In the IPL 2023 season, Virat Kohli has been outstanding as the stand-in captain for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), stepping up in place of the injured Faf du Plessis. Utilizing him as an impact player has proved to be a wise decision for RCB, as they have emerged victorious in both games under Kohli’s leadership. Fans have been delighted to witness Kohli’s vintage captaincy and passionate celebrations reminiscent of his earlier days as a full-time skipper. Throughout his tenure as captain, Kohli has demonstrated his exemplary leadership qualities and batting prowess for RCB. With that said, let’s examine some of Virat Kohli’s most remarkable triumphs as the team’s captain.
5) SRH vs RCB, IPL 2015
The match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) was threatened by rain, but fortunately, the two teams were able to play a thrilling game. Initially, the game was shortened to 11 overs, with SRH scoring an impressive 135/3. More rain led to a further reduction in overs, leaving RCB with only 6 overs to chase a target of 81.
Despite Chris Gayle’s quick-fire 35 runs off just 10 balls, SRH bowlers made a remarkable comeback by taking regular wickets. However, Virat Kohli’s special knock secured RCB’s victory. With 12 runs required from four deliveries, Virat Kohli hit two fours and a six, leading RCB to a stunning win. The match is also remembered for SRH skipper David Warner’s caught Kohli celebration, which was cut short as he stepped on the boundary cushion.
4) RCB vs KXIP, IPL 2016
Before the match against Punjab, Virat Kohli injured his left hand, requiring stitches. Despite this, RCB batted first in a rain-curtailed game, with Chris Gayle scoring 73 runs off 32 balls. However, Kohli’s incredible and courageous hundred stole the show, marking his fourth hundred in the IPL 2016 season. He celebrated by pointing at his stitches, showing his motivation. The target of 212 proved too much for Punjab, as RCB won by 82 runs thanks to Kohli’s brilliance.
3) RCB vs PWI, IPL 2013
RCB holds the record for the highest score in IPL history, having scored 263 runs for the loss of five wickets in a match against Pune Warriors India (PWI) during the IPL 2013 season. Chris Gayle also set the record for the highest individual score in IPL history, with an unbeaten 175* off just 66 balls. In response, PWI couldn’t compete, and Virat Kohli rotated his bowlers well to secure a massive victory by a margin of 130 runs. This remains one of the most comprehensive wins in IPL history.
2) RCB vs GL, IPL 2016
In the 2016 IPL, Kohli and De Villiers stunned Gujarat Lions with an amazing partnership of 229 runs for the second wicket after Chris Gayle was dismissed early. Virat Kohli scored 109 and De Villiers remained unbeaten on 129 as RCB finished on a massive score of 248/3 in their 20 overs. The Lions could only muster 104 runs in their chase, leading to a huge 144-run victory for RCB.
1) GL vs RCB, IPL 2016 Qualifier 1
One of the most significant wins under Virat Kohli’s captaincy for RCB was in Qualifier 1 of the 2016 IPL season against GL. After bowling out GL for just 158, RCB struggled in their chase, losing five wickets for 29 runs. However, AB de Villiers came to the rescue, playing one of his best knocks for the franchise and scoring 79 runs off just 47 balls.
De Villiers and Iqbal Abdulla stitched a 91-run partnership for the seventh wicket, and RCB qualified for the final. The celebrations by Kohli and the team were memorable as they knew they had escaped a tight situation. Despite being a straightforward chase, RCB’s win became dramatic and incredible due to De Villiers’ outstanding performance under pressure.
