Qualifier 1: Virat Kohli 31 runs away from breaking David Warner’s IPL document in opposition to Punjab Kings

Virat Kohli raked up one other 600-plus season within the IPL, his fifth because the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) rode on yet one more sensational event from their talisman however what was totally different in 2025 for the three-time finalists was that they weren’t solely depending on their former captain. It has been an ensemble forged efficiency from RCB with the likes of Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Romario Shepherd, everybody chipping in with the bat whereas Virat Kohli being the epicentre of the batting unit.

All eyes might be on Kohli as soon as once more as RCB tackle the Punjab Kings within the first qualifier, the stage the place the three-time finalists have reached after 9 years and might be up in opposition to the acquainted foes on their house territory however each chasing their first titles. Kohli obtained out cheaply within the first fixture in opposition to the Kings in a rain-hit conflict in Bengaluru however hit again strongly with an unbeaten 73 off simply 54 balls in a profitable run-chase in Mullanpur.

RCB can take coronary heart from the truth that they’ve performed at this venue and have had success, whereas Punjab received solely two out of their 4 video games right here. 

On Thursday, as Kohli strides out with an intention to take RCB to the ultimate straight from the primary qualifier, the previous skipper might be eyeing an enormous milestone. Kohli is 31 runs away from surpassing David Warner to have probably the most runs by any batter in opposition to the Punjab Kings. Warner is at present on the prime with 1,134 runs in opposition to the Mohali-based franchise. If Kohli scores 43, Kohli will break his personal document of amassing probably the most runs in opposition to one opposition in IPL.

Most runs in opposition to the Punjab Kings in IPL 

1134 – David Warner (DC/SRH), in 26 innings

1104 – Virat Kohli (RCB), in 34 innings
894 – Shikhar Dhawan (Deccan/DC/SRH/MI), in 26 innings
872 – Rohit Sharma (MI/Deccan), 31 innings
831 – Faf du Plessis (CSK/DC/RPS/RCB), in 18 innings

Punjab Kings, clearly, would not need that to occur. PBKS’ batting, other than Priyansh Arya’s century in opposition to the Chennai Super Kings, hasn’t actually clicked in Mullanpur and with Josh Inglis in type, their first prerogative can be to get a giant rating and chase down with somebody getting a giant rating once more, in the event that they bowl first.