New Delhi: The anticipation for IPL 2024 is crackling in the air, and all eyes are set on the opening clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. But amidst the usual pre-season buzz, there’s an extra layer of excitement surrounding Virat Kohli.
The talismanic batsman stands on the cusp of a remarkable feat – a chance to become the first Indian cricketer to breach the coveted 12,000-run mark in T20 cricket.
Kohli’s Run Chase: Just 6 Runs Away from Grandeur
Kohli currently boasts a staggering 11,994 T20 runs under his belt, amassed across a commendable 376 matches. His consistent brilliance is reflected in his strike rate of over 130, along with a treasure trove of 8 centuries and a whopping 91 half-centuries. All he needs now is a mere 6 runs in the opening match to etch his name in the record books.
A Feat for the Ages: The Race for T20 Supremacy
While Kohli sits on the precipice of history as far as Indian players are concerned, the broader T20 landscape reveals a different picture. The explosive Chris Gayle reigns supreme at the top of the leaderboard, boasting an unmatched 14,562 runs in 463 matches. His dominance is evident in his 22 centuries and 88 half-centuries, a testament to his fearsome power-hitting prowess.
Following Gayle are seasoned campaigners like Shoaib Malik (13,360 runs) and Kieron Pollard (12,900 runs), who have consistently tormented bowling attacks with their all-round abilities. Alex Hales, another destructive batsman, rounds out the top five with a phenomenal tally of 12,319 runs.
Kohli’s IPL Brilliance: A Record to be Reckoned With
Kohli’s prowess extends beyond the international arena. He’s carved his niche as a force to be reckoned with in the IPL, amassing a jaw-dropping 7,263 runs in 237 matches.
His consistency is evident in his exceptional strike rate of over 130, and his hunger for big scores is reflected in his 7 centuries and 50 half-centuries. Notably, his highest score of 113 remains a reminder of his ability to single-handedly decimate bowling attacks.
The last IPL season witnessed a resurgent Kohli, amassing a commendable 639 runs in just 14 matches. He even managed to rediscover his touch with the bat, scoring a delightful 2 centuries and 6 half-centuries, much to the delight of RCB fans.
A New Season, A New Beginning: Kohli’s Return to Form
After a well-deserved break, Kohli returns to the field, hungry to prove his mettle once again. With the 12,000-run milestone within reach, the opening match against CSK promises to be a spectacle. Will he rewrite the record books in Chennai? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for certain – the cricketing world holds its breath as the King himself gears up for another chapter in his illustrious career.
