The batting legend Virat Kohli today holds the record for four IPL hundreds. He scored all of them in one season. Yes, as unbelievable as it may sound, Virat Kohli smashed all the batting records in the 2016 season as he piled up 973 runs in one IPL season. His first century though did not end up in the winning cause of RCB as Gujarat Lions chased the target.

On this day in 2016, RCB faced Gujarat Lions at their home in Rajkot. Virat won the toss and took an unpopular choice of batting first believing in repeating the past match performance of the successful defense. He himself opened with Shane Watson in the absence of Chris Gayle.

Dhawal Kulkarni struck the early blow as he knocked out Shane Watson. ABD then joined Kohli but could not do much of substance. Bangalore home-boy KL Rahul now joined Kohli at the crease. The duo could not be dismissed by the Gujrati bowling.

Kohli especially raised his game and completed his fifty in just 40 balls. His next fifty runs came up in just 23 balls as he went into top gear. KL Rahul from the other end ended up the innings at 51 from 34 balls. Kohli reached his first ever T20 century in 63 balls with 11 fours and 1 six.

Needing 181 runs to win, Gujarat Lions openers Brendon McCullum and Dwayne Smith came out. The pair made the most of powerplay and Smith muscled his way at the top. Smith made 32 from 21 while McCullum cruised to 42 from just 24 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes.

Incoming batsmen Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik also found it very easy to get going. The bowling was a weakness for Royal Challengers Bangalore from a long time and they only had great batting. The weakness was exposed once again.

The chase 181 was completed with three balls remaining. Virat Kohli was named Man of the Match for his century but that was an award that he was reluctant to receive since it did not ensure team’s win. The man had his priorities set. He would score three more centuries in the season.