“While Everyone Talked About Gen Next...": Virat Kohli Silences Doubters With Record IPL Hundred

Virat Kohli's unbeaten century against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026 was not just another masterclass chase, according to Sunil Gavaskar - it was a reminder that the old guard still refuses to fade away.

Speaking on Star Sports' Amul Cricket Live after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's six-wicket win over KKR, Gavaskar praised Kohli's ability to continue dominating even during a season increasingly celebrated for the rise of younger stars.

"Virat Kohli was absolutely outstanding against KKR," Gavaskar said. "He knows how to construct a chase better than most."

Virat Kohli takes the spotlight from IPL youngsters

Kohli's unbeaten hundred powered RCB to the top of the IPL 2026 points table while simultaneously pushing him into third place in the Orange Cap race.

For Gavaskar, the innings carried larger significance beyond just the result.

"While everyone was talking about this being the season of 'Gen Next', Kohli showed he is still around," Gavaskar said.

"He silenced the doubters with a century and moved to third in the Orange Cap race. He proved that the old generation is still the best."

The former India captain pointed towards Kohli's extraordinary consistency across formats and seasons, especially in T20 cricket where he continues adding records at 37.

"When it comes to T20 centuries, he is third on the list with 10, behind Chris Gayle and Babar Azam," Gavaskar said.

"But he is the fastest to 14,000 T20 runs and has nine IPL hundreds. Records are there to be broken, but it will take a very long time for anyone to match what Kohli keeps delivering, game after game, season after season."

KKR paid heavily for dropped Virat Kohli catch

Gavaskar also highlighted the turning point of the match - Rovman Powell dropping Kohli early in the innings.

"Before this RCB-KKR game, KKR's efficiency with catches was still the best in the IPL this season," Gavaskar said.

"But this one hurt badly."

Powell, who had been one of KKR's safer fielders throughout the season, failed to hold onto a difficult opportunity inside the circle, allowing Kohli an early reprieve.

"You cannot drop Kohli early in his innings," Gavaskar said. "He will make you pay every single time."

The batting great compared the moment to Lucknow Super Giants earlier in the season, who also suffered after handing Kohli a lifeline.

"Give him an early lifeline, and he grabs it with both hands," Gavaskar added.

"He scored a hundred and made KKR regret that drop. That is what great players do. They don't give you a second chance. They punish your mistakes and turn the game on its head."

Virat Kohli century reshapes both Orange Cap and playoff race

Kohli's innings not only strengthened RCB's top-two hopes but also intensified the Orange Cap race heading into the business end of IPL 2026.

The hundred:

• pushed RCB to 16 points
• lifted Kohli into the top three run-scorers
• kept RCB firmly inside the playoff favourites bracket

More importantly, it arrived during a period where several younger stars - including Sai Sudharsan, Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Suryavanshi - have dominated conversations around the future of Indian batting.

Gavaskar believes Kohli's knock served as a reminder that the established greats remain far from finished.

"Even though the young stars are taking centre stage, the experienced greats are not done yet," he said.

"This hundred from Virat Kohli was one of those special moments that remind us of his greatness."

Gavaskar urges PBKS to recover quickly

Speaking ahead of Punjab Kings' crucial clash against Mumbai Indians, Gavaskar also reflected on PBKS' worrying collapse after four consecutive defeats.

"Punjab Kings would be desperate to get back to winning ways," he said. "After losing four games in a row, that is when you start to doubt yourself."

Gavaskar admitted prolonged losing streaks often force teams into panic and uncertainty.

"Then you start looking around. You wonder whether you need to make changes in the playing XI or do something differently," he added.

Gavaskar wants MI to give youngsters opportunities

With Mumbai Indians already eliminated from IPL 2026, Gavaskar also suggested the franchise should now focus on testing younger players in the remaining matches.

"I am a Mumbai Indian supporter," Gavaskar said.

"And now that they are out of contention for the playoffs, I would like to see them try some younger players."

He believes the remaining games offer MI an opportunity to evaluate their bench strength ahead of next season.

"They have some young players in their reserves, those who have not had an opportunity yet to prove their worth," he said.

"Give them chances in the remaining three matches and see what they are like. That way, you will be better placed for the next season."