IPL: Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century powers RCB to summit, dents KKR playoff hopes

After consecutive ducks in his previous two innings, Kohli responded in trademark fashion, producing a flawless 105 not out from 60 balls to guide the defending champions to a successful chase of 193 with five deliveries remaining.

The veteran opener struck 11 fours and three sixes in a commanding display that lifted RCB to the top of the standings on net run-rate ahead of Gujarat Titans, while Kolkata's playoff hopes suffered another setback after a sixth defeat in 11 matches.

Kohli immediately showed his intent, celebrating animatedly after getting off the mark with a single following his recent struggles. Although Jacob Bethell fell early for 15, the former India captain quickly settled into rhythm and combined with Devdutt Padikkal for a crucial 92-run second-wicket partnership.

Padikkal contributed a brisk 39 before Kolkata fought back briefly through Kartik Tyagi, who also removed Tim David to finish with impressive figures of 3-32. However, Kohli remained unshaken despite being dropped on 21, reaching his half-century in just 32 deliveries before accelerating towards his ninth IPL hundred.

Jitesh Sharma eventually sealed victory with a boundary after Kohli brought up his first century of the season to loud applause from the Raipur crowd.

Earlier, Kolkata recovered from a brisk start to post 192-4, largely thanks to an assured 71 from Angkrish Raghuvanshi. The young batter anchored the innings from number three, striking seven fours and three sixes in his 46-ball knock before being run out off the final delivery.

Raghuvanshi shared valuable stands with Cameron Green, who made 32, and Rinku Singh, whose unbeaten 49 from 29 balls provided late momentum for KKR.

RCB's experienced pace attack once again played a key role in restricting Kolkata. Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar kept the scoring under control through the middle overs, ensuring the target remained within reach despite Rinku's late flourish.

The victory gave Bengaluru their eighth win in 12 matches and confirmed their place in the playoffs, though the race for a top-two finish remains open. Kolkata, meanwhile, sit eighth and now require victories in all three remaining matches, along with favourable results elsewhere, to keep their slim qualification hopes alive.

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