First Indian To Achieve This? Virat Kohli's Historic Chance

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)'s opening match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could provide the perfect stage for Kohli’s historic achievement.

Kohli is just 114 runs away from becoming the first Indian to attain a rare feat.

Source : PTI

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to kick off on March 22, with an electrifying clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Cricket fans are especially eager to watch Virat Kohli in action, as he returns to the T20 format following his international retirement.

After India's victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, Kohli bid farewell to international T20 cricket. However, his recent stellar performances in the Champions Trophy 2025 have raised expectations for another dominant IPL season.

Kohli on verge of 13,000 T20 runs

With 12,886 runs in 399 T20 matches at an average of 41.43, Kohli is just 114 runs away from becoming the first Indian to reach the 13,000-run milestone in T20 cricket.

Currently, only four players have crossed this landmark:

Chris Gayle – 14,562 runs
Alex Hales – 13,610 runs
Kieron Pollard – 13,537 runs
Shoaib Malik – 13,535 runs

David Warner (12,913) and Kohli (12,886) are the closest contenders, with Kohli on the brink of joining this elite club.

A strong record against KKR

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)'s opening match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could provide the perfect stage for Kohli’s historic achievement. In 34 matches against KKR, he has scored 962 runs at an average of 38.48, including one century and six half-centuries.

As Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 begins, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli - not just for his leadership at RCB, but for the chance to rewrite history with yet another monumental milestone.

Also on ABP Live | IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony: Full Celebrity Performers' List, Date, Time & More Details

Virat Kohli speaks from the heart in 'raw interview'

"I just love playing the game, man. I just love batting. As long as the joy of batting and the love for batting is alive, then all the other things kind of take care of themselves. Do not go into a desperate situation and put your head down, thank God. And just keep working towards what the team wants. More often than not, you'll have results like these," Virat Kohli told BCCI in a behind-the-scenes video.