On May 18, during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Virat Kohli displayed an aggressive mindset and unleashed a powerful attack. Formerly the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kohli astounded everyone, including RCB captain Faf du Plessis, with a magnificent six at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad.
The ball, bowled by Nitish Kumar Reddy, was dispatched by Kohli with immense force, soaring an impressive distance of 103 meters and landing in the stands. This remarkable feat occurred in the ninth over of RCB’s innings, as Kohli vigorously swung his arms and effortlessly cleared the boundaries in response to a slightly shorter delivery.
In their pursuit of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s target of 187, the 34-year-old batsman played a pivotal role in keeping the Bengaluru-based franchise on track. With an impressive display of skill and precision, he reached a half-century in just 35 balls, injecting momentum into the team’s chase.
The day proved to be a momentous one for Kohli, as he achieved significant milestones in the IPL 2023 season. He surpassed the 500-run mark, further solidifying his outstanding performance. Additionally, Kohli’s partnership with Du Plessis made history, as they became the highest-scoring opening pair in IPL history, showcasing their exceptional teamwork and contribution to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Before being dismissed on the very next ball, the former captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore showcased his brilliance by scoring his sixth century in the IPL. Despite his departure, Kohli received a standing ovation from his teammates, acknowledging his remarkable innings. His outstanding performance played a crucial role in RCB’s victory by 8 wickets in the match.
Furthermore, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Heinrich Klaasen also made a significant impact by smashing a century earlier in the game. His impressive knock contributed to SRH posting a total of 186/5 on the scoreboard, setting a challenging target for the opposition.
In a display of sheer dominance, Kohli and Du Plessis had different plans altogether. The opening duo of Royal Challengers Bangalore formed a formidable partnership, amassing a remarkable 172 runs together.
They shouldered the majority of the scoring responsibility, with Kohli reaching a brilliant century and Du Plessis contributing an impressive 71 runs. Their exceptional performance paved the way for the Bengaluru-based franchise to secure a resounding 8-wicket victory.
This crucial win propelled RCB to fourth place in the IPL 2023 points table, breathing new life into their playoff aspirations. With their playoff hopes still alive, RCB stands a chance to compete further in the tournament.