How Virat Kohli became IPL’s greatest chasemaster: Stats that tell the story

Virat Kohli has once again underlined why he is regarded as one of the greatest match-winners in the history of the Indian Premier League. After a relatively quiet outing against the Mumbai Indians, Kohli bounced back with a fluent 34-ball 49 against the Lucknow Super Giants, showcasing his trademark control and composure in a chase.

The knock was particularly significant as it came amid fitness concerns, with Kohli battling a sore knee and illness in the days leading up to the game. Playing as an Impact Sub for the first time, he looked back to his fluent best, guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru with authority.

Kohli’s numbers while chasing are staggering. He has accumulated 4,076 runs in 133 matches and 126 innings at an average of 41.59 and a strike rate of 135.01, including two centuries and 28 fifties. No other batter in IPL history has crossed the 4,000-run mark in run-chases, making him a standout performer under pressure.

What makes his record in successful chases even more extraordinary?

Kohli elevates his game further when the chase ends in victory. In successful run-chases, he has scored 2,640 runs in 67 innings at an astonishing average of 61.39 and a strike rate of 140.35, along with two centuries and 20 fifties.

These numbers highlight a defining trait of his career: not just scoring runs, but finishing games. His ability to pace an innings, absorb pressure, and accelerate at the right moment has made him a reliable anchor and finisher rolled into one.

How did Kohli reinvent himself after the 2022 slump?

The 2022 season marked a rare dip in Kohli’s otherwise stellar career, as he managed just 341 runs in 16 innings. However, the years since have seen a dramatic turnaround.

From the 2023 season onwards, Kohli has taken his chasing game to another level. In 20 innings while chasing, he has amassed 1,006 runs at a remarkable average of 71.85 and a strike rate exceeding 153, including a century and 10 fifties.

Even more striking is his record in successful chases during this period. Across 13 such innings, he has scored 800 runs at an average of 114.28, with a strike rate above 151, including a century and eight fifties.

Since RCB’s title-winning campaign last year, Kohli has maintained near-unmatched consistency. He has scored 472 runs in nine chasing innings at an average of 94.40 and a strike rate above 147, registering six fifties. Since 2025, he has failed to win a chase only once, compiling 429 runs at an average of 107.25.

Where does Kohli stand among IPL’s greatest match-winners?

Beyond his chasing heroics, Kohli’s overall impact in victories sets him apart. He remains the only player in IPL history to surpass 5,000 runs in winning causes, with 5,003 runs in 131 innings at an average of 50.03 and a strike rate of 139.59, including five centuries and 39 fifties.

As he continues to hold the Orange Cap this season with 228 runs in five matches at an average of 57.00 and a strike rate of 158.33, Kohli is once again at the heart of RCB’s campaign. With two fifties already and a best of 69*, he is also in contention for his third Orange Cap, while chasing back-to-back titles for the franchise.

(With inputs from ANI)