IPL 2025: Virat Kohli Slams 70 on Sachin's Birthday — A Glorious Tribute to the Master Blaster on April 24!

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IPL 2025: On a day that already holds a sacred place in the hearts of Indian cricket fans — Sachin Tendulkar’s birthday — Virat Kohli added another dazzling chapter to the celebratory script with a knock that was vintage, valiant and vibrant.

In match number 42 of IPL 2025, Kohli turned up the heat at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, blazing his way to a cracking 70 off 42 deliveries against Rajasthan Royals. Though he missed out on what would have been his ninth IPL century, Kohli once again proved why April 24 remains a date with destiny for Indian cricket.

What made the day even more special? It was the 52nd birthday of the Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar — Kohli’s idol, inspiration, and the man who ignited the cricketing dreams of an entire generation. For fans, watching Kohli bat on Tendulkar’s birthday is more than just cricket — it’s an emotional homage. And once again, Kohli didn’t disappoint.

Kohli on Sachin’s Birthday – A Special Connection

This wasn’t the first time the former India captain graced the crease on this iconic date. In fact, today marked the sixth time Kohli has batted in the IPL on April 24. And here’s a quick rewind of how he’s fared on this date that’s steeped in nostalgia and reverence:

In 2009, Kohli scored just 2 runs off 3 balls against Punjab Kings. In 2014, he made 31 from 23 balls facing Kolkata Knight Riders. In 2015, he struck a confident 62 off 46 deliveries against Rajasthan Royals. Then came his birthday-best in 2016 — a sublime unbeaten century, 100* off 63 balls, versus Gujarat Lions. In 2019, he was dismissed for 13 off 8 balls against Punjab Kings. And in 2025, today, he lit up the Chinnaswamy Stadium with a brisk 70 off 42 balls, once again against Rajasthan Royals.

Among these, the unbeaten 100 in 2016 remains his standout knock — a celebration of talent, temperament and timing.

With today’s innings, Kohli now has three fifty-plus scores on Sachin’s birthday, including that magical ton. Across six innings, he has scored a total of 278 runs, a testament to his consistency on this emotionally significant date.