Virat Kohli’s eventful innings in Match No 36 of the 2024 IPL season, while playing against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), was noteworthy not just for his typical fiery temperament but also for the remarkable milestones he achieved with a couple of powerful sixes. Even though Kohli’s stay at the crease was short-lived, his contribution had a lasting impact, notably reaching a prestigious milestone of 250 sixes in the IPL, which places him among the elite in the tournament’s history.
Prior to the game, Kohli had tallied 248 sixes and with two more powerful hits over the boundary, he joined the distinguished ranks of batters such as Chris Gayle, who leads with 357 sixes, followed by Rohit Sharma with 275, and AB de Villiers with 251. With these two sixes, Kohli not only reached the 250 mark but also etched his name in the annals of IPL history as the fourth batsman to achieve this feat.
But the records did not stop there. In the broader spectrum of T20 cricket, including performances in the Champions League T20, Kohli’s total for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) saw him surpass none other than the ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle. By the end of his innings in this particular game, Kohli had amassed 264 sixes, the highest number recorded by any player for a single team in T20 cricket. This historical achievement placed him at the pinnacle, overtaking Gayle’s 263 sixes for RCB, followed by Kieron Pollard’s 258 for the Mumbai Indians, and MS Dhoni’s 243 for Chennai Super Kings.
The remarkable aspect of Kohli’s new record of 264 sixes is not just the volume but the consistency and class with which he has dispatched world-class bowlers across various venues over 260 matches. His journey in T20 cricket has been synonymous with aggressive batting, precision, and timing, traits that have now crowned him as the leading six-hitter for a single team in the format.
However, Kohli’s innings against KKR was also marked by controversy and high drama. The stylish right-hander was visibly upset after being declared out on a high full toss, a decision he protested vehemently. Kohli’s reaction resulted in an on-field confrontation with the umpires, following which his frustration spilled over as he smashed a nearby dustbin. This spectacle was as much a part of the post-match discussions as his monumental record-setting.
Despite Kohli’s early dismissal, the match itself was a nail-biter, concluding in a thrilling finish with RCB narrowly losing to KKR by just one run on the final ball. The match will not only be remembered for Kohli’s dual achievement and fiery protest but also for the tense and electrifying contest that it turned out to be.
In a sport where every run and every six can alter the outcome of a game, Kohli’s contributions to RCB and his relentless pursuit of excellence continue to make headlines. His journey is a testament to his enduring skill and undiminished passion for the game. As T20 cricket evolves, records like these not only enhance the player’s legacy but also enrich the fabric of the sport. With this latest achievement, Kohli has not only secured a personal milestone but has also ensured that his name will be revered whenever the history of T20 cricket is recounted.