It has taken an entire pandemic and then 15 more matches for Virat Kohli to raise his bat with the same valour, as the Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper celebrated his 37th IPL half century. The 31-year-old announced himsef as the first batsmen to score 5500 IPL runs, another rare feat against his name. 

Coming into the game with 18 runs against his name, Virat was no longer a part of any expert’s fantasy team. However, the Indian team skipper stomped right into the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, this time to not leave before making a mark.

Virat Kohli’s 50 came off 41 balls, as he slammed Rahul Tewatia for a six and followed it up with a nudge to long on. This comeback innings from the Indian Premier League’s highest run scorer comes after three innings of criticism and loose shots in this season.

Dismissing Aaron Finch in the third over, the Rajasthan Royals bowlers were all over Virat and his partner Devdutt Padikkal, who started slow and built a partnership bit by bit. Steve Smith and company set a 155 run target on a sluggish pitch, not the best one to bat on. However, Kohli jumped on this opportunity with his will to redeem the slag he’s been offering to team off-lately.

Virat hit four boundaries and cleared the fence two times before looking back at the dug out to see coach Simon Katich applaud his determination. Anchoring the innings on the other side was youngster Devdutt Padikkal. The Karnataka batsman scored his third 50 of the tournament before letting Jofra Archer’s nasty delivery take the timber down.