Virat Kohli's century proves old guard still runs the show, says Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar hailed Virat Kohli's unbeaten century against KKR as proof that the old guard still has plenty to offer, with the RCB star silencing doubters, smashing records and punishing KKR for an early dropped chance.
Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century against Kolkata Knight Riders was more than just another match-winning knock. For Sunil Gavaskar, it was a timely reminder that the so-called old guard is far from done.
With much of the IPL 2026 conversation centred around emerging stars and the rise of the next generation, Kohli delivered a powerful response in Raipur, smashing an unbeaten hundred to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket win and the top of the points table.
Coming into the contest after two successive ducks, the 37-year-old faced questions over form. Gavaskar, however, saw Kohli’s response as classic champion behaviour.
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“Virat Kohli was absolutely outstanding against KKR. He knows how to construct a chase better than most,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
“While everyone was talking about this being the season of Gen Next, Kohli showed he is still around. He silenced the doubters with a century and moved to third in the Orange Cap race. He proved that the old generation is still the best.”
Kohli made KKR pay for costly early reprieve
Kohli’s latest masterclass added yet another chapter to a remarkable T20 career that continues to redefine consistency.
Gavaskar highlighted the scale of Kohli’s achievements, noting that while records are made to be broken, some may take years to be challenged.
“When it comes to T20 centuries, he is third on the list with 10, behind Chris Gayle and Babar Azam. But he is the fastest to 14,000 T20 runs and has nine IPL hundreds.”
“Records are there to be broken, but it will take a very long time for anyone to match what Kohli keeps delivering, game after game, season after season. This hundred from Virat Kohli was one of those special moments that remind us of his greatness.”
Gavaskar also pointed to a defining moment that changed the complexion of the match.
Kohli was handed a reprieve early in his innings when Rovman Powell put down a difficult chance, a mistake KKR would come to regret instantly.
“Before this RCB-KKR game, KKR’s efficiency with catches was still the best in the IPL this season. But this one hurt badly.”
“Rovman Powell had the chance to dismiss Virat Kohli early. He went up high, timed his jump well, but the ball slipped out. You cannot drop Kohli early in his innings. He will make you pay every single time.”
That is exactly what happened, as Kohli turned a lifeline into yet another unforgettable hundred.
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