Virat Kohli point on the 7000-run milestone proves his elite mentality
In nine games of the 2023 IPL, Virat Kohli has racked up 364 runs with an average of 45.50 and a strike rate of over 137. Also, he has scored five half centuries in the season. But the RCB man keeps his feet on the ground.
Cricket PassionEditor
Posted - 2023-05-07T13:36:40+06:00
Updated - 2023-05-07T13:46:01+06:00
Against Delhi Capitals on May 6, star India batter Virat Kohli became the first player in Indian Premier League history to bat 7,000 runs.
After achieving the milestone and 7,000 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and becoming the first player ever, Star India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman Virat Kohli said it was just another milestone in his mission be what he is trying to do for his team, that is win games. He also said it was a special feeling that his childhood coach and family saw him play on the pitch on that record-breaking day, where it all began for him as a cricketer.
Notably, the 34-year-old hit 55 runs from 46 deliveries against the David Warner-led side to move up to fourth in the IPL Orange Cap race this season.
Meanwhile, Kohli also holds the record for the fastest 4000, 6000 and 7000 runs in the IPL. Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist, who has managed Deccan Chargers and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the past, is the fastest player to score 1000 runs while Suresh Raina holds the records for the fastest 2000, 3000 and 5000 runs in the History keeps cash-rich league.
Raina has won multiple titles with Chennai Super Kings in the past and has also led Gujarat Giants (now defunct) in the past.
With the help of half centuries from Virat Kohli and Mahipal Lomror, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) scored 181/4 at the end of 20 overs in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday.
"7,000 runs is just another milestone in the journey of what I'm trying to do for my team. It's a beautiful number when you're trying to do something for your team," Virat said after the innings.
"(On his childhood coach watching from the stands): It's a special moment, Anushka (Sharma) is here, my family is here, my coach is here. I was honored to get a pavilion named after me. I started my journey here and started playing here for Delhi. I never thought all these things would come there and there is gratitude for all that. I want to put my head down and keep working hard," added Kohli.
In nine games of the 2023 IPL, Virat has racked up 364 runs with an average of 45.50 and a strike rate of over 137. Also, he has scored one goal for five half centuries in the season. He is the sixth-highest run scorer in the tournament so far.
Kohli said Lomror was "amazing".
"Me and Faf thought 160 would be a good result. Mahipal came in and changed the game, put the momentum on us. My job was to hit deep and get those late runs, but DK (Dinesh Karthik) and Mahipal did did a great job too. It gives the seniors like me and Faf a lot of confidence at this stage of the tournament. It's a great sign for the team," the batter concluded.