As the IPL 2024 season unfolds, Virat Kohli, a veteran in the arena, stands on the cusp of etching his name even deeper into the annals of the league’s history. The anticipation builds as the 35-year-old maestro eyes significant milestones in the upcoming match for Bengaluru at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 11.

Kohli’s Quest for 4000 Runs as Opener

A closer look at Kohli’s journey reveals his impending landmark; he is a mere 73 runs shy of becoming the fourth batsman to surpass 4000 runs as an opener in the IPL. His tenure at the crease has been nothing short of remarkable, boasting 3927 runs from 103 innings at an impressive average of 45.66 and a strike rate of 136.26. Notably, all eight of his IPL centuries have been scored in the role of an opener, underscoring his dominance and adaptability.

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The elite list Kohli aims to join includes Shikhar Dhawan (6362 runs), David Warner (5900 runs), and Chris Gayle (4480 runs), who currently lead as the top run-getters in the capacity of opening batters in the league.

Chasing the Sixes Milestone

The Delhi-born cricketer is also on the verge of another monumental achievement – he is just four sixes away from hitting 250 sixes in the IPL, a feat achieved by only three others so far: Chris Gayle (357 sixes), Rohit Sharma (264 sixes), and AB de Villiers (251 sixes). This testament to Kohli’s power-hitting capabilities places him in the league of the game’s most formidable hitters.

Current Form and Challenges

Kohli’s form in the ongoing edition of the IPL has been nothing short of stellar. Currently holding the Orange Cap, he has amassed 316 runs in just 5 matches, averaging an extraordinary 105.33 with a strike rate of 146.29. His innings have been a blend of consistency and brilliance, highlighted by half-centuries against Punjab and Kolkata, and a spectacular unbeaten 113 against Rajasthan at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

However, despite Kohli’s brilliance, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) find themselves grappling with challenges. With only 2 points and a net run rate of -0.843, they are currently languishing at ninth in the table, having secured just one win out of five games.