The Indian Premier League is not just a cricket tournament. For many fans, it feels like a festival that returns every year. Stadiums fill up, cities wear team colours, and millions of people plan their evenings around match timings. Over the years, IPL has given fans thrilling finishes, famous rivalries, and unforgettable moments.
Many great players have played in the IPL and left their mark. Some were explosive hitters, some were match winning bowlers, and some were brilliant leaders. Being called the king of IPL is not only about trophies. It is about scoring runs year after year, handling pressure, staying loyal to one team, and performing even when things are not going well. One player has done all this better than anyone else. His passion, consistency, and hunger for runs have defined the IPL era. That player is Virat Kohli.
Who Is King of IPL?
Virat Kohli’s IPL journey is built on consistency, responsibility, and love for the game. He has been part of the league since 2008 and has played only for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. While many players changed teams over the years, Kohli stayed loyal and continued scoring runs season after season.
He is the highest run scorer in IPL history with 8661 runs from 267 matches. Kohli has scored 63 half centuries and 8 centuries, which highlights his ability to play long and impactful innings. His batting style allows him to adapt, whether the team needs stability or quick runs.
What truly makes King Kohli special is how he performs under pressure. During tough chases or after early wickets, he takes responsibility. His runs often come at crucial moments, helping his team fight back and stay in the game.
Personal Info About Virat Kohli:
Before talking about records and runs, it helps to know the person behind the name. Virat Kohli is known not just for his batting but also for his discipline, confidence, and strong personality. From a young Delhi boy to an IPL legend, his journey reflects dedication, hard work, and passion for cricket.
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Virat Kohli |
| Born | November 05, 1988, Delhi |
| Age | 37y 86d |
| Batting Style | Right hand Bat |
| Bowling Style | Right arm Medium |
| Playing Role | Top order Batter |
| IPL Team | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Marital Status | Married to Anushka Sharma |
Why Is Virat Kohli Called the King of IPL?
Virat Kohli is called the king of IPL because of the respect he has earned over many seasons, not just from fans but also from players and experts. He has stayed consistent in a league where form changes quickly. Even when his team struggled, he continued to score runs and lead from the front.
Kohli plays with emotion and intensity, which fans deeply connect with. He celebrates every run, every catch, and every win like it truly matters. This attitude sets him apart. His hunger to improve never faded, even after becoming the biggest name in the league.
Another reason is trust. Whenever RCB needs stability or a big knock, Kohli is the first name people look at. His performances in tough situations have made him a symbol of reliability. Over time, this consistency, passion, and leadership naturally earned him the title King of IPL.
Virat Kohli’s IPL Stats:
Numbers help explain why King Kohli stands above everyone else in IPL history. Over many seasons, he has stayed consistent while facing the best bowlers in the world. These stats show not just long career length, but steady performance year after year for the same team.
| Stat | Value |
| Tournament | IPL |
| Team | RCB |
| Matches | 267 |
| Runs | 8661 |
| Highest Score | 113* |
| Strike Rate | 132.85 |
| 100s | 8 |
| 50s | 63 |
Virat Kohli’s Record Breaking 2016 Season:
The 2016 IPL season is remembered as the greatest individual season ever played. Virat Kohli was in complete control that year, scoring runs with ease across all grounds. Even with stitches on his hand, he played fearless cricket and carried his team almost alone.
- Scored 973 runs in a single IPL season
- Maintained a rare balance of control and aggression
- Smashed four centuries in one tournament edition
- Dominated both pace and spin bowling attacks
- Played key innings despite injury and pressure
- Carried RCB batting through most matches alone
- Set a record that still remains untouched today
That season changed how people looked at batting in T20 cricket. Kohli did not rely only on power; he used timing, placement, and smart shot selection. His consistency across matches made every innings feel special and match defining.
Loyalty to Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
In the IPL, loyalty is rare. Players change teams almost every season due to auctions. But King Kohli’s journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru is different. He has played for the same team since the very first IPL season in 2008. Through wins, losses, criticism, and pressure, he never walked away.
Kohli’s bond with RCB fans is emotional. The crowd chants his name even during tough seasons. He carried the hopes of the franchise for years and always gave his best on the field. As captain from 2013 to 2021, he focused on building team identity, not personal comfort.
After many seasons of waiting, RCB finally won their first IPL trophy in 2025. For fans, that moment felt special because Kohli’s patience and loyalty were finally rewarded. His RCB journey is one of trust, belief, and long term commitment.
King Kohli’s Game Changing Influence on IPL:
Virat Kohli’s influence on the IPL goes far beyond runs and records. He changed how players prepare, train, and think about the game. His approach raised the overall standard of the league and inspired a new generation.
- Set new fitness standards that every IPL team started following
- Brought aggressive mindset and strong intent into T20 cricket
- Inspired young Indian batters to focus on discipline and consistency
- Turned RCB into one of the most followed IPL franchises
- Made IPL a global stage through his personality and performances
Conclusion:
When people ask who is the king of the Indian Premier League, the answer feels clear. Virat Kohli earned this title through years of hard work, consistency, and passion. He did not rely on one great season or one lucky run. Instead, he delivered season after season, even when pressure was high and expectations were higher.
His loyalty to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, record breaking performances, and fearless attitude made him stand apart from others. Beyond runs and numbers, he shaped how IPL cricket is played and watched today. For many fans, Virat Kohli is not just a player. He is the heartbeat of the IPL era.
FAQs:
Fans connect with his passion, emotions, and the effort he shows in every match.
Virat Kohli has scored 8 centuries in the IPL, the most by any player in the league.
Yes, he often steps up when the team needs runs in difficult situations.
Young players follow his fitness standards, discipline, and strong mindset.
His records, long career, and emotional bond with fans make his legacy lasting.
Kiran is a cricket analyst and writer with strong expertise in the Indian Premier League and modern cricket. He closely follows match situations, player performances, team strategies, and season trends to deliver clear and accurate insights. Passionate about the game, Kiran enjoys exploring emerging talents, tracking auction movements, and sharing timely updates related to IPL and competitive cricket.
