
Kohli then brought up his fourth half-century of the season off 31 balls. At one stage, he was unbeaten on 51 from 32 deliveries, with three fours and three sixes, striking at 159.38. He was not just nudging and waiting. He was picking his moments, attacking pace when offered width or length, and punishing spin whenever it dragged short.
One of his best moments came against Yuzvendra Chahal, when he pulled a shorter delivery through deep mid-wicket during a big 21-run over. He also looked comfortable against Ferguson’s pace, using the altitude and short boundaries well without losing shape.
With Rajat Patidar unavailable and Jitesh Sharma leading RCB, Kohli’s innings carried extra value. He was not only scoring runs; he was giving the innings direction. RCB reached 126 for 2 after 12.4 overs with Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer at the crease, well placed for a strong finish.
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