While playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Virat Kohli scored 5 centuries in the IPL. His first century was in 2016 against Gujarat Lions, followed by three centuries in 2016 against Gujarat Lions and Kings XI Punjab. His fifth century was in 2019 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
The First Century: A Sign of Things to Come
Kohli’s first IPL century was a glimpse of the greatness to come. It was on May 6, 2016, and he played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore against the Gujarat Lions. Kohli’s unbeaten century scored off just 63 balls, including 11 fours and five sixes. He demonstrated his brilliant batting skills and immense talent, an indication of the future success that he would achieve in his IPL career.
The Second Century: Answering Critics
Kohli’s second IPL century scored in 2016 against the Rising Pune Supergaints came under a cloud of criticism. Many questioned whether he could repeat his previous year’s success in the tournament. But Kohli responded in style, with breathtaking innings of 108 off just 55 balls. He silenced his critics with eight fours and five sixes in a match-winning performance
The Third Century: A Knock for the Ages
On April 24, 2016, Kohli created history in the IPL as he scored his third century of the season. This time, he inflicted pain on the Gujarat Lions yet again, as he scored an unbeaten 100 off 63 deliveries. The knock included 11 fours and one six, again showing Kohli’s phenomenal consistency and mastery of the game
The Fourth Century: Making History
Kohli had a fantastic season in 2016, scoring not one but two centuries within a week. His third century came against Kings XI Punjab, where he smashed 113 off just 50 balls. The outstanding performance showcased his tremendous skill and composure under pressure and was the highlight of the entire tournament.
Fifth Century: A Legendary Player
Kohli’s most recent IPL century, scored on April 19, 2019, against the Kolkata Knight Riders, further cemented his reputation as a legendary player of the IPL. He became the first player to score 5,000 runs in this tournament and clocked up his fifth century in just 58 balls. His sheer class and batting prowess came to the fore in how he dominated the opposition.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s IPL century tally is a testament to his incredible cricketing abilities. He has been an extraordinary force in the tournament, with five centuries to his name. These have come against some of the best teams in the IPL, proving that Kohli is one of the most consistent and reliable batsmen in the world. His brilliance and cool-headedness have made him a champion of the IPL and an icon of the sport globally.
