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The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a stage for cricketing legends to showcase their brilliance, and the 2025 season has been no exception. In a thrilling encounter at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced off against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a match that would ultimately have far-reaching implications for the playoffs. While the contest was packed with fireworks and drama, it was Virat Kohli’s sublime batting display that stole the spotlight and laid the foundation for one of RCB’s most memorable run chases.
Virat Kohli surpasses David Warner’s record in IPL 2025
Kohli etched his name even deeper into the annals of cricket history. The RCB stalwart smashed his 63rd IPL half-century at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, surpassing David Warner’s long-standing record of 62 fifties. Kohli’s brisk 54 off 30 balls, laced with 10 boundaries and a strike rate of 180, not only anchored RCB’s chase but also reaffirmed his status as one of T20 cricket’s greatest ever.
Kohli’s latest milestone is a testament to his remarkable consistency and adaptability in the IPL. Since his debut in 2008, Kohli has amassed 9030 runs from 266 matches, making him the tournament’s all-time leading run-scorer. His tally now stands at eight centuries and 63 half-centuries, a record unmatched in the league’s history.
The significance of this achievement is amplified when compared to his peers. Warner, the previous record-holder, has 62 fifties from 184 innings, followed by Shikhar Dhawan (51), Rohit Sharma (46), and KL Rahul (40). Kohli’s ability to deliver under pressure, especially in run chases, has become legendary. Against LSG, despite wickets tumbling around him, Kohli maintained composure and aggression, guiding RCB to a strong position before his dismissal at 123/4 in the 12th over.
This half-century was Kohli’s eighth of the season, further highlighting his enduring form and fitness. Notably, he has crossed the 600-run mark in a single IPL season for the fifth time, a feat no other batter has achieved. His dominance at the top is not just about longevity but also about maintaining elite standards year after year.
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Kohli’s start relays to Jitesh Sharma’s inspiring chase against LSG
While Kohli’s record-breaking innings was the headline, the match itself turned into a showcase of RCB’s batting firepower. After Kohli’s departure, RCB still needed 90 runs from seven overs. Stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma rose to the occasion, blasting an unbeaten 85 off just 33 balls, ably supported by Mayank Agarwal’s 41*. Their 107-run partnership powered RCB to a dramatic chase, reaching 230/4 in 18.4 overs—marking the franchise’s third-highest successful run chase in IPL history.
Kohli’s innings set the foundation, but it was the collective effort that ensured victory and secured RCB’s second-place finish on the points table. The win also set up a Qualifier 1 showdown with Punjab Kings, as the IPL heads into its decisive phase.
Also READ: Fans go wild as Jitesh Sharma’s fireworks guide RCB to Qualifier 1 in historic run chase against LSG
