BENGALURU—Virat Kohli tore through the record books on April 24, eclipsing Chris Gayle’s mark for most fifty-plus scores in T20 cricket and cementing his reign at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru star’s 26th T20 half-century at the venue—a ground that’s practically his backyard—powered his team to their first home win of the IPL 2025 season against Rajasthan Royals. It was vintage Kohli: grit, flair, and a knack for making history under the floodlights.
The 36-year-old batsman didn’t just nudge past Gayle. He also left England’s Alex Hales in the dust, claiming the record for the most fifties at a single venue in T20 cricket. That’s 26 half-centuries at Chinnaswamy, a stadium where the crowd roars his name like a prayer. Against Rajasthan, Kohli’s blade carved out a masterclass, steering RCB to a commanding victory and sending fans into a frenzy. The numbers don’t lie: he’s now the king of consistency in the format, with more fifty-plus knocks than anyone else, period.
Chinnaswamy has always been Kohli’s fortress. He’s played there since his RCB debut in 2008, turning the ground into a stage for his biggest moments. On April 24, he called it “a special place” after the match, his voice thick with nostalgia. The stats back up the sentiment: no one’s scored more fifties at one T20 venue, not even close. Jason Roy’s 21 at The Oval? Respectable, but Kohli’s in another league. The Bengaluru faithful, packed into the stands, knew they were witnessing something rare—a record broken, a legacy extended.
Kohli’s chase wasn’t flawless. Rajasthan’s bowlers came hard, but he weathered the storm, mixing caution with his trademark cover drives. By the time he raised his bat for the fifty, the tie with Gayle was history. The West Indian legend’s record had stood tall, but Kohli’s hunger for runs doesn’t pause for sentiment. This was his night, and Chinnaswamy’s too.
The win gave RCB a much-needed boost in IPL 2025, their campaign off to a shaky start before this. Kohli’s knock wasn’t just about personal glory—it was a captain’s innings, dragging his team over the line. Fans spilled onto Bengaluru’s streets after the match, horns blaring, as if the city itself was celebrating the milestone.
Kohli’s 26 half-centuries at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium surpassed Alex Hales’ 25 at a single venue. He overtook Chris Gayle’s record for most fifty-plus scores in T20 cricket. The match occurred on April 24, 2025, during an IPL 2025 game against Rajasthan Royals. RCB won their first home game of the season.