RCB vs KKR IPL 2026 Highlights: Virat Kohli’s Century Powers RCB to Playoff Spot

Virat Kohli‘s Masterclass Seals RCB’s Playoff Berth in IPL 2026

In a performance that blended power, precision, and poise, Virat Kohli delivered one of his finest IPL knocks to steer Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a commanding six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur on May 13. The victory not only marked Kohli’s 279th IPL appearance—breaking a tie for the most games played—but also powered RCB to the top of the IPL 2026 standings with 16 points.

Kohli’s Record-Breaking Century

After enduring back-to-back ducks in previous matches, Kohli silenced doubters with a devastating 105* off just 58 deliveries. His innings included 11 fours and three sixes, showcasing his trademark cover drives and brutal pulls. He reached his half-century in 32 balls and accelerated seamlessly into the 19th over, where a single off Vaibhav Arora brought up his ninth IPL century—his first this season.

“Century or no century, the more important thing is to finish the game,” Kohli said after the match. “There is a reason people say pressure is a privilege—it keeps you humble. A couple of games that don’t go your way, you feel a bit of nervousness, and that helps you. I just love batting, even after all this. What an honor to be competing at this level and against the very best still.”

KKR Posts Competitive 192/4

Kolkata Knight Riders, batting first, posted a formidable 192 for 4, thanks to a composed 71 from Angkrish Raghuvanshi and a blistering 49* off 29 balls from Rinku Singh. Raghuvanshi, in his third half-century of the season, anchored the innings with three sixes and seven fours, building key partnerships with Cameron Green (32) and Singh.

KKR’s innings gained momentum after rain delayed the start by 45 minutes, but they were left ruing the final-ball run-out of Raghuvanshi—as he missed his ground attempting a single. Singh finished strongly, launching two sixes and three fours to set a challenging target.

RCB’s Chase Dominated by Key Partnerships

RCB’s pursuit began aggressively, with Jacob Bethell smashing two fours and a six off Saurabh Dubey to race to 36-0 in three overs. Bethell (15) fell early to Kartik Tyagi, but Devdutt Padikkal (39 off 27) stood firm alongside Kohli, forming a 92-run partnership that shifted momentum decisively.

Crucially, both Kohli and Padikkal were dropped in the 20s—Rovman Powell failing to hold a high catch at short cover, and Vaibhav Arora spilling a sitter at deep backward square. Those misses proved decisive.

Kohli neutralized Sunil Narine with controlled aggression, while Padikkal fell in the 14th over, caught at extra cover. Rajat Patidar was dismissed off the final ball of Narine’s spell, but Kohli remained unbeaten, guiding RCB to victory with a boundary from Jitesh Sharma off Dubey in the 19.1st over.

What This Result Means for IPL 2026

With their eighth win in 11 games, RCB solidify their place at the top of the table and are now firm playoff favorites. Their remaining two league matches offer comfortable breathing room.

For KKR, the sixth loss in 11 games leaves them with just nine points. Their playoff hopes hang by a thread, especially with tougher fixtures ahead.

Player of the Match

Unsurprisingly, Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match for his 105* off 60 balls—a knock that also made him the quickest batter to reach 14,000 T20 runs, achieving the milestone in 409 innings, surpassing Chris Gayle’s record of 423.

Full Scorecard Summary

• Kolkata Knight Riders: 192 for 4 (Raghuvanshi 71, Rinku 49*, Green 32; Tyagi 3-32)
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 194 for 4 (Kohli 105*, Padikkal 39; Tyagi 3-32)
• Result: RCB won by 6 wickets
• Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur
• Date: May 13, 2026

FAQs: RCB vs KKR Match 57, IPL 2026

Q: Who won yesterday’s RCB vs KKR match?
A: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by six wickets.

Q: Who was Player of the Match?
A: Virat Kohli for his unbeaten 105 runs.

Q: What was the final score?
A: KKR 192/4, RCB 194/4 in 19.1 overs.