Last Updated:
On April 19, 2019, Virat Kohli scored a 58-ball century for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. Kohli’s fifth IPL century helped RCB secure a 10-run victory.
Virat Kohli’s century in that match was undoubtedly the cornerstone of the win. (Image: RCBTweets/X, formerly Twitter)
On This Day In 2019: Six years ago, Virat Kohli put up one of his finest knocks in the Indian Premier League (IPL) against multi-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders. Competing at the iconic Eden Gardens, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru star anchored his team’s innings with a 58-ball century. Kohli’s standout performance helped the three-time finalists secure a crucial away victory on this day in 2019.
It was his fifth century in the IPL, a statistic that underlines Kohli’s consistency throughout the franchise tournament’s history. He was also awarded the Player of the Match for his spoils in Kolkata.
Virat Kohli’s innings at the Eden Gardens started steadily, building the foundation for a later acceleration. Batting alongside England veteran Moeen Ali, Kohli completed his half-century in 40 deliveries. While the 50 was slow, it highlighted the former India skipper’s more measured approach.
Kohli wasn’t looking to attack right from the outset. He prioritised his presence at the crease to set the stage for an onslaught later in the game.
A noticeable change in tempo was visible as the innings progressed. Virat Kohli quickly shifted gears, transitioning from an anchor to an aggressor to score another 50 runs. This time, however, the RCB star required only 18 more balls to complete his century. The abrupt change in his innings’ pace showcased the Indian batter’s ability to deliver quick runs when needed.
Throughout his knock, Virat Kohli displayed his massive arsenal of cricketing shots. The former RCB captain smashed nine boundaries and four sixes. Another major aspect of this innings was Kohli’s important partnership with Moeen Ali.
The England batter’s aggressive knock of a 28-ball 66 provided some much-needed support. The synergy between the two stars allowed Royal Challengers Bengaluru to reach a massive 213/4 total.
The Kolkata Knight Riders performed similarly during the chase with late accelerations from Nitish Rana and Andre Russell. The multi-time champions were in a dire situation after losing three wickets in 4.6 overs. Rana stepped up massively for KKR and smashed a quick-fire 46-ball 85.
Russell showcased his power-hitting abilities as he hit nine sixes and two boundaries while adding 65 runs in 25 deliveries. Despite the duo’s valiant efforts, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s total proved too big for the multi-time champions. They eventually ran out of deliveries at 203/5, securing a narrow 10-run victory for RCB.
Virat Kohli’s century in that match was undoubtedly the cornerstone of the win. The Indian star’s innings summarised his indispensable role within the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
