After announcing his retirement from international Twenty20 cricket in 2024, Virat Kohli refrained from participating in any leagues outside the Indian Premier League (IPL). Following the IPL final last June, yesterday marked his first appearance in a T20 match in over a year, and he made it count spectacularly.
Despite the extended hiatus, Kohli’s batting prowess in the shortest format remains undiminished. Facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening fixture of the season, he struck a scintillating 69* off just 38 deliveries. This innings, his 64th half-century in T20 cricket, propelled Royal Challengers Bangalore to chase down a target of 202 with 26 balls to spare.
Reflecting on the challenge of returning to T20s after such a break, Kohli said:
“Over the last 15 years, given the kind of schedule we have and the amount of cricket I’ve played, the risk of fatigue has always been greater than the risk of lacking preparation. These breaks have been immensely beneficial—they keep me fresh and motivated. Whenever I return to play, I do so with 120 per cent energy. I have no deficiency in preparation.”
This match was historic in several ways for Kohli. He became the first player to participate in all 19 editions of the IPL since its inception in 2008. Additionally, he achieved another personal milestone during the game, crossing the 4,000-run mark in T20 cricket while chasing, making him the first player in IPL history to do so. Overall, his franchise T20 run tally now stands at a record 8,730 runs.
Virat Kohli IPL and T20 Records
| Record | Statistic |
|---|---|
| IPL Editions Played | 19 (2008–2026) |
| Total T20 Runs (Franchise) | 8,730 |
| IPL Half-Centuries | 64 |
| First to 4,000 Runs in IPL Chases | Yes |
Though retired from T20s and Tests, Kohli remains active in One Day Internationals. In January, he played three ODIs against New Zealand, scoring 93, 23, and 124, emerging as India’s top scorer for the series. In December, during the South Africa ODI series, he amassed 302 runs, including two centuries, again finishing as the leading run-scorer. Last year alone, he featured in 13 ODIs, underscoring that he is very much in form and match-ready.
Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Rajat Patidar praised Kohli’s enduring excellence in run-chases:
“Virat is our number-one run-chase master. The way he selects shots and reads the game is a joy to watch from the dugout. He is clearly in his prime rhythm, and the same energy and determination I see in nets now translate to performance on the field.”
Kohli’s return is more than just a personal triumph; it reinforces his status as one of cricket’s greatest chasers and a benchmark for consistency in franchise and international cricket alike. With the records he continues to set, the 2026 season promises to be yet another landmark chapter in his illustrious career.