On April 10, 2025, Virat Kohli etched his name deeper into the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming the first-ever player to hit 1,000 boundaries in the tournament during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The milestone, achieved with a trademark cover drive off Mitchell Starc, sparked roars from the Bengaluru crowd and cemented Kohli’s legacy as the IPL’s undisputed batting maestro. At 36, the former India and RCB captain continues to redefine excellence, blending consistency with brilliance to reach a feat no one else has touched. Here’s how Kohli made history and why this milestone is a testament to his greatness.
In This Article:
A Boundary Machine Like No Other
Kohli’s journey to 1,000 IPL boundaries—comprising 678 fours and 322 sixes—is a story of relentless hunger and unmatched skill. Entering the match against DC, Kohli needed just three more boundaries to hit the magical mark. He wasted no time, launching into Starc’s pace in the third over with a crisp drive through the covers, followed by a lofted shot over mid-off, and finally sealing the milestone with another elegant four in the fifth over. The Chinnaswamy faithful erupted, and Kohli acknowledged the moment with a raised bat, his eyes reflecting both pride and focus.
By the close of RCB’s innings, Kohli had added 10 boundaries (8 fours, 2 sixes) to his tally, finishing with a brisk 47 off 28 balls in RCB’s total of 163 for 7. Though RCB fell to a six-wicket defeat, courtesy of KL Rahul’s unbeaten 93 for DC, Kohli’s milestone was the night’s biggest talking point, trending across social media and lighting up sports headlines in India.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Kohli’s 1,000 boundaries have come across 247 IPL matches since his debut in 2008, all for RCB, making him the tournament’s most loyal servant. His boundary count dwarfs others, with Shikhar Dhawan (791 boundaries) and David Warner (766) trailing far behind. What makes the feat staggering is Kohli’s consistency—his 678 fours reflect his mastery of classical strokeplay, while his 322 sixes show his evolution into a T20 powerhouse. With over 8,000 IPL runs, including eight centuries and 55 fifties, Kohli’s ability to find gaps and clear ropes has set him apart.
This season alone, Kohli has been in scintillating form, striking at 162 in the powerplay and piling up runs with his trademark cover drives and lofted shots. His 1,000th boundary wasn’t just a statistic—it was a symbol of 17 years of dedication, fitness, and an unquenchable thirst for runs.
A Milestone Rooted in Craft
Kohli’s path to 1,000 boundaries is a masterclass in batting artistry. Known for his impeccable technique, he’s terrorized bowlers with precision drives, deft flicks, and, in recent years, audacious aerial shots. His cover drive, often called the best in modern cricket, has been a staple of his IPL journey, accounting for a chunk of his fours. Meanwhile, his growing six-hitting prowess—evident in lofted cover drives and whipped shots over midwicket—has silenced critics who once questioned his T20 aggression.
The milestone also reflects Kohli’s adaptability. From anchoring chases in RCB’s early years to unleashing carnage in high-scoring thrillers, he’s evolved with the game’s demands. His 973-run season in 2016, with 83 fours and 38 sixes, remains the IPL’s gold standard, and his boundary tally since then has only grown. Even at 36, Kohli’s hunger is palpable, as seen in his fiery starts this IPL, including a 77 off 49 against Punjab Kings earlier in 2025.
The Context of the Match
Against DC, Kohli opened with Phil Salt, racing to 50 in the powerplay. His milestone boundary off Starc was a thing of beauty—a full-length ball dispatched with a lean and a flourish. But DC’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav (2 wickets) and Starc (2 wickets), fought back, restricting RCB to 163. Kohli’s dismissal, caught off Kuldeep’s spin, ended hopes of a bigger knock, but his 47 ensured RCB posted a fighting total. DC’s chase, powered by Rahul and Tristan Stubbs, overshadowed RCB’s effort, but Kohli’s feat remained the night’s defining moment.
RCB, with three wins in five games, sit third on the points table, but Kohli’s milestone has lifted spirits despite the loss. His form—averaging over 40 this season—promises more fireworks as RCB eye a playoff spot in the race to the May 25 final in Kolkata.
Why This Matters
Kohli’s 1,000 boundaries aren’t just a number—they’re a legacy. No other IPL batter has matched his longevity, consistency, or impact. The milestone underscores his role as the tournament’s face, carrying RCB through triumphs and heartbreaks. For fans, it’s a reminder of why Kohli is “King”—a nickname earned through moments like these. Posts on X hailed him as “the GOAT,” with fans marveling at his ability to set records while still chasing RCB’s elusive first title.
The feat also puts Kohli in a league of his own globally. No T20 league has seen a batter dominate like this, and with Kohli showing no signs of slowing down, he’s likely to push the boundary count even higher. His closest rivals, like Dhawan and Warner, are either retired from the IPL or nearing the end, while younger stars like Shubman Gill (around 500 boundaries) are years away from catching up.
What’s Next for Kohli?
With IPL 2025 in full swing, Kohli’s focus remains on leading RCB’s batting and mentoring youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rajat Patidar. RCB’s next clash, against Mumbai Indians on April 14 at Wankhede, offers another stage for Kohli to shine. Fans are already buzzing about whether he’ll add to his record-breaking tally or notch another century—his ninth in the IPL would be another first.
Kohli’s milestone also fuels speculation about his T20I future. Having retired from the format after India’s 2024 World Cup win, he’s hinted at a potential return for the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India. Performances like these only strengthen calls for his comeback, with selectors watching closely.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Virat Kohli’s 1,000th IPL boundary on April 10, 2025, is more than a statistic—it’s a celebration of a cricketer who’s redefined batting in T20s. From a fiery youngster in 2008 to a global icon today, Kohli’s journey is one of passion, discipline, and an unrelenting drive for greatness. His cover drives and towering sixes have lit up stadiums, but it’s his ability to inspire—teammates, fans, and aspiring cricketers—that makes this milestone special.
As RCB chase their maiden IPL title, Kohli’s record stands as a beacon of what’s possible when talent meets hard work. For the Chinnaswamy faithful and millions watching worldwide, the sight of Kohli piercing the covers for his 1,000th boundary was a moment to cherish—a reminder that the King still rules, one boundary at a time.
Virat Kohli’s historic feat of 1,000 IPL boundaries is a testament to his genius and staying power. Achieved with a classic drive on April 10, 2025, it’s a milestone that celebrates his artistry and sets him apart in T20 cricket’s biggest stage. As he continues to pile on runs and chase glory with RCB, Kohli’s legacy grows, inspiring a generation to dream big and hit hard. The IPL has seen many greats, but none have crossed the boundary line quite like Virat Kohli.
-By Manoj H
