IPL 2025: Jitesh Sharma Powers RCB to Victory, Virat Kohli Sets Historic T20 Record

In a high-stakes IPL 2025 clash at the Ekana Stadium, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) delivered a thrilling performance, chasing down a massive target of 230 runs to defeat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by six wickets. This victory not only secured RCB a spot in the qualifiers but also marked a historic night for star batter Virat Kohli.

RCB’s triumph was led by a sensational innings from Jitesh Sharma, who stepped in after Rajat Patidar was sidelined due to injury. Taking on the responsibility, Sharma played a blistering knock of 85 runs off just 33 balls, smashing 8 fours and 6 sixes. His aggressive middle-order assault left LSG bowlers stunned and put RCB firmly in control. Virat Kohli, too, made a vital contribution at the top of the order, scoring 54 runs in 30 balls and anchoring the innings during the powerplay. Kohli’s steady start set the tone for RCB’s successful chase, which now sees them and Punjab Kings securing tickets to Qualifier 1.

Beyond the match-winning chase, the night was especially historic for Kohli, who achieved a monumental milestone in T20 cricket. With his innings against Lucknow, Kohli became the first player in T20 history to score 9,000 runs for a single team. No other cricketer has reached this mark with one franchise—Mumbai Indians’ Rohit Sharma follows with 6,060 runs.

Kohli, often hailed as the “Run Machine” of T20 cricket, continues to set new benchmarks, and his latest feat further cements his legacy in the shortest format of the game. As the playoff picture begins to take shape, RCB’s clinical performance and Kohli’s record-breaking form are sending a strong signal to the remaining contenders.