Virat Kohli has always turned high-pressure moments into a personal milestone. Now, he has secured a milestone that completely separates him from the rest of the batters.
Virat Kohli has officially become the first batter in Indian Premier League history to score 4,000 runs while chasing. He achieved this historic feat on March 28, 2026, during the opening clash of the 2026 season. His total now sits at an incredible 4,027 runs scored specifically in the 2nd innings.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru took on the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kohli reached the 4,000-run mark mid-innings while expertly anchoring the chase for his team.
RCB secured a dominant six-wicket victory with 26 balls remaining. Kohli did not just reach his milestone quietly! He scored an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, with strong early support from Devdutt Paddikal.
No other player has even come close to the 4,000-run mark in IPL chases. This specific record highlights exactly why Kohli is known worldwide as the “Chase Master.” This achievement adds a unique chapter to his broader IPL legacy, having already entered this season as the all-time leading run-scorer with over 8,600 career runs.
Kohli’s Dominance in IPL Chases Stands Alone
Kohli sits alone at the top with 4,027 runs. David Warner follows in second place with 3,285 runs, while Rohit Sharma holds the 3rd spot with 3,238 runs. The statistical gap is massive, with no other active or retired player even close to the 4,000 milestone.
Further down the historical list are legendary names like AB de Villiers and Suresh Raina. Both players built strong reputations for their heroics in run chases during their respective careers. However, their final tallies sit well below the 3,000 to 4,000 mark.
Ultimately, this 4,000-run milestone is far more than just a statistical number. It represents utter dominance in the toughest situations that T20 cricket throws at it. Kohli continues to redefine batting benchmarks in the IPL. This remarkable opening-night performance simply sets the stage for further potential records as the 2026 season unfolds.
