No matter how good RCB opener Virat Kohli was, during his innings of 113 from 72 balls versus Rajasthan Royals on Saturday, he did achieve one unwanted record. The King scored his ton in 67 deliveries, which was a touch slow. In fact, upon digging deep, it becomes clear that Kohli managed to score the joint-slowest ton in the competition, along with Manish Pandey.
The latter too scored his maiden hundred in the IPL in 2009 against Deccan Chargers, in 67 balls. Of course, it can be argued, that the pitch was on the slower side, but the unwanted record will stay.
Virat Kohli on Eighth IPL Ton
After smashing his hundred, Virat Kohli went on to say, “the wicket looks quite different from the outside. It feels like it’s flat, but the ball is holding up in the pitch. One of us (Virat or Faf) had to bat till the end. I knew I couldn’t get over aggressive and had to keep the bowlers guessing.”
Others in Slowest IPL Ton List
Virat Kohli shares the list of slowest IPL tons with Sachin Tendulkar, David Warner, and Jos Buttler. All three have made hundreds in 66 balls each against Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Mumbai Indians, respectively.
Batsman | Deliveries | Opposition |
Virat Kohli | 67 | Rajasthan Royals |
Manish Pandey | 67 | Deccan Chargers |
Sachin Tendulkar | 66 | Kochi Tuskers Kerala |
David Warner | 66 | Kolkata Knight Riders |
Jos Buttler | 66 | Mumbai Indians |