Indian batting maestro–Virat Kohli became the first Indian cricketer to achieve this unique record in his opening game against Mumbai Indians. The RCB opener played an astonishing knock of 82 off just 49 deliveries to take Bangalore’s side to secure victory against the five-time champions.
Virat Kohli’s half-century against Mumbai Indians was his 50th 50-plus score in Indian Premier League and he became the first Indian Cricketer to achieve this massive record in the cash-rich league. Kohli currently has 45 fifties and 5 hundred in IPL. Delhi Capitals Skipper David Warner was at the top of the list with 60 followed by the Punjab Kings skipper Shikhar Dhawan with 49, 50-plus scores.
On another record, Virat Kohli once again overtook Shikhar Dhawan for the record for involvement in the most number of 50-plus partnerships in IPL history. Punjab Kings skipper equalled Virat Kohli’s record during his game against Kolkata Knight Riders. Former Chennai Super Kings middle-order batter Suresh Raina stands third on the list, followed by the Delhi Capitals skipper David Warner.
Virat Kohli was involved in a 148-run stand opening wicket partnership along with his skipper Faf du Plessis to take his side to victory in their opening encounter of IPL 2023. Royal Challengers Bangalore celebrated their homecoming with a win at the famous Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Couldn’t Have Asked For A Better Game – Virat Kohli On Their 1st Win
Virat Kohli was at his absolute best against Mumbai Indians taking their bowlers to the cleaners hitting 5 sixes and 6 fours along with Faf du Plessis to get their IPL 2023 campaign off to a winning start. Speaking on the Post-match presentation Virat Kohli said that it was a terrific win for his side and lauded Mumbai Indians batter Tilak Verma for his fantastic batting.
“I thought it was a phenomenal win, a homecoming after 4 years. Couldn’t have asked for a better game. We bowled well for the first 17 overs but then credit to their batters, especially Tilak who batted well. It was a very comprehensive win and we wanted to win with balls to spare as it will benefit the NRR,” Virat Kohli said.
The former RCB skipper reckoned that it is important to take one game at a time and credited their bowlers for executing the team’s plans.
“Take one game at a time and try to be a balanced side which we are and we would look to execute our plans as we did tonight,” Virat Kohli added.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will take on two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their second match in Eden Gardens on April 6.