As the excitement builds for IPL 2025, cricket fans are keenly watching Virat Kohli’s potential to surpass some of Chris Gayle’s most impressive records. Both players have left an indelible mark on the league, but Gayle’s records remain a significant challenge.
This article delves into three specific records: achieving three seasons with over 700 runs, scoring an IPL century after the age of 35, and holding the record for most runs as an opener.
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3. Three Seasons with Over 700 Runs
Chris Gayle has achieved the remarkable feat of scoring over 700 runs in two separate IPL seasons:
- 2012: 733 runs
- 2013: 708 runs
In total, Gayle has played 141 matches, scoring 4,965 runs at an average of 35.2, with a strike rate of 148.9 and a highest score of 175. He has also hit 6 centuries and 31 half-centuries throughout his IPL career .
Virat Kohli’s Potential: As of IPL 2024, Kohli has already matched Gayle’s record by scoring over 700 runs in a season twice:
- 2016: 973 runs
- 2024: 708 runs
Kohli’s consistency is evident as he has accumulated a total of 7,971 runs at an average of 38.69, with eight centuries and 55 fifties to his name . If he maintains this form in IPL 2025, he could surpass Gayle’s record of three seasons with over 700 runs.
2. IPL Century After Age 35
Chris Gayle became the oldest player to score an IPL century after turning 35, achieving this milestone during the 2019 season at the age of 39. This highlights not only his skill but also his longevity in the sport.
Virat Kohli’s Opportunity: As Kohli approaches this age milestone, he continues to demonstrate elite performance levels. If he can maintain his fitness and form, there is a strong possibility that he could replicate or even surpass Gayle’s achievement by scoring a century after turning 35 in IPL 2025. His recent performances indicate that he is more than capable of achieving this feat.
1. Most Runs as an Opener
Chris Gayle ranks third in the record for the most runs scored as an opener in IPL history, amassing a staggering total that sets him apart from other players. His aggressive batting style has made him a formidable opponent at the top of the order.
- Total Runs as Opener: Approximately 3,163 runs while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) alone .
Virat Kohli’s Challenge: Kohli has also opened for RCB on numerous occasions and has been successful in that role. If he continues to open in IPL 2025 and maintains his scoring rate, breaking this record could be another significant achievement for him.
Conclusion
The upcoming IPL 2025 season presents a thrilling opportunity for Virat Kohli to challenge some of Chris Gayle’s most celebrated records. With the potential to achieve three seasons with over 700 runs, score a century after turning 35, and surpass Gayle’s tally as an opener, Kohli is poised to make history.
As fans eagerly await the next season, these records will undoubtedly be focal points of discussion among cricket enthusiasts. The excitement surrounding these possibilities adds another layer of intrigue to what promises to be an exhilarating IPL season ahead.
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