Virat Kohli’s eighth IPL century was in vain, as the Rajasthan Royals easily knocked down the 184-run goal thanks to a brilliant century from Jos Buttler. Kohli completed the equal slowest IPL century in history, completing it in 67 deliveries.
While Virat Kohli needed to accelerate a little more, it was the other batters’ lack of desire that cost Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They’ve struggled thus far this season, and Kohli has been the only one scoring runs.
With designated power hitter Glenn Maxwell trying to find his groove, everything have turned upside down for the Bangalore-based organization. Kohli has maintained one end throughout the competition but has had little help from the other, forcing him to retreat on a few occasions.
This was not the first time Virat Kohli got a century in a losing effort. Here are three times where Kohli’s ton wasn’t enough to propel RCB to victory:
1. 100 off 63 balls against Gujarat Lions in 2016
Virat Kohli, IPL’s highest run-scorer, is undoubtedly a legend. An incredibly dependable batsman, he scored a brilliant century versus Gujarat Lions in 2016. Kohli batted the whole innings, finishing 100 not out off just 63 deliveries. His consistency is truly remarkable.
RCB batted first and scored a tough score of 180/2 in their allotted 20 overs, with Virat recording his first T20 century. Like most of Virat’s innings, this one was flashy in the powerplay, measured in the middle overs, and accelerated at the finish.
Virat Kohli was reserved in his approach after AB de Villiers was removed, striking only one boundary in six overs. KL Rahul increased the scoring tempo with a 34-ball fifty, but their total of 180 proved insufficient in the end.
The Gujarat Lions got off to a fast start with to their opening pair of Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith. The two raced to 47 on the powerplay, with Smith calling the shots. Following his departure, McCullum led the charge. Eventually, Dinesh Karthik’s half-century propelled GL across the finish line in the final over.
2. 101 off 61 balls against Gujarat Titans in 2023
Last season, Virat had an outstanding stint representing the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad. He struck two magnificent centuries, with one coming against Gujarat Titans. Batting first, RCB amassed a formidable total of 197 runs. However, at Chinnaswamy – a batting haven – this score wasn’t deemed entirely secure.
Once more, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis provided RCB a sublime start, forging a 67-run partnership in 7.1 overs – a recurring theme. The platform seemed ideal for the middle order. But Glenn Maxwell and Mahipal Lomror’s quick dismissals hindered Kohli’s free-flowing batting.
Michael Bracewell and Anuj Rawat made valuable contributions, but it was Virat Kohli’s dominance that propelled RCB to a massive total of 197. His 101-run knock featured 13 fours and a single six. However, the opponent seemed unconcerned about the tough objective and responded positively.
Shubman Gill appeared to be in good form, while Vijay Shankar provided excellent assistance for the second wicket partnership. Gill maintained his impressive form throughout the event, delivering an undefeated century to help his team over the line. His 104-run knock came off 52 deliveries and contained 5 fours and 8 sixes.
3. 113 off 72 deliveries against Rajasthan Royals in 2024
The most recent on the list is the century from last night. After being assigned to bat by Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson, RCB took off with a flurry of boundaries from Virat Kohli. He began beautifully, finding openings at will.
Faf du Plessis initially struggled before finding his rhythm and pushing the boundaries. RCB required some huge overs, and although establishing boundaries in the early stages of several overs, they failed to capitalize on the remaining deliveries, which backfired in the end.
Virat Kohli was content to rotate the strike for the majority of his innings, and huge smashes did not arrive as frequently as the team required. Even in the 19th over, Virat was spotted looking for singles as he approached a century.
In the penultimate over, he achieved his landmark. The final over witnessed an escalation in his scoring rate. But, their total fell short of a winning mark. Reece Topley gave them an optimal start with the ball. However, Jos Buttler’s blistering century and Sanju Samson’s fluent 69 ensured Rajasthan Royals prevailed comfortably.
