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India’s batting stalwart Virat Kohli has been with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL since the inception of the tournament way back in 2008. Kohli holds numerous titles and accolades in the IPL, however, he has yet to win a title with RCB. 

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Across the 16 years that Kohli has played in the IPL, he has performed against every opponent. Nonetheless, in a recent interview with Star Sports, the 35-year-old batter has revealed his favourite opponent in the IPL. 

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Who is Kohli’s favourite opponent in the IPL?

Star Sports celebrated Kohli’s completion of 16 years in the IPL, asking him 16 quick-fire questions. When asked about his favourite IPL rival between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Kohli picked the Shahrukh Khan-owned team as his favourite opponent. 

What is Virat Kohli's record against KKR?

Kohli has played in over 30 games against the three-time champions, scoring close to 1000 runs at an average of close to 40. 

Kohli's record vs KKR
MatchesRunsAverageHSSR
3496238.48100138.48

KKR and RCB have had a fierce rivalry over the years, especially between Kohli and the then-skipper and mentor of the team, Gautam Gambhir. The two came face-to-face against each other in heated arguments on two separate occasions, the latest of them being in the 2023 edition of the IPL. 

The argument was the flashpoint of the whole IPL season. However, the BCCI made sure to make both parties sit and resolve the differences between them once the season ended. 

In 2024, Gambhir was appointed as the head coach of the Indian team after their triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and Rahul Dravid’s decision to step down from the position. The two are now working closely with signs of a great partnership in the coming days. 

India are currently on a break from international cricket since their ODI series defeat in Sri Lanka and will be back for a two-match Test series and three-match T20I series which starts on September 19. 

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Author(s)
Rahul Chalke Photo

Rahul is a content producer for The Sporting News’ India edition.