Virat Kohli's IPL playoff record becomes major talking point before Qualifier 1 vs Gujarat Titans

NEW DELHI: The emotions, tears, smiles, satisfaction and the feeling of finally holding the IPL trophy - the scenes of Virat Kohli and the entire Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp after winning the IPL 2025 title are still fresh in the minds of fans. And now, with another dominant campaign, RCB are back in the playoffs and dreaming of back-to-back titles.


With nine wins in 14 matches, 18 points and an impressive net run rate of +0.78, RCB became the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs.



One of the biggest architects behind RCB’s success this season has once again been their talisman Virat Kohli. The former India captain has been in tremendous form throughout the season and the defending champions will hope he carries the same momentum into the playoffs as well.

RCB are set to face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.

The winner of Qualifier 1 will march directly into the IPL 2026 final, while the losing side will get another opportunity in Qualifier 2 against the winner of the Eliminator between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals.

But there is one statistic that may worry RCB fans.

Despite being one of the greatest batters in IPL history, Kohli does not boast a dominating record in the playoff stages of the tournament.

Yes, you read that right.

In his illustrious IPL career spanning 281 matches, Kohli has played 16 games, in playoffs, for RCB and scored 357 runs at an average of 25.50 and a strike rate of 121.42. He has registered two half-centuries in playoff matches and also has a duck to his name.

Kohli has been the face of RCB since the inception of the IPL in 2008. Signed by the Bengaluru franchise as a youngster, he has remained loyal to the team throughout his IPL journey.

After failing to qualify for the playoffsts in the inaugural season in 2008, RCB reached the playoffs for the first time in 2009. They defeated Chennai Super Kings in the semifinal to enter the final, but eventually lost the title clash to Deccan Chargers.

Now, as RCB gear up for another massive playoffst clash against Gujarat Titans, all eyes will once again be on Kohli.

Here’s a look at Kohli’s overall IPL numbers and his record in the playoff stage.

Virat Kohli in IPL

Virat Kohli in IPL playoffs

Virat Kohli in IPL playoffs - all matches

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