table of contents
There are great batsmen in the game of cricket and then there is Virat Kohli. Even after achieving almost every possible feat in the international arena and IPL, Virat Kohli still plays every match with the same hunger, passion and intensity that made him a superstar years ago.
This is why millions of young cricketers around the world look up to the former Indian captain as a role model. Kohli once again reminded everyone why he is considered one of the greatest white-ball batsmen of this generation.
Virat Kohli’s hunger and passion remain intact in IPL 2026
During the IPL 2026 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) icons looked completely unstoppable as they produced another masterclass under pressure at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday (May 13).
Also read: Arshdeep Singh is embroiled in a new controversy after making racial remarks on Tilak Verma.
Coming into this RCB vs KKR game after two disappointing performances, the batting legend bounced back in the most brutal manner, hitting a brilliant unbeaten century that completely crushed KKR’s hopes of making it to the IPL 2026 playoffs.
Chasing a challenging target of 193, Kohli controlled the game from the start with complete confidence, smart shot selection and calmness throughout the chase.
Virat Kohli destroys KKR’s IPL 2026 playoff hopes by scoring a brilliant century
During his brilliant innings, the former RCB captain scored unbeaten 105 runs in just 60 balls with the help of 11 fours and three sixes. KKR bowlers had no answer to Virat Kohli’s batting.
Kohli looked in complete control throughout the innings and his hunger to hang on till the end and complete the chase once again showcased the mentality that sets him apart from others. This was Kohli’s ninth IPL century, which helped RCB beat KKR by two wickets in Raipur.
Thanks to this dominating win, RCB reached the top of the IPL 2026 points table with 16 points. Defending champions Gujarat are level with the Titans on points but have moved ahead due to a better net run rate. Now their aim will be to make it to the top two.
Also read: Kagiso Rabada brutally shuts down Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s promotion with ‘just another batsman’ comment
Dwayne Bravo makes heartfelt request to Virat Kohli after RCB vs KKR match
However, an emotional moment after the RCB vs KKR match touched the fans deeply. KKR mentor and West Indies legend Dwayne Bravo personally visited the Royal Challengers Bangalore dressing room to meet Virat Kohli after the IPL 2026 clash in Raipur, as shown in a video shared by the franchise on X.
Bravo congratulated the Indian superstar for his incredible century and made an emotional request to him, asking Kohli to continue playing cricket for as long as possible as the game still needs players like him. That moment perfectly expressed Kohli’s impact on world cricket.
Kohli has written Virat’s autograph for the great West Indies all-rounder on the RCB jersey. Later, Bravo hugged the former Indian captain and said, “Play as long as you can – the game needs you, Virat.”
:
We have 4 points in our bag from the Raipur leg and that takes us to the top of the points table at the moment.
Tim David finished the game for us. #playbold #নমমRCB #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/0mAESNqV8b
– Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) 14 May 2026
Well, the swashbuckling right-hander is no longer just a match-winner for his team but has now become an inspiration for an entire generation of cricketers and fans.
