IPL 2025: Virat Kohli Creates History, Achieves Multiple IPL Records As RCB Beat PBKS by 7 Wickets

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PBKS vs RCB: Virat Kohli once again proved why he is regarded as the heartbeat of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and one of the all-time greats of the Indian Premier League.

In a clinical seven-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Kohli not only anchored the run chase with an unbeaten 73, but also etched his name into the IPL record books - again.

RCB chased down PBKS's total of 157/6 in just 18.5 overs, with Kohli leading from the front in trademark style. His match-winning knock not only earned him the Player of the Match award, but also propelled him to the top of two major all-time IPL lists.

Record Watch: Kohli Now Holds Most Fifty-Plus Scores in IPL History

Kohli's 73* marked his 67th fifty-plus score in the IPL, a new record in the tournament's history. The RCB talisman overtook long-time rivals and fellow Indian greats to top this elite chart, showing once again why he's called "King Kohli".

It's a testament to Kohli's remarkable consistency and hunger over the years - a player who has evolved from an aggressive youngster to a seasoned master of the T20 format.

Player of the Match Awards - Kohli Joins the Top of the Pile

With his latest award against PBKS, Kohli has now earned 19 Player of the Match awards in the IPL - the joint-most among Indian players, drawing level with Rohit Sharma and surpassing MS Dhoni.

Most Player of the Match Awards (Indian Players)

Virat Kohli - 19

Rohit Sharma - 19

MS Dhoni - 18

Yusuf Pathan - 16

Ravindra Jadeja - 16

It's yet another feather in the cap for a player whose dominance across formats continues to defy expectations.

Match Recap: Krunal's Key Spell Sets Up RCB's Chase

Before Kohli took over with the bat, it was Krunal Pandya who quietly laid the foundation for the win with the ball. His spell of 4-0-25-2, which included the wickets of openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, was the turning point that restricted PBKS to a sub-par total.

Despite a blazing start from the PBKS top order, Krunal's tight lines and clever variations pulled things back, allowing Suyash Sharma (2/26) and Romario Shepherd (1/18) to apply the squeeze later on. Josh Inglis (29 off 17) and Shashank Singh (31 off 33)* tried to rebuild, but PBKS could only muster 157/6.

RCB's Chase: Kohli & Padikkal Take Charge

In reply, RCB lost Philip Salt (1) early, but Kohli found a reliable partner in Devdutt Padikkal, who hammered a 35-ball 61 with 5 fours and 4 sixes. The duo stitched together a 103-run stand, effectively taking the game away from PBKS.

Even after Padikkal's dismissal, Kohli remained steady, and along with *Jitesh Sharma (11 off 8)**, finished off the chase with poise.