Virat Kohli, often hailed as the “King” of cricket, has once again demonstrated why he is a cornerstone of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and one of the greatest batters in T20 history. In the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Virat Kohli’s consistency has reached new heights, as he shattered records and delivered match-defining performances.
Virat’s journey with RCB, spanning 18 seasons since the IPL’s inception in 2008, is a remarkable story of loyalty, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence. In IPL 2025, Kohli not only cemented his legacy but also set benchmarks that may remain untouched for years, earning praise from teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
Breaking New Ground: 9000 Runs for RCB
On May 27, 2025, during a thrilling match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Virat etched his name in IPL history by becoming the first batter to score 9,000 runs for a single franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Reaching this milestone when he scored 24 runs in the game, Kohli’s tally of 9,004 runs for RCB is a testament to his longevity and consistency.
This achievement places him far ahead of his peers, with Rohit Sharma’s 6,060 runs for Mumbai Indians being the next closest in men’s T20 cricket for a single team.
This record is not just about numbers; it reflects Kohli’s ability to perform season after season, regardless of the challenges. His 9,000 runs for RCB, achieved over 18 IPL seasons, translate to an average of approximately 500 runs per season, a statistic that RCB coach Dinesh Karthik described as “genius par excellence”.
Karthik’s praise highlights the rarity of such sustained excellence, noting that Kohli’s passion and consistency have made him a role model for younger players like Jitesh Sharma, who credited Kohli’s influence after his own match-winning knock against LSG.
𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘆 of the season for @virat.kohli 🔥
The King leading the chase for #RCB 👑
They need 113 runs from 60 deliveries.
Updates ▶ https://t.co/h5KnqyuYZE #TATAIPL | #LSGvRCB | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/9Ti12G4veI
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 27, 2025
Virat Kohli’s milestone also extends beyond the IPL, as he became the first batter to score 9,000 runs for a single team in men’s T20 cricket, a feat that underscores his dominance in the format. His ability to maintain such a high level of performance over nearly two decades is what sets him apart, making this record a defining moment in his illustrious career.
A Season of Milestones: Consistency Personified
In IPL 2025, Kohli’s performances have been a masterclass in consistency, with 602 runs in 14 matches at an average of 60 and a strike rate of 147. His season included eight half-centuries, showcasing his ability to deliver in various situations. Notable performances include an unbeaten 73* off 43 balls against Punjab Kings, where he anchored RCB to a crucial victory, and a rapid 62 off 33 balls against Chennai Super Kings, which helped him reclaim the Orange Cap temporarily.
Virat has achieved 600-plus runs in five IPL seasons (2013, 2016, 2023, 2024, 2025), more than any other batter, including KL Rahul (four times) and Chris Gayle (three times). These statistics reflect his ability to maintain peak form year after year, even as the IPL becomes increasingly competitive.
His performances in IPL 2025 have been pivotal for RCB, who secured a spot in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings. Kohli’s ability to anchor innings, like his 54 off 30 balls against LSG, and accelerate when needed, as seen in his 59 against Kolkata Knight Riders, demonstrates his versatility. His consistency has not only kept RCB in contention but also inspired teammates.
Kohli’s season also saw him break other records, such as becoming the first player to hit 1,000 boundaries (766 fours and 291 sixes) in the IPL and the first to hit 291 sixes for a single franchise. These milestones, while impressive, are secondary to his ability to consistently deliver match-defining performances, making him the backbone of RCB’s campaign.
Virat’s surreal consistency in IPL 2025 has solidified his legacy as the IPL’s greatest run-scorer and one of cricket’s all-time greats. His 9,000 runs for RCB, eight seasons with 500+ runs, and five seasons with 600+ runs are testaments to his unmatched reliability. As RCB enters the IPL 2025 playoffs, Kohli’s form will be crucial in their quest for a maiden title.
Virat’s ability to perform under pressure, inspire his team, and break records while maintaining a high standard of excellence makes him a true icon of the game. Whether or not RCB lifts the trophy, Kohli’s consistency in IPL 2025 will be remembered as a defining chapter in his storied career.
Also Read: LSG vs RCB: Jitesh Sharma’s 85; Mankad Drama Fuel RCB’s Victory Against LSG