IPL 2026: ‘Virat Kohli will reach 10,000 runs without a doubt’ – Mitchell McClenaghan lavishes praise on veteran batter

Former Mitchell McClenaghan has lavished praise on former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Virat Kohli, calling him the most consistent performer in the history of the Indian Premier League and hailing his ability to evolve across roles and eras.

Kohli became the first batter to complete 9000 runs in the tournament’s history. He achieved the milestone during his side’s match against the Delhi Capitals at his home ground, Arun Jaitley Stadium, in Delhi. He scored an unbeaten 23 off 15 balls at a strike rate of 153.33 during a comfortable chase of a 76-run target.

“Virat Kohli has been incredibly consistent. Scoring 9000 IPL runs against the world’s best bowlers is no easy task. It’s about hunger, discipline, and adapting every year, and that’s what brings the best out of him,” McClenaghan said on JioHotstar.

McClenaghan highlighted Kohli’s remarkable evolution in the IPL since its inception in 2008, noting how the right-handed batter has successfully adapted to multiple roles over the years. He further predicted another major milestone for the veteran, stating that Kohli is on course to reach 10,000 IPL runs.

“He didn’t 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 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,” said McClenaghan.

Kohli has scored 9,012 runs in 275 matches at an average of 40.05 and a strike rate of 133.05, including eight centuries and 66 half-centuries. He currently sits fourth in the Orange Cap race with 351 runs in eight innings at an average of 58.50 and an impressive strike rate of 162.50, including three fifties.

RCB have registered their sixth win in eight matches, accumulating 12 points to sit second on the table. Opting to bowl first, RCB produced a dominant performance as Josh Hazlewood picked up 4/12 and Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed 3/5, restricting the opposition to just 75 in 16.3 overs. Abishek Porel was the top scorer with 30 runs. The defending champions then wrapped up the chase in just 6.3 overs.