PBKS vs RCB: Virat Kohli Scripts History with Record Ninth 500-Run IPL Season

Virat Kohli continued to rewrite Indian Premier League history as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter completed 500 runs in IPL 2026 during the clash against Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday.

With the milestone, Kohli registered his ninth 500-plus season in the IPL, the most by any batter in the tournament's history.

Former Australian opener David Warner and India batter KL Rahul follow with seven such seasons each, while former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has achieved the feat five times.

After Kohli reached the landmark of 500 runs, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan praised Kohli's consistency and mentality, highlighting the veteran batter's relentless drive at the highest level.

"Another 500 runs season for Virat Kohli in the IPL. His mindset is what makes him so special," Pathan wrote on X.

Kohli has once again been among RCB's most dependable performers this season, delivering consistently at the top of the order as the Bengaluru-based franchise pushes for a playoff berth.

Earlier, the Punjab-based franchise had decided to bowl first against the defending champions RCB. This match is Shreyas Iyer's 100th IPL match as a skipper.

RCB is leading the points table with eight wins in 12 matches, and a win here may book their place in the playoffs. PBKS will be looking to end their five-match losing streak in this match.

At the time of writing this report, RCB were batting on 120-2 in 12 overs with Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli still at the crease.

Kohli completed his fourth half-century of the season.

(With inputs from ANI)