In a heartfelt tribute that has stirred strong reactions from the cricketing world, Dinesh Karthik has named Virat Kohli as the greatest batter in the history of the Indian Premier League. The veteran wicketkeeper, who recently concluded his playing career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), lauded Kohli for his consistency, longevity, and impact, calling his legacy unparalleled in IPL history.
Karthik, who shared the RCB dressing room with Kohli for multiple seasons, made the remark during a recent interview, reflecting on the players who have left a lasting imprint on the tournament. “If I have to pick the best batter the IPL has ever seen, it’s Virat Kohli. What he has done year after year, the volume of runs, the big moments, and the way he’s carried an entire franchise—it’s unmatched,” said Karthik.
Virat Kohli’s record in the IPL backs up Karthik’s praise. As of the end of the 2025 season, Kohli remains the all-time leading run-scorer in IPL history, with over 7,500 runs under his belt. His peak came in the 2016 season, where he scored a record 973 runs in a single edition, a feat that still stands tall. Across his 17-year IPL career, Kohli has been the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and one of the pillars of the league’s popularity.
What sets Kohli apart, according to Dinesh Karthik, is not just the sheer volume of runs, but the responsibility he has shouldered. “It’s one thing to score runs in a strong team where everyone is performing. It’s another thing entirely to do it under pressure, in a team where so often the hopes rest solely on you. That’s what Virat has done for RCB year after year,” Karthik explained.
While other IPL legends like Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, AB de Villiers, and David Warner have all made massive contributions to the tournament, Kohli’s all-round presence—his batting, leadership, fitness, and fan engagement—makes him stand out. He has captained RCB for nearly a decade, leading them to multiple playoff appearances and a runner-up finish in 2016. Though the elusive IPL trophy has evaded him, his influence on and off the field is undeniable.
Karthik’s praise also touched on Kohli’s discipline and commitment. “I’ve seen him prepare, I’ve seen the intensity he brings every single day, and it’s not just for show. He pushes himself harder than anyone. That kind of dedication is rare, and it reflects in the way he plays,” he added.
Fans and analysts have reacted with agreement and admiration. Many believe Kohli has not only been a run machine but has also elevated the stature of the tournament itself. His battles with the world’s best bowlers, his passionate celebrations, and his fierce loyalty to RCB have made him a symbol of the IPL’s competitive spirit.
As the league continues to grow and new stars emerge, Kohli’s legacy will be the benchmark for generations to come. Dinesh Karthik’s declaration is not just a gesture of respect—it is an acknowledgment of an era shaped by one of the greatest batters cricket has ever seen.
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