Masterclass Moments: Virat Kohli’s 10 Best IPL Performances

From being a promising youngster to becoming the heartbeat of Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Indian Premier League itself, Virat Kohli has delivered some of the most memorable innings in IPL history. Here’s a tribute to his top 10 innings that captured not just runs on the scoreboard, but also hearts across the world.

1. 113 (50) vs Kings XI Punjab – IPL 2016 Played with stitches on his hand, this century defined commitment and charisma.
   In a rain-shortened 15-over match, Kohli walked out with a bandaged hand and turned into a warrior on fire. Smashing 12 fours and 8 sixes, he scored one of the most explosive centuries in IPL history. The fact that he played with visible pain made the knock legendary. His 229-run stand with AB de Villiers helped RCB post 211/3 and eventually crushed Punjab by 82 runs.
2. 109* (55) vs Gujarat Lions – IPL 2016 The night the Kohli-ABD bromance peaked with a 229-run stand.
   Kohli’s unbeaten 109 was a perfect foil to ABD’s 129* in one of the most iconic partnerships in T20 history. His acceleration in the final overs stunned the Gujarat Lions, and RCB ended up scoring a mammoth 248/3. Kohli ran hard between the wickets and ensured every bowler paid the price. The crowd at Chinnaswamy witnessed poetry in motion that night.
3. 108* (58) vs Rising Pune Supergiants – IPL 2016 Captain leading from the front in a high-stakes chase.
   Chasing 192, Kohli orchestrated the innings with composure and control. He picked gaps, rotated strike, and unleashed his fury when needed. His trademark cover drives and flicks were on full display, and he remained unbeaten till the end, guiding RCB to victory with 3 balls to spare. It was a masterclass in chasing under pressure.
4. 100 (63) vs Gujarat Lions – IPL 2016 Four centuries in a single season – the first and only man to do so.
   This ton was about elegance and timing. Kohli built his innings patiently, accelerating once he crossed his fifty. Despite wickets falling around him, he ensured RCB reached a competitive total. Although RCB lost the match, Kohli’s form remained untouched and his legacy as a run-machine was cemented.
5. 99 (58) vs Delhi Daredevils – IPL 2013 One run short of a century, but full marks for dominance.
   This innings had everything — boundaries, aggression, finesse. Kohli played all around the park, toying with the bowlers. He missed a well-deserved century by just one run, but ensured RCB posted a big total. His ability to pace the innings while holding one end showcased his maturity.
6. 93* (47) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – IPL 2013 A blazing knock that set the tone for RCB’s campaign.
   Kohli demolished SRH’s attack with calculated aggression. His inside-out shots over cover and the trademark flicks were unstoppable. In a match where the rest of the batting faltered, Kohli’s lone wolf act ensured RCB posted a fighting total, which they successfully defended.
7. 92* (62) vs Mumbai Indians – IPL 2018 A captain’s knock in a losing cause — fight till the end.
   While the rest of the team collapsed, Kohli stood tall like a fortress. Facing Bumrah, McClenaghan, and Krunal, he held one end and tried to push RCB close to MI’s total. His 6 sixes in the innings highlighted his ability to switch gears. Though RCB lost, Kohli’s knock earned respect across fanbases.
8. 90* (52) vs Chennai Super Kings – IPL 2020 Against old foes CSK, Kohli delivers a hammer blow.
   Kohli launched an all-out assault on CSK in the last five overs, turning what looked like a 160-score into a 194-finish. He was clinical in the death overs, showcasing supreme fitness with running between the wickets and strength with clean hits. His punch celebration said it all — fire still burns bright.
9. 84 (49) vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 2019 Vintage Virat – flair, class, and hunger.
   Kohli’s innings was a perfect mix of timing and power. Against Narine and Russell, he chose his shots carefully and punished anything off line. Though he missed a century, his innings was the backbone of RCB’s win against a strong KKR side.
10. 72* (53) vs Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2022 A reminder to the world – form is temporary, class is permanent.
    Under pressure, with critics questioning his T20 credentials, Kohli answered in style. He took his time to settle in, then found his rhythm. The flicks returned, the drives flowed, and the king reminded everyone that champions don’t fade — they roar back.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s IPL career is more than just records — it’s about moments that defined matches and sometimes, seasons. From audacious centuries to gritty knocks under pressure, Kohli has been the soul of RCB and the heartbeat of IPL. These 10 innings are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his greatness. As fans, we can only wait with bated breath for what the next season brings.

*Disclaimer: This article is fan-curated and based on public match data up to IPL 2025. All stats are sourced from official IPL archives and Cricinfo.