The former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli has cemented his place as a legend of T20 format. He became the first Indian cricketer to score a staggering 12000 runs in the shortest format of the game. This remarkable feat was achieved during the opening clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, where his team, RCB, faced off against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
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The 35-year-old’s journey to 12,000 runs showcases his consistent brilliance across various T20 leagues and international matches. These runs encompass his impressive tallies for RCB in the IPL and the now-defunct Champions League, his domestic exploits for Delhi in Twenty20 cricket, and his stellar performances for the Indian National Team in T20 Internationals.
First Indian to reach the 12000 T20 runs milestone 🫡#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2024 #CSKvRCB #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/Dh5rCn6nzl
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 22, 2024
This achievement places him amongst an elite group of batsmen who have conquered the fast-paced world of T20 cricket. He joins T20 stalwarts Chris Gayle, Shoaib Malik, Kieron Pollard, Alex Hales, and David Warner in this exclusive club of players with over 12,000 T20 runs.
While records are meant to be broken, the elegance with which Virat Kohli reached the milestone adds another layer to his accomplishment. He didn’t require a flamboyant six or a powerful boundary. Instead, with a simple nudge of a full ball from Ravindra Jadeja behind square on the leg side for a single in the seventh over of the match, he etched his name in history.
Kohli’s mastery of the format extends beyond just reaching milestones. He boasts an exceptional record in the IPL, holding the title for the highest number of runs scored in the tournament’s history. Across 239 matches and 230 innings, he has amassed a staggering 7,284 runs at a healthy average of 37.24 and a blistering strike rate of 130.02. His highest score in the IPL is a phenomenal 113, and his consistency is further emphasized by his seven centuries and 50 fifties in the tournament.
Glenn Maxwell imitates Virat Kohli's batting style during practice sessions 👌🏻#TATAIPL #IPL2024 #TATAIPL2024 #CSKvsRCB #RCBvsCSKpic.twitter.com/HATeNyWFN5
— IPL Scoop (@Ipl_scoop) March 21, 2024
The CSK vs RCB clash wasn’t just about the 12,000-run milestone for Virat Kohli. He also reached another significant landmark, achieving 1,000 runs against the Chennai Super Kings. Across 32 matches against CSK, he has compiled a total of 1,006 runs at an average of 37.25. While he fell short of David Warner’s record of 1,075 runs against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Kohli’s nine half-centuries in 31 innings against CSK showcase his consistent dominance against this particular team.
Virat Kohli’s dedication, skill, and hunger for runs have propelled him to the top of the T20 game. His journey to 12,000 runs and his additional milestone against CSK are testaments to his unwavering commitment to excellence. As the IPL season unfolds, cricket fans around the world will be eagerly waiting to see what new heights this modern-day legend will scale.
