IPL 2021, RCB vs CSK: Virat Kohli becomes player with most runs against CSK – He might be out of form, might be out of his depth, might need a break to straighten things out, might be mentally fatigued but Virat Kohli never leaves an opportunity to MS Dhoni’s punish Chennai Super Kings. On Friday, with a 53-run knock off 41 balls, he became the top scorer against CSK with 948 runs.
He might have missed an opportunity to end his century drought at the small Sharjah stadium, considered to be the batting heaven, but Virat Kohli was off to a fantastic start. Partnering Devdutt Padikkal, he catapulted RCB to 55/0 in the powerplay before completing a century stand. It was also RCB’s first century stand against CSK since IPL 2013.
IPL 2021, RCB vs CSK: In his 53-run knock, he smashed a maximum and six boundaries to put RCB in a commanding position. It was also his second half-century of IPL 2021 and ninth against CSK in 27 innings, most against a franchise in IPL history. He has an enviable average of 40.68 against MS Dhoni’s side.
Virat Kohli came into the match under tremendous pressure after RCB were bowled out for just 92 in the last match against Kolkata Knight Riders. The batting collapse was complicated by Kohli’s own poor form and announcement to step down from captaincy. The announcement coupled with poor form was cited as the reason behind RCB’s struggle in the last match.
IPL 2021, RCB vs CSK: However, at Sharjah, Virat Kohli made it look easy, supporting Devdutt Padikkal throughout. While his strike rate could be questioned, it wasn’t that bad at 129.27. Furthermore, the 53-run knock will also give Kohli a lot of confidence with just five matches left in the tournament.
IPL 2021, RCB vs CSK: Virat Kohli against franchises
| Versus | M | Inns | NO | 50s | 100s | HS | Runs | Avg | S/R |
| Chennai Super Kings | 28 | 27 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 90* | 948 | 41.22 | 127.13 |
| Deccan Chargers | 11 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 71 | 306 | 34 | 137.84 |
| Delhi Capitals | 24 | 23 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 99 | 909 | 56.81 | 136.08 |
| Gujarat Lions | 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 109 | 283 | 70.75 | 154.64 |
| Kochi Tuskers Kerala | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 27* | 50 | 50 | 98.04 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 28 | 25 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 100 | 735 | 36.75 | 129.63 |
| Mumbai Indians | 28 | 27 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 92* | 670 | 27.92 | 125.47 |
| Pune Warriors | 5 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 67 | 128 | 25.6 | 128 |
| Punjab Kings | 26 | 26 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 113 | 716 | 29.83 | 127.86 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 23 | 22 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 72* | 554 | 30.78 | 116.39 |
| Rising Pune Supergiant | 4 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 108* | 271 | 90.33 | 144.15 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 17 | 17 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 93* | 564 | 37.6 | 137.56 |
