Virat Kohli Equals Rohit Sharma’s Record for Most IPL Player of the Match Awards
A Milestone of Consistency and Class
In the high-stakes world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), records are broken and rewritten with startling regularity. Yet, some benchmarks stand as a testament to sustained excellence. Virat Kohli, the iconic Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener, recently reached a significant milestone by equaling Rohit Sharma’s record for the most ‘Player of the Match’ awards won by an Indian player in the tournament’s history.
The achievement came in the wake of a breathtaking display at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday, May 13. Facing the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Kohli orchestrated a clinical chase, scoring an unbeaten 105 runs off just 60 balls to steer RCB to victory. With this performance, he not only secured two crucial points for his side but also cemented his legacy among the tournament’s greatest match-winners.
Reflecting on the Love for the Game
At 37, while many athletes contemplate the twilight of their careers, Kohli remains as hungry as ever. In the post-match presentation, he spoke candidly about what drives him to perform consistently at the highest level. His philosophy is simple: deep, unadulterated love for the sport.
“Well, I just love batting, even after all this. You know, that’s my core feeling,” Kohli remarked. “What an honour to be playing at this level. What an honour to be competing with the very best in the world still. This is all I’ve done all my life.”
Kohli emphasized that he views his time on the field as a finite privilege. He noted that he gives his heart and soul to every session, whether in the field or at the crease, because he understands that his professional journey will eventually come to a close. This perspective allows him to embrace the pressure rather than shy away from it.
Thriving Under Pressure
For many, pressure is an adversary; for Kohli, it is a catalyst for growth. He articulated how challenging scenarios have helped shape him both as a cricketer and an individual. According to the RCB star, the ability to build character under duress is the hallmark of a true competitor.
“Sport, as you know, teaches you a lot as a person as well. So you build your character slowly and surely when you keep performing under pressure,” he added. He expressed genuine gratitude for the fact that the initial spark of joy he felt when he first picked up a bat remains undiminished. He described the simple, visceral pleasure of hitting the ball from the middle of the bat as “God’s grace.”
The Statistical Landscape
With this latest accolade, Kohli now holds 21 ‘Player of the Match’ awards in the IPL. He shares this record with Rohit Sharma, a fellow giant of Indian cricket. To put this into perspective, the list of overall record-holders features legends such as AB de Villiers, who leads with 25 awards, followed by Chris Gayle with 22. Among Indian players, MS Dhoni follows closely with 18 such honors, highlighting the elite company Kohli keeps.
Mastering the Art of Percentage Cricket
During the match against KKR, Kohli’s strategy was marked by prudence and precision. Rather than opting for extravagant, high-risk shots, he focused on backing his natural game. He prioritized rotating the strike, finding gaps in the field, and carefully selecting the right deliveries to attack.
“Just my positions at the crease, you know, not trying to do anything extravagant, just backing my game, hitting a lot of fours, hitting gaps, being clear as to where I wanted to hit sixes,” Kohli explained. He noted that staying present and keeping the team’s requirements at the forefront of his mind allowed him to play a brand of cricket that was both consistent and effectively risk-free.
This disciplined approach ensured that RCB successfully chased down the 193-run target with five balls to spare. As the tournament progresses, Kohli’s ability to balance his aggressive instincts with calculated decision-making continues to make him a cornerstone of the RCB lineup. His journey remains a source of inspiration, proving that while records are important, the enduring love for the game is what truly fuels greatness.
