Watch: Virat Kohli reaches sixth IPL century with a six, draws level with Chris Gayle

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman Virat Kohli equaled a massive record held by his former teammate and ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle when he hit his sixth century in the Indian Premier League in an IPL 2023 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad. . Thursday night. Kohli scored a 63-ball 100 to help RCB chase down the 187-run target, which was followed by SRH’s Heinrich Klaasen who also scored his maiden IPL century.

Kohli’s century helped RCB move to the fourth spot in the IPL 2023 points table with their second consecutive win over Mumbai Indians and they now have 14 points from 13 matches. This was Kohli’s 7th century in all T20 cricket, helping him surpass KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma’s record of six hundreds each.

A brilliant century by Virat Kohli__

Kudos, King Kohli!

His sixth century in IPL.#TATAIPL #SRHvRCB pic.twitter.com/gd39A6tp5d– Indian Premier League (@IPL) May 18, 2023

Kohli won the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his match-winning century and termed it as ‘special’ considering the magnitude of the game. “It’s pretty special considering the enormity of the game. We saw the ball gripping the middle. We wanted a solid start but didn’t expect to get 172 for no loss. Faf and I played so well, He is on a different level. I had some quiet games and was not as good in the game as I was in the nets. From the first ball my intention was to go after the bowlers,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation.

The former RCB skipper revealed that he prefers not to play any ‘fancy’ shots in his innings unlike batsmen like Suryakumar Yadav, who is fondly known as ‘Mr 360’. “Glad it all came together well. I never look at my numbers. Sometimes I don’t give myself enough credit for playing impressive innings. I pride myself on playing positions. I don’t fancy shots. I play. We have to play 12 months of the year, so you can’t play fancy shots and throw your wicket away. I try to stick to my technique and take pride in what helps my team.

On his 172-run opening partnership with RCB captain Faf du Plessis, Kohli said, “I think it’s a tattoo.” Just like when AB and I bat together. A good understanding of where we are and how to take the game forward. It’s been a beautiful transition. Blessed and grateful for the support. I told Faf that it is like a home game, cheering for RCB and also taking my name. I think you can’t make it. I am on the field myself and I think it resonates with people. It feels good to see people happy when I perform.”