5 Less-Known IPL Records of Virat Kohli That Prove He’s the GOAT

When you think of King Kohli, you think of the Orange Cap, that legendary 973-run season, and those back-to-back centuries. But beneath the surface of the mainstream stats lies a treasure trove of hidden records of Virat Kohli in IPL that even the most hardcore RCB fans might have missed.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli plays a shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 final cricket match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025 © Getty Images

As we head into the 2026 season with Virat just 339 runs away from the mythical 9,000-run mark, it’s time to peel back the curtain. From his “accidental” bowling strikes to his unmatched loyalty, Kohli’s IPL journey is a statistical marvel.

Virat Kohli Less-Known IPL Records 

Here are the 5 top less-known IPL records of Virat Kohli; 

​1. The Ultimate One-Club Man

​While stars like Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni have donned different jerseys, Virat Kohli remains the only player in IPL history to play for the same franchise—Royal Challengers Bengaluru—since the league’s inception in 2008.

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​This isn’t just loyalty; it’s a record of longevity that is virtually impossible to break in the modern era of mega-auctions. He has survived 18 seasons, dozens of captains, and hundreds of teammates, all while remaining the heartbeat of the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

​2. The “Hidden” Golden Arm

​We know him for the cover drive, but did you know Virat Kohli has an IPL wicket-taking record? Early in his career, Kohli was often summoned for his “quick” medium pace.

​His best bowling figures of 2/25 came against the Deccan Chargers in 2008. Most fans forget that he actually has 4 IPL wickets to his name. While he hasn’t rolled his arm over much recently, those wickets remain a quirky footnote in his legendary career.

​3. Most Runs Against a Single Opponent

​Consistency is Kohli’s middle name, but he seems to take it personally when facing the Chennai Super Kings. Kohli holds the record for the most runs by any batter against CSK, amassing over 1,146 runs against the Men in Yellow.

​He also leads the charts against the Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. In fact, he is the only player to have scored over 1,000 runs against three or more different IPL franchises.

​4. The King of “Not Out” Finishes

​Critics often talk about his strike rate, but they overlook his ability to anchor an innings. Virat has been “Not Out” 40 times in his IPL career.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli gestures to the crowd as he warms up before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 final cricket match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025 © Getty Images

​In many of these instances, he has carried his bat from the first ball to the twentieth. This reliability is why he boasts a career average of nearly 40 after playing a staggering 267 matches—a stat that is almost unheard of in the volatile world of T20 cricket.

​5. Catching His Way to the Top

​Virat isn’t just a beast with the bat; he’s a magnet in the field. He holds the record for the most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in IPL history (excluding Suresh Raina).

​With 118 catches, he has turned games around with his sheer athleticism. Whether it’s a screaming catch at long-on or a sharp take at slip, his fielding remains one of those “hidden” elite stats that contribute to RCB’s wins.

​Conclusion

​As the 2026 season kicks off, the hunt for more hidden records of Virat Kohli in IPL continues. He isn’t just chasing the 9,000-run milestone; he’s cementing a legacy of loyalty, fitness, and sheer dominance that may never be replicated. Whether he’s dismantling bowlers or grabbing blinders in the deep, King Kohli remains the undisputed face of the league. RCB fans, buckle up—the 2026 season might just be the one where he breaks the final ceiling.

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​Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How many runs does Virat Kohli need to reach 9,000 IPL runs?

As of the start of the 2026 season, Virat Kohli needs exactly 339 runs to become the first player in history to reach the 9,000-run milestone in the IPL.

2. Has Virat Kohli ever taken a wicket in the IPL?

Yes! Virat Kohli has taken 4 wickets in his IPL career. His best bowling figures are 2/25, which he achieved during the inaugural 2008 season.

3. Which team has Virat Kohli scored the most runs against?

Virat Kohli has scored the most runs against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), with a total of 1,146 runs, the highest by any player against that franchise.

4. How many centuries does Virat Kohli have in the IPL?

Virat Kohli currently has 8 centuries in the IPL, which is the record for the most hundreds by any individual in the history of the tournament.

5. Is Virat Kohli the highest-paid player in IPL 2026?

While he is among the highest-paid, RCB retained him for a massive ₹21 crore for the 2026 season, keeping him in the top bracket of earners alongside stars like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer.

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