Virat Kohli: India's Chase Master and Fab Four Member
Virat Kohli is one of the greatest batters of his generation — a member of cricket's Fab Four, holder of 50+ ODI centuries, and India's most celebrated modern cricketer, known particularly for his extraordinary run-chasing ability.
Virat Kohli, born November 5, 1988, is India's most celebrated modern cricketer and one of the greatest batters in the history of the game. A member of cricket's Fab Four (alongside Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith), Kohli has amassed 50+ ODI centuries (the most by any batter), 30+ Test centuries, and an extraordinary run-chasing record that has led to him being called the greatest chaser in cricket history. A right-handed batter from Delhi, he was India's Test captain from 2014 to 2022.
The Chase Master
Kohli's defining quality is his ability to chase targets — his ODI fourth-innings record while chasing is statistically the greatest of any batter in cricket history. He absorbs pressure, scores at appropriate rates, and never appears to lose composure in a chase regardless of the required run rate. His method: identify the required rate, bat within his means early, accelerate at the precise moment when acceleration is needed, never panic, never rush. This mental discipline combined with his technical ability makes him unmatched in run chases.
The Batting Style
Kohli is a right-handed batter of classical technique — excellent against both pace and spin, on both the front foot and back foot. He drives beautifully through the off side and works the ball with precision to leg. His footwork against spin is outstanding — he uses his feet to attack or defend as required. Unlike some modern batters who are strong on one side of the wicket, Kohli scores prolifically in all directions, making him impossible to contain through field placements.
Royal Challengers Bangalore — RCB
Kohli has been associated with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) throughout his IPL career — having never played for another franchise. His loyalty to RCB and his record-breaking performances there (including the highest-ever IPL season aggregate — 973 runs in 2016) make him inseparable from the franchise's identity. His 18-season wait ended when RCB won their first-ever IPL title in 2025 (beat PBKS by 6 runs), finally completing the set for cricket's most loyal franchise player. He was RCB captain for multiple seasons.
Frequently asked questions
How many ODI centuries does Virat Kohli have?
Virat Kohli has 50+ ODI centuries — the most by any batter in cricket history, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's previous record of 49. He is also the only batter to score more than 10,000 ODI runs while maintaining an average above 57. His century count continues to grow with each series.
Why is Virat Kohli called the 'Chase Master'?
Kohli is called the Chase Master because his fourth-innings ODI record while batting second (chasing) is statistically the best in cricket history. He scores centuries in chases at an extraordinary rate, absorbing pressure while keeping up with required run rates through a combination of mental composure, tactical awareness, and exceptional batting ability. He has won multiple matches single-handedly in fourth-innings chases.
Which IPL team does Virat Kohli play for?
Virat Kohli plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) — the only IPL franchise he has ever represented. He scored 973 runs in the 2016 IPL season — the highest aggregate by any batter in a single IPL season in history. Despite RCB's lack of IPL titles, Kohli's performances have made them one of cricket's most followed franchises.