Virat Kohli reached a massive milestone during the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur. The 37-year-old superstar stepped onto the field for his 279th IPL game. Consequently, he now holds the record for the most appearances in the history of the Indian Premier League. He officially moved past MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, who both sit at 278 matches.
A Career Built on Loyalty and Records
Virat Kohli has played for RCB since the very first season in 2008. Interestingly, he remains the only player to represent just one franchise throughout every single season of the league. Over nearly two decades, he has become the heart of the team. Therefore, this match appearance record is just the latest chapter in his highly decorated career.
Besides his appearances, he is also the leading run-scorer in IPL history with 9,044 runs. He currently averages 39.65 and maintains a strike rate of 133.91. Furthermore, he holds the record for the most centuries in the league with eight hundreds to his name. This level of consistency is simply unmatched in the world of T20 cricket.
Remembering the Golden 2016 Season
Many fans believe his 2016 season was the greatest individual campaign ever seen. During that year, he smashed 973 runs in only 16 matches. That total still stands as the highest number of runs scored by any batter in one season. Additionally, he earned the Orange Cap for his dominance. Later, he proved his longevity by winning his second Orange Cap during the 2024 season.
The Champion at Last
The most significant moment for Kohli came just last year in 2025. After years of close calls and heartbreak, he finally lifted the IPL trophy. RCB defeated the Punjab Kings in a thrilling final to secure their first-ever title. Because of this win, an 18-year wait ended for both Kohli and the loyal Bengaluru fans. It remains one of the most emotional stories in Indian sports history.
Chasing Another Title in 2026
Currently, RCB is looking strong as they attempt to defend their title this year. However, Kohli entered the game against KKR after a difficult week. He suffered rare back-to-back ducks in his previous two games. Despite these struggles, his teammates and fans remain confident. He has shown time and again that he can bounce back from any setback. As the playoffs get closer, Bengaluru will need their biggest star to find his best form again.