The IPL is the world’s most prominent and exciting T20 cricket league. Since it started in 2008, the tournament has seen a host of star players produce magical moments and record-breaking performances. Among the superstars who have played over the years in the IPL, there is one name that is almost always referred to as the King of IPL – Virat Kohli.
However, here is why Virat Kohli is termed king of IPL. His runs, records, consistency or leadership? The answer is all of the above. Through sheer hard work, burning passion and primarily extraordinary batting in the IPL, Kohli turned himself into a legend at the pinnacle of Indian cricket.
Who Is the King of IPL?
Virat Kohli is the most legendary player of IPL because he is the highest run scorer of all time and also one of the most consistent players in IPL so people call him King of IPL.
In the IPL, Kohli has played for just one franchise – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (known as Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier). He has given his allegiance, performed consistently and demonstrated a strong passion to the team and has cemented himself as one of the greatest icons in IPL’s history.
Share: Kohli no doubt has a huge, loyal fan base worldwide who admire his aggressive batting style, fitness prowess and captaincy abilities along with performing in times of pressure. His records and popularity have likened him to King Kohli.
Virat Kohli’s IPL Journey 2008 to 2026
Virat Kohli made his IPL debut in 2008 after captaining the Indian team at the ICC Under-19 World Cup. RCB bought the young batter and he has been representing you ever since.
Kohli had his moments in the early years but he became one of the finest T20 batters on the planet from 2011 onwards. He has played many match-winning innings and delivered memorable performances over the years.
His IPL career biggest highlight was the 2016 season. Virat Kohli: 973 runs (2016) (Most in a single season in tournament history)
Why Virat Kohli Is Called the King of IPL
1. Highest Run Scorer in IPL History
The highest run-scorer in the history of IPL is Virat Kohli. He is the highest run scorer of the tournament.
He is it for the simple fact of his consistency, over a number of seasons. Although you do get players who have some good years, Kohli has maintained form for well over a decade.
2. Record-Breaking 2016 Season
The 2016 IPL season is among the greatest individual performances for T20 cricket.
During that season, Kohli scored:
- 973 runs
- 4 centuries
- 7 half-centuries
This record is still in place today and could last for many moons to come.
3. Loyalty to One Franchise
Kohli is one of those cricketers who has stayed loyal to the franchise he represented.
This has established him as an emotional fan favorite due to his loyalty. Kohli may not have a single IPL trophy to his name with RCB, but he still puts in an effort season after season.
4. Consistency Across Seasons
Kohli has many strengths but one of the biggest is consistency. You regularly score 500+ in IPL seasons and perform against the best bowlers of the world.
One of the best-ever complete T20 batters who can anchor innings and accelerate at will.
5. Huge Fan Following
Virat Kohli is one of the most followed cricketers around the world. His general popularity is a gigantic asset for the IPL.
Whenever Kohli bats, stadiums become louder, and millions of fans watch his innings online and on television. His passion and aggressive celebrations make IPL matches more entertaining.
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Virat Kohli IPL Stats
| Category | Stats |
| IPL Debut | 2008 |
| Team | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Matches | 282 |
| Total Runs | 9261 |
| Centuries | 9 |
| Half-Centuries | 67 |
| Highest Score | 113 |
| Strike Rate | 134.53 |
| Best Season | IPL 2016 |
Virat Kohli’s Best IPL Records
Most Runs in IPL History
Here are the top IPL run-scorers of all time, starting with Kohli and including many famous names in the summit.
Most Runs in a Single IPL Season
The 973 runs he scored in IPL 2016 continue to be the most runs struck across one season.
Most Centuries for RCB
Kohli has dozens of RCB centuries and innumerable memorable innings under his belt.
Most Fours by an IPL Batter
He is also among the top scorers in terms of number of boundaries scored during the tournament.
Virat Kohli vs Other IPL Legends
So many great players have played in the IPL, these include:
- MS Dhoni
- Rohit Sharma
- Chris Gayle
- AB de Villiers
- Suresh Raina
However, these players have made a significant impact on the IPL. MS Dhoni is the strongest of leaders & one of the most successful champions ever while Rohit Sharma has conquered IPL as captain multiple times.
But Kohli has made a separate place from the rest across all three formats of batting consistency, ability to score and impact. This is one of the reasons why fans and cricket pundits address him as IPL King.
Conclusion
So, who is the king of the IPL? So, the answer is plain and simple – Virat Kohli.
Tracking from highest run scorer in the history of IPL to some record-breaking performances, Kohli earned this no. With his incredible batting feats and fidelity to RCB, he was one of the best players to ever play in IPL history due to his passion for cricket.
Here are five of Virat Kohli’s finest innings that cricket fans will never forget) Cricket is a religion in India, and even after so many seasons, his world class innings with the bat keep on thrilling International followers of cricket. Be it scoring centuries, chasing targets or making the team fight till the last ball, King Kohli is still the heart of IPL cricket.
Virat Kohli for a million of cricket lovers is not just a player, he is actually IPL King.
FAQs
Why is Virat Kohli called the king of IPL?
Virat Kohli is called the king of IPL because he is the highest run-scorer in IPL history and has consistently performed for RCB over many seasons.
Which team does Virat Kohli play for in IPL?
Virat Kohli plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
What is Virat Kohli’s highest IPL score?
Virat Kohli’s highest IPL score is 113 runs.
How many runs did Virat Kohli score in IPL 2016?
Virat Kohli scored 973 runs in IPL 2016, the highest ever in a single IPL season.
Has Virat Kohli won an IPL trophy?
As of now, Virat Kohli has not won an IPL trophy with RCB.
Who are the biggest rivals to Virat Kohli in IPL?
MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers are among the biggest IPL legends often compared with Virat Kohli.
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