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April 24 became a day to remember for fans as Virat Kohli took to the field for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 match against Rajasthan Royals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The significance of the day was doubled as it also marked the 52nd birthday of Kohli’s childhood idol, Sachin Tendulkar.
For fans, witnessing Kohli play on Tendulkar`s birthday was nothing short of a poetic moment, blending the legacy of the past with the brilliance of the present. Kohli, in his signature style, honored the occasion with another solid performance, nearly scoring his ninth IPL century, but settling for a well-played 70 off 42 balls.
This wasn’t the first time Kohli has graced the IPL stage on April 24. In fact, this fixture marked the sixth instance where he has played a match on Tendulkar’s birthday, and his record on these occasions is impressive. Over the years, he has produced a blend of grit, flair, and resolve in such games.
In 2009, a young Kohli managed just 2 runs from 3 balls against Punjab Kings. Five years later in 2014, he returned with a more confident 31 off 23 balls versus Kolkata Knight Riders.
In 2015, Kohli showcased his consistency with a measured 62 off 46 deliveries against Rajasthan Royals. However, it was in 2016 that he truly etched his name into IPL lore with a magnificent unbeaten 100 from 63 balls against Gujarat Lions, still his only century on Tendulkar’s birthday. The 2019 season saw a brief cameo of 13 off 8 balls against Punjab once again. This year, he rekindled the magic with a fluent 70 off 42 against Rajasthan, reaffirming his knack for rising to the occasion.
Across these six innings played on April 24, Kohli has registered two half-centuries and a memorable ton.
RCB vs RR at a glance
Kohli, alongside Devdutt Padikkal, delivered commanding half-centuries to help RCB post a formidable total of 205 for five. On a pitch that didn’t allow for free-flowing stroke-play, the duo anchored the innings with a 95-run stand for the second wicket, setting the platform for a strong finish.
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