Virat Kohli Completes 7000 IPL Runs: RCB batter wants to continue working hard for his team

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New Delhi, May 6: Talismanic India cricketer Virat Kohli added yet another feather to his illustrious cap as he became the first batter in the history of IPL to complete 7000 runs against Delhi Capitals on Saturday (May 6).

What made the occasion even more special, was the fact that the Royal Challengers Bangalore batter achieved the milestone at his home ground i.e. Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Kohli's friends, family and childhood coach Ashok Sharma were present at the iconic venue to watch the former India captain play his homecoming game.

After reaching the top of Mt 7K, Kohli - who scored 55 off 46 deliveries to slam his sixth half-century of the season, and fiftieth 50-plus score in the tournament - said he wants to put his head down and continue to work hard.

Kohli was playing in his 233rd match since the inception of the IPL in 2008 when he reached the 7000-run milestone. He had come into this game with 6,988 runs under his belt from 232 IPL matches. Virat Kohli becomes first player to score 7000 runs in IPL history, creates flurry of other record in Delhi

"7000 runs is just another milestone during the journey of what I'm trying to do for my team. It's a nice number when you try to do something for your team," Kohli said after his landmark fifty.

"I want to put my head down and continue to work hard." Before the start of the match at the Feroz Shah Kotla, the former RCB captain was seen touching Sharma's feet to pay respect to his coach.

"It's a special moment ... my family is here, my coach is here, cricket is just a part of my life. I was honoured with getting a pavilion named after me. I started my journey here and started playing for Delhi here. "I never imagined all these things would come there and there's gratitude for all this," said the 34-year-old right-handed batter.

On the scintillating innings played by Mahipal Lomror, who hit 54 not out off 29 balls, Kohi said, "It was unbelievable and I and Faf thought that 160 would be a good score. Mahipal came and changed the game, shifting the momentum towards us.

"My job was to bat deep and get those late runs, but DK (Dinesh Karthik) and Mahi (Lomror) did a tremendous job as well. It gives the senior guys like me and Faf a lot of confidence at this stage of the tournament. It's a great sign for the team."

RCB posted 181 for the loss of four wickets in the game against the David Warner-led Delhi Capitals side. However, the bowlers failed to defend the total as Phil Salt scored 45-ball 87 after opening the innings in the run chase and DC won by 7 wickets to keep themselves alive in the tournament.