Virat Kohli, the IPL’s all-time leading run-scorer, has had a mixed bag of performances when it matters most, the Qualifier 1 stage of the tournament.
Kohli has been a cornerstone of Royal Challengers Bengaluru since the IPL’s inaugural edition in 2008, accumulating over 9,000 runs, along with 9 centuries and 67 half-centuries, averaging above 40 across his storied career in the league.
Despite RCB featuring in the playoffs across numerous seasons, the franchise has reached Qualifier 1 on only three occasions, and Kohli was present in all three.
His Qualifier 1 journey has been far from consistent. In 2011, facing Chennai Super Kings, Kohli played a fighting knock of 70 not out, though RCB still lost by six wickets. That remains his best outing at this stage. In 2016, against the Gujarat Lions, he managed just a duck, and in IPL 2025, he could only contribute 12 runs against Punjab Kings.
In total, Kohli has scored 82 runs across three Qualifier 1 appearances, with a highest score of 70*.
Despite his underwhelming Qualifier 1 numbers, Kohli remains in fine form this season. He is RCB’s highest run-scorer in IPL 2026, having amassed 557 runs in the tournament.
With RCB now eyeing back-to-back titles following their maiden championship in 2025, all eyes will be on Kohli to finally deliver a defining Qualifier 1 performance.
