Former New Zealand pacer praises Kohli’s consistency, adaptability and unmatched dominance across IPL eras
New Delhi
Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan has hailed Virat Kohli as the greatest batter in Indian Premier League history following the Royal Challengers Bengaluru star’s latest milestone in IPL 2026.
Kohli recently became the first batter to cross the 9,000-run mark in IPL history during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s emphatic victory over Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
The veteran batter finished unbeaten on 23 off just 15 deliveries, sealing the modest 76-run chase with consecutive sixes as RCB cruised to a dominant nine-wicket win in only 6.3 overs.
McClenaghan praised Kohli’s remarkable consistency and ability to evolve throughout his IPL journey since the tournament’s inception in 2008.
“Virat Kohli has been incredibly consistent. Scoring 9,000 IPL runs against the world’s best bowlers is no easy task. It is about hunger, discipline and adapting every year, and that is what brings the best out of him,” McClenaghan said.
The former left-arm pacer highlighted how Kohli successfully transformed his batting role over the years, beginning as a lower middle-order player before becoming one of the most dominant top-order batters in T20 cricket.
“He did not start his career as an opener. He batted in the lower middle order, fought for his place, then moved to number three. Later, he opened with Chris Gayle. That changed his game completely,” he added.
McClenaghan also predicted another major landmark for the former India captain, saying Kohli would soon become the first batter to score 10,000 IPL runs.
“He will soon reach 10,000 runs, without a doubt. Kohli is the greatest batter the IPL has ever seen, not just for the runs, but for how he has evolved and dominated across different eras,” he stated.
Kohli now has 9,012 runs in 275 IPL matches at an average of 40.05, including eight centuries and 66 half-centuries. In IPL 2026, he has already amassed 351 runs in eight innings at a strike rate exceeding 162.
RCB currently sit second on the IPL points table with six wins from eight matches.
