New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s mascot continues to redefine longevity and excellence. IPLand this latest milestone adds to his illustrious legacy. Virat Kohli, already the league’s highest run-scorer, became the first batsman to cross the 9,000-run mark, a feat that illustrates both his consistency and hunger over the seasons.“If anyone can challenge Virat Kohli, it is none other than Virat Kohli himself. That’s why this 9000 runs in IPL. Mount Everest It is only a step, not a destination,” Irfan Pathan wrote on X.The historic moment arrived in familiar territory, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, adding a layer of emotion to an already historic night. Kohli played a composed but authoritative hand in the chase, remaining unbeaten and sealing the win in style with back-to-back sixes. It was another reminder that while the record follows, his primary focus is winning games.With over 9,000 runs to his name now, a strong average and consistent strike rate, Kohli’s IPL journey has been less about isolated peaks and more about a steady accumulation. Eight centuries and dozens of fifties show his adaptability to match conditions and changing formats of T20 batting.This season, he remains firmly in contention for the Orange Cap, combining fluidity with control. His ability to build pace without compromising stability has been central to RCB’s strong campaign so far.The team’s dominant win over Delhi Capitals reflected a complete performance. Clinical bowling wore down the opposition early, setting up a straightforward chase which the batting unit completed with aggressive intent. Support from the top order ensured there were no hiccups.With six wins from eight matches, RCB are looking like serious contenders. And at the center of their charge is Kohli, still developing, still moving, and, as Pathan suggested, perhaps still the only one who can chase the standards.
