Watch: Du Plessis stunned; Gavaskar, Bishop go berserk at Kohli's jaw-dropping shot
Virat Kohli produced a lofted drive over extra-cover left RCB captain Faf du Plessis, commentators and Gavaskar stunned.
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Virat Kohli ended a four-year delay for an Indian Premier League century on Thursday evening, smashing a century against the Sunrisers Hyderabad to lead the Royal Challengers Bangalore to a crucial victory in an IPL 2023 match. In the 2019 edition of the league, Kohli's last century came against Kolkata Knight Riders; since November of that year, Kohli endured a long hiatus for a century, which ended in the Asia Cup last year. The 34-year-old had a rough spell in IPL 2022, but he has already amassed 538 runs through 13 matches this season.
Kohli began aggressively, striking his first two deliveries against Bhuvneshwar Kumar for fours. When the SRH fast bowler returned for a second spell in the 15th over of the innings, he attacked him once more. The second delivery of the over was met with a Kohli boundary that stunned the spectators, commentators, and even his batting partner Faf du Plessis.
Watch Video...Kohli's lofted cover drive off Bhuvneshwar Kumar leaves du Plessis, Gavaskar
The captain of the RCB was not the only one stunned by Kohli's cover drive. Ian Bishop and Sunil Gavaskar, who were commentating at the time, also lost their minds.Bishop exclaimed, "Oh glorious, it just keeps getting better and better (Kohli's innings) - talk about the perfect time for him to be at his best."
"We've witnessed him perform the drive along the ground countless times, but look at that. He can also nail aerials. Gavaskar stated, "He is the best player in the extra-cover drive."In the SRH vs. RCB IPL match, Kohli's lofted cover drive off Bhuvneshwar Kumar stumps du Plessis, Gavaskar, and Bishop.
Also see | Virat Kohli Ends Four Year Wait To Register Sixth IPL Century
Kohli blasted two more boundaries in the over and reached his century in the 18th over of the innings; he was dismissed by Bhuvneshar immediately after reaching the century. This was Kohli's sixth century in the league, tying him with former RCB colleague Chris Gayle, who held the record for most centuries in the tournament until yesterday.
This was RCB's seventh success of the season, which propelled them to fourth place in the standings; the Royal Challengers have one league game remaining (against the top-ranked Gujarat Titans). Sunrisers Hyderabad, meanwhile, have been eliminated from playoff contention and are presently at the bottom of the table with only four victories to their name.
