Virat Kohli Completes 9,000 IPL Runs; Krunal Credits His Remarkable Hunger and Longevity

Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Krunal Pandya has praised Virat Kohli after the batting star became the first player to complete 9,000 runs in the Indian Premier League, calling his consistency and competitive hunger "remarkable". Kohli reached the milestone during RCB’s victory over Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, a venue closely linked to the early stages of his cricket journey.

Kohli sealed the chase in style, finishing unbeaten on 23 off 15 balls with one four and two sixes. He ended the match with back-to-back maximums as RCB comfortably completed a 76-run target. The landmark added another chapter to Kohli’s already unmatched IPL record, having represented the same franchise since the tournament began in 2008.

Speaking after the win, Krunal Pandya highlighted Kohli’s longevity and sustained excellence across nearly two decades of T20 cricket. He said maintaining elite standards season after season requires exceptional discipline and motivation. Krunal noted that Kohli’s hunger to improve and contribute remains unchanged despite achieving almost every major milestone in the game.

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Krunal also credited Kohli with transforming the fitness culture in Indian cricket. Over the years, Kohli’s emphasis on conditioning, diet and athletic standards has been widely acknowledged as influencing a new generation of Indian cricketers. His approach helped shift expectations around professionalism and physical preparation within the national setup and franchise cricket.

The 9,000-run milestone further strengthens Kohli’s legacy as one of the IPL’s defining figures. With RCB pushing for a strong campaign this season, his form and leadership presence remain crucial. For teammates like Krunal, Kohli’s continued drive is not just inspiring but also a reminder of the standards required to succeed at the highest level.

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