IPL 2024: RCB batter Virat Kohli's record-extending ton against RR slowest in league history

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli smashed record-extending eighth Indian Premier League (IPL) ton on April 6 against Rajasthan Royals. Virat is now two clear of both Chris Gayle and Jos Buttler on the list of most hundreds in the cash-rich tournament. Both Gayle and Buttler have six each with the latter scoring his latest ton in the same match as Kohli.

Kohli's hundred, however, was the joint-slowest in the IPL. It came off 67 balls, same as Manish Pandey in 2009 against Deccan Chargers while playing for RCB. Kohli and Pandey are behind only Yash Nahar for slowest hundred in all T20s for India. Nahar, playing for Maharashtra, had scored his 100 off 68 balls in 2021 against Goa in the domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy (T20 tournament).

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During his innings, Kohli faced 72 balls to score unbeaten 113 runs. This wasthe third most balls faced in an IPL innings, behind Brendon McCullum's 73-ball 158 not out in IPL's inaugural match in 2008 and Pandey's 2009 innings during which he also faced 73 balls for his 114 not out.

Overall Kohli, with nine tons, now sits third on the list of most T20 hundreds behind Pakistan's Babar Azam, who has 11 tons to his name, and Chris Gayle, who has 22 tons in the shortest format.

Kohli's innings was the highlight as RCB posted 183/3 in 20 overs against Royals. Buttler, however, roared back in form with a centurywhich came off just 58 balls as Rajasthan chased down the target in 19.1 overs with six wickets in hand.

Apart from Buttler, Royals skipper Sanju Samson also scored 42-ball 69 as Rajasthan registered their fourth win in as many games to go on top of the points table.

RCB, on the other hand, are eight on the 10-team table with just two points after four losses and one win from five games they have played in the season so far.