Virat Kohli created history by scoring a century against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday. He has become the Indian to score the most centuries in IPL. Along with this, Kohli also equaled Chris Gayle's record of scoring the maximum number of centuries in the IPL with six. Number '18' has been very special for Kohli. On 18 May i.e. yesterday, he scored a century against Hyderabad. Even before this, on May 18, he scored a century in the IPL itself. Not only this, but Kohli's jersey number is also '18'. Apart from this, many other things are associated with this number in his life. Kohli himself told me about this.

Virat Kohli's special connection with '18'
Kohli revealed during a show that initially 18 was just a number given to him, but over the years the number has formed a 'lucky connection' with his life. Kohli said- To be honest, 18 started as just a number that was given to me when I first saw the India U-19 jersey with my name and number on it. But it turned out to be a very important number in my life. I made my debut in India on 18th August (2008). My father also passed away on December 18, 2006. Two of the most important moments of my life happened on the 18th. Even though I got the number before that, it seems that there is some connection of mine with this number and this date.

Happy to see fans wearing the number 18 jersey
Kohli said that he feels very happy when he sees fans wearing jerseys with his name and number. He said- I feel good when we go to play a match and I see people wearing my jersey number and name. I find it surreal because as a kid I wanted to wear my hero's jersey. You just feel grateful. The almighty gave you the opportunity and you feel blessed.

The year 2016 was great for Virat Kohli. He scored 973 runs in 16 matches that season at an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of 152. The match was played between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings on 18 May 2016. In that match, Kohli scored 113 runs in 50 balls with the help of 12 fours and eight sixes. This was Kohli's fourth century in IPL. Before this match, Kohli was hurt and scored a century despite having stitches. Now on May 18, 2023, i.e. tomorrow, Kohli scored a century for RCB in a virtual knockout match in a way. In both situations, Kohli played brilliant innings under immense pressure.

Kohli is in excellent form this season
Kohli's sixth century in IPL came after April 19, 2019. He scored the fifth century in 2019 against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. Then he scored 100 runs in 58 balls at a strike rate of 172. At the same time, against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday, Kohli scored 100 runs in 63 balls at a strike rate of 158.73 with the help of 12 fours and four sixes. So far this season, Kohli has scored 538 runs in 13 matches at an average of 44.83 and a strike rate of 135.85. This includes one century and six half-centuries. With the win over Hyderabad, the Bangalore team has reached the fourth position in the points table. Their last match is against Gujarat Titans on 21 May.

(pc amarujala)