IPL 2023: Virat Kohli becomes first batter to cross 7,000 runs in tournament – ‘Full of gratitude’

The leading run-getter in the history of Indian Premier League, Virat Kohli moved past the 7,000 milestone during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s match against Delhi Capitals on Saturday.

Kohli, perhaps fittingly, reached the landmark in Delhi which is his home ground. Kohli has a good record at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and he got there with a cut shot for four off Axar Patel.

Kohli was eventually dismissed on 55 off 46 balls, scoring his sixth half century of the season. RCB, however lost the match.

After struggling for most of 2022, Kohli has been in much better touch in the IPL in 2023.

His best season was, without a doubt, in 2016 when he amassed a stunning 973 runs.

On the milestone, he said, “It is just another milestone on the journey. It’s a nice number, I just saw it on the screen. If it helps the team, I am happy to contribute. It’s a special moment for me, my family is here, my coach is here, Anushka is here.”

He added: “My whole journey started here. I was watched by the selectors at this ground and selected. I feel nothing but gratitude, god has blessed me with such amazing things, I can only bow down.”

Second in the list of all-time leading run-scorers in the tournament’s history is Shikhar Dhawan with 6536 runs. David Warner with 6189 runs and Rohit Sharma with 6063 runs are next in the list.

Here are some reactions to Kohli’s landmark: