How many centuries of Virat Kohli in the IPL?

Introduction

Virat Kohli, the modern-day cricketing icon, has redefined batting excellence in the Indian Premier League (IPL). With 8 centuries to his name as of 2025, Kohli stands as a testament to longevity, adaptability, and sheer brilliance in T20 cricket. This blog dives deep into each of his IPL hundreds, analyzes his unique batting philosophy, and explores why he remains one of the most feared batters in the tournament’s history.

Virat Kohli’s IPL Century Journey

Total century of Virat Kohli in IPL spans nearly a decade, showcasing his evolution from a young talent to a seasoned match-winner. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each ton:

1. 100 (63 balls) vs Gujarat Lions, 2016*

Venue: Rajkot
Result: Lost by 6 runs
Key Stats: 11 fours, 1 six
Context: In a rain-shortened 15-over chase of 159, Kohli’s unbeaten century went in vain as RCB fell agonizingly short. This inning highlighted his ability to anchor even in high-pressure chases.

2. 108 (58 balls) vs Rising Pune Supergiants, 2016*

Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Result: Won by 7 wickets
Key Stats: 8 fours, 7 sixes
Context: Kohli’s calculated aggression guided RCB to a smooth chase of 192, cementing his reputation as a chase master.

3. 109 (55 balls) vs Gujarat Lions, 2016

Venue: Bengaluru
Result: Won by 144 runs
Key Stats: 5 fours, 8 sixes
Context: A brutal assault on Gujarat’s bowlers, this knock propelled RCB to 248/3—the highest team total that season.

4. 113 (50 balls) vs Kings XI Punjab, 2016

Venue: Bengaluru
Result: Won by 82 runs
Key Stats: 12 fours, 8 sixes
Context: Kohli’s fastest IPL hundred (50 balls) dismantled Punjab’s attack, featuring audacious shots over cover and mid-wicket.

5. 100 (58 balls) vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 2019

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Result: Won by 10 wickets
Key Stats: 9 fours, 4 sixes
Context: Kohli and Parthiv Patel’s unbeaten 100-run partnership showcased his ability to dominate without taking undue risks.

6. 100 (63 balls) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2023

Venue: Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad
Result: Won by 8 wickets
Key Stats: 12 fours, 4 sixes
Context: A vintage Kohli masterclass, this century in a 187-run chase proved his enduring class post-2020.

7. 101 (61 balls) vs Gujarat Titans, 2023*

Venue: Bengaluru
Result: Lost by 6 runs
Key Stats: 13 fours, 1 six
Context: A lone-warrior effort against GT’s star-studded attack, including Rashid Khan and Mohammed Shami.

8. 113 (72 balls) vs Rajasthan Royals, 2024*

Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Result: Lost by 6 wickets
Key Stats: 12 fours, 4 sixes
Context: Despite Kohli’s unbeaten 113, RCB’s bowling faltered in defending 183, underlining his dependency on team support.

Key Insights from Kohli’s IPL Centuries

2016: The Golden Year: 4 centuries, 973 runs—a record for most runs in a single IPL season.
Versatility: Centuries across venues (home/away) and situations (chases/defending).
Consistency: Centuries in 2016, 2019, 2023, and 2024—proving his adaptability to evolving T20 trends.
Strike Rate Evolution: From 152.03 (2016) to 141.28 (2024), balancing aggression with anchor roles.

Kohli vs Other Legends

Player	IPL Centuries	Years Active
Virat Kohli	8	2008–Present
Chris Gayle	6	2009–2021
Jos Buttler	5	2016–Present
KL Rahul	4	2013–Present

Kohli holds the record for most centuries by an Indian batter and is second only to Gayle overall.

The 2025 Season Update

While Kohli hasn’t added to his century tally in 2025, he achieved a historic milestone on April 13, 2025, by becoming the first Indian to score 100 T20 half-centuries during RCB’s match against Rajasthan Royals. His strike rate of 147.32 this season reaffirms his intent to dominate powerplays while rotating strikes efficiently.

Why Kohli’s IPL Centuries Stand Out

Technical Mastery: Flawless cover drives, wristy flicks, and improvisations like the slog-sweep against spinners.
Mental Toughness: Delivering under playoff pressure (e.g., 2016 Qualifier vs GL).
Fitness: Maintaining intensity across 17 seasons—a rarity in T20 cricket.

What Lies Ahead

At 36, Kohli shows no signs of slowing down. With RCB eyeing their maiden IPL title, his ability to convert starts into hundreds could be pivotal. Experts predict he might cross 10 IPL centuries before retirement, further solidifying his legacy.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s 8 IPL centuries are more than statistical milestones—they are chapters in a saga of relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether anchoring a chase or accelerating in death overs, Kohli’s blend of classical technique and modern aggression makes him a once-in-a-generation batter. As the 2025 season unfolds, cricket fans worldwide will be watching, waiting for the next Kohli masterclass.

Key Takeaways: