IPL 2024: RCB's Virat Kohli equals unwanted record amid classy century against RR

The recent high-octane Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, on Saturday, saw many performances that impressed the fans. However, it was the knock of star RCB batter Virat Kohli that stood out.

Batting first in the clash, Kohli played an unbeaten knock of 113 runs and helped his side post a total of 183 runs in the first innings. The veteran Indian icon was the highest run scorer for his side in the clash, but it is worth noting that the star batter completed his ton off 67 deliveries. Notably, this was his ninth century in T20 cricket, and his first against Rajasthan Royals.

His knock, however, equalled the record for the slowest IPL hundred (by balls taken). The record previously belonged to Manish Pandey. the Karnataka-based had hit a 67-ball ton against Deccan Chargers at Centurion in IPL 2009.

Next in line are Sachin Tendulkar, David Warner, and Jos Buttler, who have all completed their tons in 66 deliveries. It is also worth noting that despite scoring a ton in the first innings, the score still did not prove to be enough for RCB, as Jos Buttler led the home side from the front with a scintillating century. As a result, Royals chased down the target and won the game by six wickets. 

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The wicket looks quite different from the outside: Kohli

After the first innings, Virat Kohli came forward to talk about the nature of the pitch, opining that the pitch was not what it looked like at the start. The star batter opined that he felt that the total of 183 runs was enough and that he had to keep the bowlers guessing. 

"The wicket looks quite different from the outside. It feels like it's flat, but the ball is holding up on the pitch, that's when you realise the pace changes. One of us (Virat or Faf) had to bat till the end. I feel this total is effective on this pitch. I am not coming in with any premeditation," Kohli was quoted as saying by Times of India (TOI).

Also Read: Virat Kohli's batting brilliance steers RCB to 183

"I knew I couldn't get over aggressive, just that I had to keep the bowlers guessing. It's just experience and maturity of playing the conditions. Even if there's dew, the surface is rough and dry, won't be easy for the batters. I couldn't get under the ball against Ashwin. Couldn't slog towards mid-wicket, so had to target straight down the ground,” the Indian batting legend concluded.