.jpg)
Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: In a historic moment during the IPL 2024 Eliminator between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Virat Kohli became the first batter in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to score 8000 runs. Kohli, who needed just 29 runs to cross this monumental landmark, achieved the feat during his innings of 33 from 24 balls before he was caught in the deep by substitute fielder Donovan Ferreira off the bowling of Yuzvendra Chahal.
Kohli’s milestone further solidifies his position as the leading run-scorer in IPL history. He has amassed 8004 runs from 252 matches, featuring 8 centuries and 55 half-centuries. This achievement significantly widens the gap between his tally and Shikhar Dhawan, the second-highest run-getter in the tournament with 6769 runs.
The match saw a mix of stellar performances and pivotal moments. Rovman Powell complemented Trent Boult’s brilliance in the powerplay with an outstanding catch, running in from deep midwicket to dive in front and dismiss Faf du Plessis (17), providing RR with their first breakthrough. On a docile deck, Boult controlled his swing and lines to perfection, keeping it tight for the batters. However, his fellow seamers struggled to maintain the pressure.
Sandeep Sharma conceded 25 runs in his two overs, while Avesh gave away 17 runs in his single over, allowing RCB to reach 50/1 by the end of the powerplay. Kohli looked set for a long haul, but Yuzvendra Chahal (1/43) cut his stay short in the eighth over. Chahal lured Kohli into a slog sweep with a delivery that hardly turned, resulting in Kohli hitting it straight to the deep midwicket fielder.
Cameron Green (27) and Rajat Patidar (34) showed promise but couldn’t convert their starts into significant scores. Green’s six and four off Ashwin indicated a potential shift in momentum, but he fell to Ashwin in the 13th over, mistiming a slog. The ball went high off Green’s bat, allowing Powell to take a reverse cupped catch despite a hard fall.
RCB’s innings further stumbled as Glenn Maxwell’s poor form continued, hitting a catch straight to Dhruv Jurel. Patidar, despite his intent, succumbed to a rising short delivery from Avesh, playing it straight to mid-on. However, Mahipal Lomror’s quickfire 17-ball 32 provided RCB with some late momentum.
Dinesh Karthik (11) faced an on-field leg-before decision that was overturned via DRS. Though replays suggested a gap between bat and pads, the third umpire ruled in favor of the batter.
As the game unfolded, Kohli’s landmark achievement remained the highlight, showcasing his enduring brilliance and consistency in the IPL.
