In a moment that electrified the Wankhede Stadium during IPL 2025, Virat Kohli scripted history by becoming the first Indian cricketer to score 13,000 runs in T20 cricket. The legendary batter, known for his unwavering consistency and passion for the game, achieved this massive milestone during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s intense match against Mumbai Indians.
What made this achievement more special was the style in which it came—a signature Kohli cover drive that pierced the off-side and reached the boundary ropes off Trent Boult in the third over of the game. With this, Kohli officially entered one of the most elite clubs in global T20 cricket.
Kohli Joins the Elite 13,000 T20 Run Club
Only four other cricketers in the world have ever reached the 13,000-run mark in T20s. Kohli now finds himself in the company of some of the greatest T20 legends—Chris Gayle, Alex Hales, Shoaib Malik, and Kieron Pollard. What’s even more impressive is that Kohli reached the milestone in just 386 innings, making him the second-fastest to the mark after Chris Gayle, who did it in 381 innings.
Here’s a quick look at the players who have crossed the 13,000-run mark in T20s:
Top Players with 13,000+ T20 Runs
| Player | Total Runs | Innings Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle | 14,562 | 381 |
| Alex Hales | 13,610 | 474 |
| Shoaib Malik | 13,557 | 487 |
| Kieron Pollard | 13,537 | 617 |
| Virat Kohli | 13,001* | 386 |
A Glorious Chapter in Kohli’s T20 Career
At 36, Virat Kohli continues to dominate world cricket with his bat. In the same match where he crossed 13,000 runs, he also completed 100 T20 fours and smashed a blazing half-century in just 29 balls. His total count of T20 fifties has now climbed to 98, placing him on the brink of becoming the first-ever player to hit 100 fifties in T20 cricket.
Before this game, Kohli already had 12,983 runs in 403 matches, with a healthy average of 41.47 and an explosive strike rate of 134.20. He also holds 9 centuries in T20s, adding to his reputation as one of the most consistent and dangerous batters in cricket’s shortest format.
RCB’s Icon and the IPL’s Run Machine
Since the birth of the IPL, Kohli has been the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He remains the highest run-scorer in IPL history, recently crossing the 8,000-run milestone, a feat that no other player has matched. All of his 8 IPL centuries have come while donning the RCB jersey, proving his loyalty and unmatched performance for the franchise.
Kohli also became the first Indian to feature in 400 T20 matches, adding to his elite portfolio that includes over 100 Test matches and 300 ODIs. Not many cricketers in the world possess such vast experience across all formats of the game.
Milestones at Iconic Venues and Against Tough Opponents
In the same match, Kohli also extended his legacy by becoming the top scorer against Gujarat, and he’s now just 44 runs short of completing 3,500 runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium—a record for the most runs at a single venue in IPL history.
Virat Kohli IPL 2025 Stats Update (as of April 7)
- Matches Played: 403
- T20 Runs: 13,001*
- Average: 41.47
- Strike Rate: 134.20
- Fifties: 98
- Centuries: 9
- IPL Runs: 8,000+
- IPL Centuries: 8
- T20 Fours: 100+
- Fastest Fifty in IPL 2025: 29 Balls
Fans and Cricket Fraternity Celebrate Kohli’s New Milestone
As the Wankhede crowd erupted, social media too was flooded with admiration. “He’s not just the King of RCB, he’s the monarch of milestones,” tweeted a fan, echoing the sentiments of millions of cricket lovers worldwide.
Even after stepping away from international T20 cricket following India’s victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, Kohli’s hunger for runs hasn’t faded. With the IPL 2025 in full swing, his bat is still doing all the talking—and breaking records along the way.
Kohli’s Consistency Is the Key
Kohli himself summed it up best in the post-match presentation, saying, “I’ve always believed in consistency over flash. Milestones come and go, but passion and hard work stay forever.”
It’s this attitude that has made Virat Kohli not just a player, but an inspiration for generations. As IPL 2025 continues, fans can expect more magic from the master batter who keeps rewriting the record books.
Final Thoughts: Kohli’s Legacy Is Still Being Written
From smashing sixes at Chinnaswamy to carving cover drives at Wankhede, Virat Kohli continues to be the heartbeat of T20 cricket in India. With every game, he’s not just playing cricket—he’s building a legacy that will inspire young cricketers for decades to come.
Whether it’s his unmatched IPL numbers, his explosive shots, or his leadership for RCB, Kohli remains the face of Indian T20 cricket. And with more milestones on the horizon, this journey of greatness is far from over.