Virat Kohli, one of the most illustrious cricketers in the modern era, has had a stellar career in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The best online betting app in India is the one offered by the 1xBet platform, where you can also wager on Kohli’s matches.
His journey in the IPL began in 2008 when he was picked up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He has remained with the franchise ever since, which is a testament to his loyalty and value as a player. Let’s see how he has performed over the years.
Virat Kohli’s IPL career started modestly in 2008. Some of the numbers he had during this period include:
- 13 matches;
- 165 runs;
- and an average of 15.00.
However, these humble beginnings were just the foundation for what would become one of the most prolific careers in IPL history. By 2010, Kohli began to show signs of his future greatness, scoring 307 runs at an average of 27.90. His growth was steady, and by 2011, he had become a central figure in the RCB lineup, amassing 557 runs in 16 matches with an average of 46.41. The best online betting app among all options available in India is, of course, the one from 1xBet, where other cricket legends can be wagered too.
From 2011 onwards, Kohli’s performance in the IPL soared. In 2013, he had a particularly remarkable season, scoring 634 runs at an average of 45.28 and a strike rate of 138.73. This season we have marked him as one of the premier batsmen in the T20 format.
However, his most astounding season came in 2016, when he amassed a record-setting 973 runs in 16 matches, including 4 centuries and 7 half-centuries, averaging 81.08. This performance was not just a personal best but also the highest run tally in a single IPL season, setting a benchmark yet to be surpassed.
A Consistent Leader
Virat Kohli’s consistency is another hallmark of his IPL career. He has accumulated over 6,000 runs, making him one of the top run-scorers in the league’s history. His batting average hovers around 38.16, and he maintains a strike rate of over 130, which are impressive figures given the longevity and the pressure of expectations he has managed. For this reason, using the betting IPL app 1xBet can be a really good idea.
Kohli took over the captaincy of RCB in 2013 and led the team until 2021. Under his leadership, RCB reached the playoffs multiple times and the finals in 2016, although they have never clinched the title. His leadership on the field has been characterized by aggression and passion, which has sometimes polarized opinion but always commanded respect.
Throughout his IPL career, Kohli has delivered numerous impactful performances. Notable among these was his knock of 113 off 50 balls against the Kings XI Punjab in 2016. This match was played under the shadow of personal loss and physical pain as Kohli batted through a wrist injury. This innings is often cited as one of the best in T20 cricket.
Kohli holds several IPL records, including the fastest to 5,000 IPL runs. He was also the first player to reach the 6,000 runs milestone in the IPL. His record of most runs in a single IPL season (973 runs in 2016) stands as a testament to his dominance. The betting app from 1xBet also allows punters to wager on how many runs an IPL player is likely to score too.
Despite his individual successes, Kohli’s journey in the IPL has not been without challenges. The most significant of these has been his inability to lead RCB to an IPL title. This has often been a point of criticism, as many believe that a player of his caliber should have translated his personal success into team success. Moreover, his aggressive captaincy style has sometimes been questioned, particularly in terms of tactical decisions.
As of the latest seasons, Kohli has stepped down from captaincy but remains a pivotal player for RCB. His legacy in the IPL is not just built on records but also on his ability to inspire teammates, his dedication to the sport, and his immense contribution to making the IPL a global spectacle. His continued performance in the league will be crucial for RCB’s prospects and his enduring status as an IPL legend.
