Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan has heaped praise on Virat Kohli, calling him the most consistent performer in the history of the Indian Premier League. McClenaghan highlighted not just Kohli’s staggering numbers but also his ability to evolve across roles and dominate in different phases of his career.
Kohli recently etched his name deeper into IPL history by becoming the first batter to cross the 9000-run mark. The milestone came during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s clash against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where he remained unbeaten on 23 off 15 balls, guiding his team through a comfortable chase of 76.
“Virat Kohli has been incredibly consistent. Scoring 9000 IPL runs against the world’s best bowlers is no easy task,” Mitchell McClenaghan said on JioHotstar. “It’s about hunger, discipline, and adapting every year, and that’s what brings the best out of him.”
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What sets Virat Kohli apart, according to McClenaghan, is his adaptability. From starting out in the lower middle order to cementing his place at No. 3 and later excelling as an opener alongside Chris Gayle, Kohli has constantly reinvented his game.
“He didn’t start as an opener. He had to fight for his place and then transformed his game over time,” Mitchell McClenaghan noted. “He will soon reach 10,000 runs, without a doubt. Virat Kohli is the greatest batter the IPL has ever seen—not just for the runs, but for how he has evolved.”
Kohli’s numbers underline that dominance. He has now scored over 9000 runs in 275 matches at an average above 40, with eight centuries and 66 half-centuries. In IPL 2026, he is once again among the leading run-getters, sitting firmly in the Orange Cap race with 351 runs in eight innings.
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Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have backed his form with strong team performances. Led by a potent pace attack featuring Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, RCB recently dismantled Delhi Capitals for just 75 before chasing down the target in 6.3 overs. The win pushed them to second on the points table, reinforcing their credentials as serious title contenders this season.
