‘Chasemaster’ Virat Kohli scripts IPL history, first to 4,000 in chases
Virat Kohli made history by becoming the first player to score 4000+ IPL runs in chases and surpassed Shoaib Malik in T20 runs. Sunrisers Hyderabad posted 201/9, powered by Ishan Kishan’s 80. In reply, Kohli’s 69*, along with Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar, helped Bengaluru chase 202 in 15.
4 overs—the fastest 200+ chase.
NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli created history in the IPL by becoming the first player ever to score over 4000 runs while chasing targets on Saturday. He reached this milestone during the opening match of IPL 2026 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. On top of that, Kohli also moved past Shoaib Malik to become the sixth-highest run-scorer in T20 cricket overall.
Hyderabad’s fightback Sunrisers Hyderabad didn’t start well, losing early wickets like Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Nitish Reddy in the powerplay. But things turned around thanks to Ishan Kishan, who stepped up as stand-in captain and smashed 80 runs off just 38 balls. He got good support from Ankiet Verma, who added a quick 43.
Their efforts helped Hyderabad post a strong total of 201/9. For Bengaluru, bowlers like Jacob Duffy and Romario Shepherd picked up three wickets each to keep things somewhat under control. Virat Kohli leads Bengaluru’s chase Chasing 202, Bengaluru came out with aggression.