Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) Virat Kohli slammed the first century of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Rajasthan on April 6. Despite Kohli’s unbeaten 113 off 72 balls including 12 boundaries and four sixes went in vain as RCB lost the match to RR by six wickets. Kohli hit a record-extending eight IPL century and it took 19 matches for IPL 2024 to get its first centurion.
Kohli's 67-ball century helped RCB post 183/3 but the target was never enough as Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson stitched a 148-run partnership to steer RR past victory line. While RR captain Sanju scored 69 off 42 balls, Buttler cracked a match-winning century. England skipper hit a six in the final delivery of the contest in Jaipur as he went from 94 to 100 and notched up his sixth century in the IPL. Before this, Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Shubman Gill’s 89 was the highest individual score of this season.
List of Kohli’s IPL centuries
| Runs | Against | Year |
| 113 | RR | 2024 |
| 113 | PBKS | 2016 |
| 109 | Gujarat Lions | 2016 |
| 108 | RPS | 2016 |
| 101 | GT | 2023 |
| 100 | GL | 2016 |
| 100 | KKR | 2019 |
| 100 | SRH | 2023 |
Being asked to bat first, Bengaluru’s openers Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis set up a 125-run opening stand. Kohli received valuable support from captain Du Plessis, who made a comeback with a 33-ball 4. However, despite their efforts, the middle order faltered yet again and left the former RCB skipper to battle alone. Kohli faced a tough challenge against the RR spinners, who exploited the slow pace and low bounce of the pitch. Although, Kohli managed to score his eighth IPL century and third in the last seven matches for RCB. Their 125-run partnership was only the highest partnership of IPL 2024.
Virat Kohli seen hiding face in dugout witnessing team's fielding error
During RR's six-wicket victory at home, Kohli's frustration was evident as he witnessed a fielding error from his team in the 17th over of the second innings, which resulted in two extra runs for the home team. The 35-year-old's helplessness was palpable as he covered his face in frustration.
Watching Kohli's expression in the dugout, the commentator said:
“Just feel the frustration...certainly from Virat Kohli. He is virtually carrying the team on his shoulders.”
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Although RCB managed to pick up a wicket on the next ball, new batter Shimron Hetmyer quickly smashed two boundaries, easing the tension. Buttler sealed the victory for RR with a six in the opening ball of the last over.
The win propelled RR to the top of the table with four wins in four matches, while RCB dropped to the eighth spot after securing only one win in five games this season.
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