![Virat Kohli [Source: screengrab]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779021730806_ViratKohli.jpg?type=hq)
Virat Kohli [Source: screengrab]
Virat Kohli punched out an elegant 58 from 37 balls against Punjab Kings in match number 61 of the IPL 2026 season. Opening the innings for the RCB at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, the legendary batter clattered four cracking boundaries and three huge sixes in his innings.
While Kohli made his mark with the bat and got closer on the season’s ‘Orange Cap’ charts, the ageing veteran also demonstrated his tactical nous on the field. In the opening over of the Punjab Kings run chase, the 37-year-old plotted a trap, later executed perfectly by teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the hosts were jolted early in their innings.
Virat Kohli scripts Priyansh Arya’s wicket for Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh took first guard for the Punjab Kings franchise in their monumental chase in Dharamsala on Sunday, May 17 against the RCB. In the first over of the innings itself, RCB zealot Virat Kohli was spotted gesturing towards Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
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The legendary RCB batter implied that Priyansh can hit the ball in the air if he is enticed enough to play a pull short. Bhuvneshwar, in turn, delivered the ball that rose towards Priyansh, and the Punjab Kings opener responded with an ambitious swipe across the line.
Unfortunately for the hosts, the firebrand opener bottom edged the ball towards Romario Shepherd towards midwicket.
The incident once again underlined why Kohli’s influence extends beyond his batting exploits, with his sharp reading of the game proving decisive in Punjab Kings’ early setback.
Virat Kohli rises to number three on Orange Cap list
Virat Kohli compiled 58 runs off 37 balls for the RCB against the Punjab Kings in match 61 of the IPL 2026 season. The innings marked his second successive score of 50 or more, and also his fifth in excess of 50 this tournament.
Through the innings, the legendary right-handed batter stretched his IPL 2026 tally to 542 runs in just 13 innings at a prolific batting average of 54.20. The cricketer is also holding a strike rate of 164.74, which is the highest among all batters with over 500 runs to their names this season.
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He is currently ranked third on the ‘Orange Cap’ charts, finding himself just 12 runs short of table-topper Sai Sudharsan.
PBKS vs RCB: Story so far
RCB batted first and mounted 222-4 in 20 overs. Virat Kohli made 58 off 37 balls at the top of the order, while Venkatesh Iyer blasted 73* off just 40 balls with eight boundaries and four huge sixes.
Tim David also launched two boundaries and two sixes in his electrifying slog-overs cameo of 28* off 12 balls.
In response, Punjab Kings lost three early wickets inside the powerplay, and reached a precarious 93-5 after 11 overs.
Follow PBKS vs RCB Live Updates For Each And Every Detail Of The High-Octane IPL 2026 Clash
.jpg?type=mq "Venkatesh Iyer celebration")
