IPL 2026: Virat Kohli goes past MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma with Most IPL Matches

In a landmark moment during the high-voltage IPL 2026 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Virat Kohli played his 279th IPL match, becoming the outright leader in appearances and breaking the record he had earlier shared with MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.

The 37-year-old RCB legend, who has donned only the Royal Challengers Bengaluru jersey since his 2008 debut, reached this incredible milestone tonight. Kohli's unwavering loyalty stands unmatched.

He has amassed a record 9,040 runs at an average of around 39.65, including 8 centuries and 66 half-centuries, along with 813 fours and 306 sixes. He remains the undisputed king of IPL run-scorers.

This fixture against KKR holds special significance

for the "King. " Kohli has dominated the rivalry with over 1,000 runs, the highest by any batter, featuring multiple match-defining knocks. On a pitch likely to assist spinners like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, his experience will be vital. RCB, with their strong net run rate and playoff aspirations nearly secured, aim to consolidate their position, while KKR battle desperately for survival and momentum.

RCB vs KKR

RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and chose to bowl first. Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck early with the wicket of Finn Allen, and Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane departed after scoring 19 runs. KKR are currently 76/2 at the end of 9 overs.

Most Appearances in IPL: Virat Kohli leads the List

Virat Kohli now tops the list with 279 appearances, thus surpassing MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, who both have played 278 each. This season has been an injury-laden one for both Rohit and Dhoni, with the latter yet to play a match for Chennai Super Kings so far. Ravindra Jadeja has also played 265 matches.

Top 10 Players with Most Matches

Player	Team	Span	Matches
Virat Kohli	Royal Challengers Bangalore	2008-2026	279
MS Dhoni	Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant	2008-2025	278
Rohit Sharma	Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians	2008-2026	278
Ravindra Jadeja	Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Lions, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Rajasthan Royals	2008-2026	265
Dinesh Karthik	Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore	2008-2024	257
Shikhar Dhawan	Delhi Capitals, Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad	2008-2024	222
Ravichandran Ashwin	Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab, Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals	2009-2025	221
Ajinkya Rahane	Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals	2008-2026	209
Suresh Raina	Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Lions	2008-2021	205
Robin Uthappa	Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Pune Warriors India, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals	2008-2022	205