Virat Kohli in IPL knockouts: What do the stats say?

The upcoming thrilling IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) playoffs will take place on Thursday, May 29. Notably, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will clash against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and they are seemingly one of the favourites to win the title going into the crucial knockout games. This has been another season where RCB legend Virat Kohli has been the centre of attention for the Men in Red with his incredible performances with the bat.

The 36-year-old top-order batter has scored 602 runs from the 13 games he has played so far, averaging 60.20 with a strike rate of 147.91. There is no doubt that Virat has been in superb form this season, but the knockout stages always pose a significant challenge for any player. The former RCB skipper has consistently been one of the team’s key players, delivering match-winning innings under pressure. However, this time the focus is on his performances in the playoffs.

Though RCB has never won a single title in the last 17 years, qualifying for the playoffs has not been an issue throughout the seasons. This is the 10th time the franchise has made the top four. Virat Kohli has been part of the franchise since the tournament’s inception in 2008 and is the only RCB player to feature in every playoff match for the team.

Kohli’s stats in IPL playoffs history

There is no doubt that Kohli boasts a terrific record in ICC knockout events, but the same cannot be said about his record in the IPL playoffs. Kohli has played 15 knockout games for the franchise, in which he has scored 341 runs at an average of 26.23 and a strike rate of just 121.79. The RCB legend has registered only two 50+ scores in these matches.

The last half-century in an IPL playoff came in the 2016 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which the Bengaluru franchise lost by eight runs. The former RCB skipper had scored 54 off 35 deliveries during the match before being dismissed by Barinder Sran.

Virat Kohli's overall IPL Playoffs