Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten century to power Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders and also go top of the IPL 2026 points table. The former India captain who now plays in the ODIs, had an emotional take after scoring his record ninth century in the IPL, saying that he gives his best out there “because it is going to finish one day”.
It was Kohli’s first IPL century since 2024 as he also went past MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to become the first player with the most appearances (279) in the tournament.
“I just love batting; that is my core feeling. What an honour (it is) to be competing at this level and against the very best still. (I) just give my heart and soul out there because it is going to finish one day,” said Kohli.
“(I) want to make the most of it, and look forward to pressure situations, where I am feeling a bit of heat and then I challenge myself to just go for it.”
“Sport teaches you a lot as a person. You build your character (when you perform under pressure). Even after all these years, it is the love for the game. I just love hitting the ball in the middle of the bat. That joy is still there and it is all God’s grace, and I am thankful and grateful,” he added.
After returning two ducks in the previous matches, Kohli said it bothered him that he failed to make an impact for the team.
“The fact that I didn’t get many runs in the last two games was, it eats me up in a way that I know I can play well and I’m hitting the ball well,” Kohli told the broadcaster after he was adjudged the Player of the Match.
“But then, when you don’t carry on and you know (that) you haven’t created the impact for the team, it bothers you because that’s basically been the goal all these years… trying to improve so that you can be the best version for your team when you play out there and make an impact,” he added.
Kohli admitted that nervousness had crept in after those two ducks, but added that failures also play a role in helping a player bounce back.
“The celebration (after completing the century) was not a big one because we know the importance of the points. It is a conscious effort to contribute more to the team,” Kohli said.
“There is a reason people say pressure is a privilege — it keeps you humble. Good pressure always helps you improve your game. A couple of games that do not go your way, you feel a bit of nervousness and that helps you.”
“It takes a lot of effort, but it helps your game go up. Those failures are so important because that puts you in a place to get back (to where you have been and do what has got you there),” he added.
Speaking about his innings, he said he did not try anything extravagant and instead backed his natural game.
“… just (focused on) my positions at the crease, not doing anything extravagant and backing my game. Picking length, hitting the gaps (that) I can hit. (I am) happy I was able to back my game,” said Kohli.
Meanwhile, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar said he was pleased that the defending champions had moved to the top of the table with 16 points.
“It feels great. You play well in the tournament and everyone came in at different stage and doing their job for the team. We are taking it one game and one step at a time,” Patidar said.
“Very satisfied (with the win). After 10 overs, the way we controlled their innings…to restrict them (to 192 after their start) is a good sign for us,” he added.
