Virat Kohli has etched his name deeper into Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming the first-ever batter to score over 9000 runs for a single team in Men’s T20 cricket. Representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kohli reached the landmark during his match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025, achieving the feat when he crossed 24 runs. The milestone also included a brisk half-century in 27 balls, ultimately ending his innings at 54. Kohli now stands at 9004 runs for RCB, which includes his contributions in the IPL and Champions League T20 (CLT20).
In addition to this unprecedented mark, Kohli also became the first batter in IPL history to register 600 or more runs in five different seasons 2013, 2016, 2023, 2024, and 2025. His consistency and hunger for runs continue to inspire fans and fellow players alike. He is also the all-time top scorer in IPL history with 8,552 runs, including 8 centuries and 62 fifties.
Despite Kohli’s heroics, RCB faced a stiff challenge from LSG, who posted a mammoth 226/3 in Match 70 of the league phase, thanks to an explosive century by Rishabh Pant. Batting for pride with LSG already out of playoff contention, Pant delivered his best performance of the season, remaining unbeaten on 118 from just 61 balls. His innings, packed with 11 boundaries and eight towering sixes, was his second IPL century and a timely reminder of his match-winning ability.
Pant’s revival came in partnership with Mitchell Marsh, who continued his strong season by scoring 67 off 37 deliveries. The duo added a massive 142-run stand for the second wicket after LSG lost debutant Matthew Breetzke early. Marsh crossed the 600-run mark for the season before being dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Pant, meanwhile, dominated the RCB bowling lineup, reaching his century in just 54 balls and helping LSG set the highest target ever recorded at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium.
RCB needed to chase down the 227-run target to secure a top-two finish and a spot in Qualifier 1, but their bowling lacked sting, and poor team selection raised questions notably leaving out captain Rajat Patidar. Kohli’s landmark inning and current tournament stats (548 runs in 12 innings at an average of 60.88 and strike rate of 145.35) kept RCB in the hunt, but the challenge was steep. With both Kohli and Pant grabbing headlines, the match became one of the most memorable clashes of the season. As Kohli continues to set new records, and Pant returns to form, IPL 2025 is shaping up to be a tournament defined by individual brilliance and high-stakes drama.
