Virat Kohli Reveals Reason Behind Mild IPL Century Celebration In RCB Vs KKR

Virat Kohli on mile century celebration [Source: AFP]

In a tense IPL 2026 clash between RCB and KKR, Virat Kohli, the chase master, produced an incredible knock to guide the defending champions to the top of the table. However, his lack of enthusiasm in celebration caught the fans’ eyes.

KKR had set up a 193-run tricky chase for RCB at Raipur in a rain-delayed game. Despite losing Jacob Bethell early, Kohli anchored the innings with a vintage knock as he scored a century and stayed unbeaten.

Virat Kohli opens up on mild celebration vs KKR

The chase master, Virat Kohli, reported for duty in Raipur as he led RCB to a comfortable run chase of 193 runs against KKR. He scored a magnificent hundred and stayed unbeaten on 105 off 60 balls to wrap up the game with 5 balls to spare.

While the fans and his teammates enjoyed his knock, Kohli had a mild reaction to his century. He didn’t celebrate it animatedly and just raised his bat with a wary smile.

Explaining the reason behind his toned-down reaction, Kohli revealed that he deliberately kept his century celebration muted against KKR because RCB were fully focused on the playoff race and securing crucial points rather than personal milestones. 

“The celebration was not a big one because we know the importance of the points. It is a conscious effort to contribute more to the team. The fact I did not score runs, it eats me up because I have been playing well,” Kohli said in a post-match interview. 

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Virat Kohli explained that his recent failures had been bothering him despite batting well overall. He admitted that not scoring runs eats him up because his constant goal is to become the best possible version of himself.

“It bothers you because that has been the goal - to be the best version. Century or no century, the more important thing is to finish the game,” he added.

Why did the century matter for Virat Kohli?

Interestingly, before this game, Virat Kohli had gotten dismissed on two back-to-back ducks in this IPL 2026 season. First, Prince Yadav cleaned him up on a 2-ball duck with an unplayable delivery during the LSG vs RCB game.

Then, against MI, Kohli was deceived by Deepak Chahar on a golden duck. Hence, when the 37-year-old walked out to bat against KKR, he celebrated his first runs by punching his fist in the air.

After that, there was no looking back. He channelled his vintage self and made batting look easy and effortless. His century brought joy to not only RCB fans but also to the Indian cricket fans who love the game irrespective of the team they support in the IPL.

RCB bounced back to the top of the points table

Meanwhile, with that comfortable victory against KKR, RCB climbed back to the top of the points table with 8 wins in 12 games. With 16 points, their playoff qualification is almost guaranteed, as they also have an NRR of +1.053.

However, RCB will not take things for granted, as Virat Kohli said, winning is the team’s utmost priority. The defending champions will hope to finish in the top 2 to ensure they get two shots at qualifying for the finals.

RCB next face Punjab Kings on May 17, followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22, which will be their last league fixture of the season.

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