IPL diary: Kohli’s milestone century of T20 fifties sparks IPL charge

Virat Kohli continues to defy age and silence critics with his bat, reaching milestone after milestone in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). On April 13, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener struck a composed 45-ball 62 as the visiting team chased down Rajasthan Royals’ total with ease.

It was 36-year-old Kohli’s 100th half-century—and 109th fifty-plus score in all T20 cricket, making him the first Asian cricketer to achieve this feat. Among these, 58 fifties have come in the IPL, 38 in T20 Internationals, and the rest in other domestic competitions.

With this latest knock, Kohli equalled Australian David Warner’s record of most IPL fifty-plus scores (66). In overall T20 cricket, Kohli is now just one short of West Indian great Chris Gayle, who has 110. Warner currently tops the all-time T20 list with 116 such scores.

It was Kohli’s third half-century in six IPL games this season—an indication of his consistency. With up to eight more matches left for RCB in the league phase, and potentially more if they qualify for the playoffs, Kohli has ample opportunity to extend his individual records.

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A moment of concern

There was a brief moment of concern for Kohli fans during his innings, when he appeared physically uncomfortable after running two quick runs. He turned to Rajasthan Royals captain and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, asking him to check his heartbeat. Samson obliged with a light touch and smiled, saying theek hai (it is okay). Kohli, however, looked serious and paused before continuing to bat.

Former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu captured the moment in his typical style during commentary. “It’s not just your heart; it is the heart of the entire India. Take care of it, because when it beats, IPL runs,” he quipped.

Kohli may no longer be RCB’s captain, but his energy on the field remains undiminished since the first IPL season in 2008. He remains a key figure in the team’s campaign, motivated as ever to lead the franchise to its elusive maiden IPL title.

Pant returns to form

Meanwhile, another star from Delhi, Rishabh Pant, found form after a string of underwhelming performances. Playing for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 14 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, Pant scored his first half century of the 2025 IPL season. The LSG captain hit 63 off 49 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes.

Pant, who was bought for a staggering Rs 27 crore by LSG in the auction, had failed to make a mark in the earlier matches with scores of 0, 15, 2, 2, DNB (did not bat), and 21. His return to form was a much needed boost for the team.

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Despite Pant’s efforts, the rest of the batting line-up faltered— barring Australian Mitchell Marsh, who made 30. LSG were bowled out for 166, a target CSK chased comfortably for just their second win in seven matches. The victory lifted CSK slightly, but they remained at the bottom of the table. LSG, on the other hand, remained joint table-toppers with three other teams, all sitting at eight points as on April 14.