Virat Kohli Surpasses Chris Gayle to Claim T20 World Record
Virat Kohli made history on April 24, 2025, by breaking the world record for the most half-centuries at a single venue in T20 cricket. His impressive 42-ball knock of 70 helped the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secure a crucial home victory against the Rajasthan Royals at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kohli’s achievement not only surpassed England’s Alex Hales, who previously held the record with 25 fifties at Trent Bridge, but also solidified his dominance in T20 batting statistics, including average, centuries, and runs at a single venue.
## Kohli’s Record-Breaking Performance
Kohli’s milestone of 26 half-centuries at M Chinnaswamy Stadium reflects his exceptional performance at this venue. Following closely behind him are notable players like Alex Hales, who has 25 fifties at Trent Bridge, and James Vince with 24 at The Rose Bowl. Kohli expressed his gratitude towards the fans, acknowledging their unwavering support through thick and thin. “This venue is the best place to play cricket in the IPL,” he stated, emphasizing the special memories associated with M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
During the match, Kohli’s 70 runs came at a remarkable strike rate of 166. His partnership with Devdutt Padikkal was pivotal, as they forged a 95-run stand, contributing significantly to RCB’s total score. Kohli’s ability to adapt and strategize his batting approach played a crucial role in this match, setting the stage for RCB’s first home win of the season.
## Milestones Achieved
In addition to breaking the record for most fifties at a single venue, Kohli also surpassed Chris Gayle in the total number of fifty-plus scores in T20 cricket. With 111 fifty-plus scores to his name, Kohli trails only behind David Warner, who leads with 117. This achievement further underscores Kohli’s status as one of the premier batsmen in T20 history, showcasing his consistency and skill on the field.
Kohli’s performance not only contributed to his personal milestones but also bolstered RCB’s standings in the IPL. The team’s victory brought them to a total of 12 points, as they strive for a successful campaign with five matches left to play. The win was especially important for RCB, who faced challenges in their previous games.
## Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
Kohli highlighted the importance of the team’s revised batting strategy, which proved effective against Rajasthan Royals. He mentioned that the batting unit discussed their approach and executed their plans well, leading to a competitive total. “We figured out a way to bat now,” Kohli explained, indicating that the team’s newfound strategy could yield better results in upcoming matches.
As RCB looks ahead, they aim to build on this momentum. Kohli’s insights into the batting conditions at M Chinnaswamy Stadium suggest that the team is becoming more adept at capitalizing on scoring opportunities. The players are eager to secure additional runs in future games, potentially positioning themselves for a stronger finish in the tournament.
## Run Scoring Leaders
Kohli’s contribution has also allowed him to climb to second place in the Orange Cap race, with a total of 392 runs in nine innings. He trails B Sai Sudharsan of the Gujarat Titans, who leads with 417 runs. Following Kohli is Nicholas Pooran of the Lucknow Super Giants, currently in third place with 377 runs. Suryakumar Yadav from the Mumbai Indians is in fourth place, having shown remarkable consistency this season. The competition for the top run-scorer spot remains fierce as the season progresses, adding excitement to the matches ahead.
Overall, Kohli’s record-breaking performance and the team’s strategic improvements position RCB as a formidable contender in the IPL 2025 season.
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