Raipur: Star batter Virat Kohli created history in IPL 2026 by becoming the most capped player in the tournament’s history, surpassing legends MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.
Historic milestone for Kohli
Kohli achieved the landmark when he was named in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) playing XI against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. The match marked his 279th appearance in the Indian Premier League, the highest by any player in the competition’s history.
Before this game, Kohli was tied with Dhoni and Rohit at 278 matches each. With this appearance, he moved ahead to claim the record outright, adding another remarkable achievement to his illustrious career.
While Dhoni remains part of the Chennai Super Kings squad this season, he is yet to feature in IPL 2026 matches. Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, continues to represent Mumbai Indians.
RCB opt to bowl first
In the match, RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first, citing pitch conditions similar to their previous game at the venue.
Patidar noted that the surface could offer variable bounce and stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on the opposition. He expressed confidence in the team following a strong recent performance and highlighted the significance of consistency as the tournament approaches its business end.
“We will try to keep them under pressure. Every game is important, and we are focusing on playing good cricket,” he said.
Playoff race intensifies
RCB have been one of the more consistent sides in IPL 2026, currently placed second on the points table with seven wins from 11 matches. The team recently bounced back from two consecutive losses with a thrilling two-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians, regaining momentum at a crucial stage.
With the playoffs approaching, Bengaluru will aim to capitalise on their form and secure qualification as early as possible.
KKR eye turnaround
Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders, led by Ajinkya Rahane, entered the contest with renewed confidence after a string of victories. The team has climbed back into contention with four consecutive wins following a difficult start to the season.
Rahane acknowledged that KKR would have preferred to bowl first but emphasised the importance of staying focused and taking one game at a time.
“For us, it is about keeping things simple and continuing the momentum,” he said.
KKR are currently placed eighth on the table with four wins from 10 matches and remain in a must-win situation to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Kohli’s legacy continues to grow
Kohli’s latest milestone reinforces his enduring impact on the IPL since its inception. Having been a part of the league since 2008, he has consistently delivered for RCB and remains one of the most influential players in T20 cricket.
Beyond records, his longevity, fitness, and ability to adapt across seasons have set him apart as a modern great of the game.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s record-breaking 279th IPL appearance marks another historic moment in his career, underlining his consistency and longevity in the league. As RCB push for playoff qualification, Kohli’s experience and form will be crucial in shaping their campaign in IPL 2026.