Virat Kohli smashes redemption century; registers 9th IPL hundred in RCB vs KKR IPL 2026
Virat Kohli arrived at the crease after two back-to-back ducks, a rare lean patch that had drawn attention. Yet he settled in quickly on a batting surface.
Virat Kohli smashed his redemption century and registered his 9th IPL hundred off 58 balls as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a high-stakes IPL 2026 clash in Raipur. The 37-year-old star silenced early doubts with a vintage display that mixed grit and flair, giving RCB a solid platform in their chase.
From ducks to dominance: Virat Kohli’s fightback
Virat Kohli arrived at the crease after two back-to-back ducks, a rare lean patch that had drawn attention. Yet he settled in quickly on a true batting surface. He focused on sound positions at the crease, avoided risky shots and worked the ball into gaps with precise placement. The century came in the 18.2-over mark when he drove a full delivery from Vaibhav Arora along the ground to long-off for a single.
His celebration was understated, a simple raise of the bat, as teammates stood and applauded from the dugout. The knock, scored at a strike rate of around 172, kept RCB comfortably ahead of the required rate and allowed the middle order to bat with freedom.
Quick answers to key questions
Virat Kohli has scored 9 IPL centuries, extending his lead at the top of the all-time IPL hundreds chart. This was his first IPL century since the 2024 season.
Virat Kohli smashed a redemption century, scoring 105 not out off 60 balls, to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He was named Player of the Match for his performance.
Virat Kohli focused on sound positions at the crease, avoided risky shots, and worked the ball into gaps with precise placement. He aimed for risk-free cricket and backed his natural game, stating he was nervous but used the pressure to improve.
Virat Kohli's century was crucial for RCB's chase against KKR, helping them maintain the required run rate and secure a vital win. This victory propelled RCB to the top of the IPL 2026 points table, boosting their playoff campaign.
Virat Kohli stated that good pressure always helps improve his game and that failures are important for a player's comeback. He admitted to being nervous but focused on playing risk-free cricket and enjoying batting at this level.
Virat Kohli reflects on milestone as Player of the Match
Named Player of the Match for his effort, Virat Kohli later shared his thoughts on the innings.
“The celebration wasn't a big one because we know the importance of points. There's a reason why people say pressure is a privilege. Good pressure always makes you improve your game. you go a level up, you keep improving your game. I was nervous, I just wanted to get off the mark. My positions at the crease, not trying anything extravagant, find the gaps, staying in the present, I was able to back my game, risk-free cricket. All these factors were very pleasing for me. I just love batting. What an honour to be playing at this level. This is all I have done all my life. I want to make the most of everyday. You build your character.”
Virat Kohli strengthens record in IPL centuries list
The innings extended Virat Kohli’s lead at the top of the all-time IPL hundreds chart. The updated list now reads:
9 – Virat Kohli*
7 – Jos Buttler
6 – Chris Gayle
6 – KL Rahul
5 – Sanju Samson
Key boost for RCB’s playoff campaign
Facing a competitive Kolkata Knight Riders side known for early breakthroughs and varied bowling, Virat Kohli’s presence shifted the momentum. He rotated strike smoothly and maintained a scoring rate close to 10 runs per over during his time at the crease. The century arrived at a crucial stage for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have now climbed up to the top spot of the IPL 2026 points table with the two points.
About the Author
Aachal Maniyar is a Senior Content Producer at LiveMint, where she covers US sports with a focus on major leagues, marquee events, and athlete-driven stories, while also reporting extensively on cricket and global sports. With over five years of first-hand journalism experience, she combines sharp editorial judgment with real-time sports storytelling across platforms. <br><br> Her reporting journey spans leading newsrooms including Thomson Reuters, India TV, BTVI, ET NOW, and CNBC TV18, where she has worked across breaking news, live match coverage, feature writing, interviews, video scripting, and anchoring. This multi-platform exposure has shaped her ability to deliver context-rich sports and business journalism tailored for both television and digital audiences. <br><br> Aachal has conducted and produced exclusive interviews with athletes and public figures such as India cricketer Dhruv Jurel, Indian women’s hockey captain Savita Punia, and industrialist Ratan Tata, along with several emerging and established sports personalities. Her body of work includes in-depth explainers, athlete profiles, emotionally resonant fan narratives, and data-backed match analysis across cricket, Olympic sports, and international competitions. <br><br> She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune, and believes in reporting that is grounded in accuracy, clarity, and credibility. Her philosophy is simple: sports journalism should go beyond scores and statistics, capturing the human stories, pressure moments, and decisions that shape the game and the people who play it.
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