NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli and Phil Salt came out all guns blazing, dismantling the Mumbai Indians bowling attack to hand Royal Challengers Bengaluru a flying start at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.The duo stitched a commanding 120-run opening partnership, laying a strong foundation for RCB. Salt led the charge with a blistering 78 off 36 balls, while Kohli played the anchor role in the stand.
The partnership also became RCB’s second-highest opening stand against Mumbai Indians in IPL history, behind the 148-run effort by Kohli and Faf du Plessis in Bengaluru in 2023.During the knock, Kohli achieved another significant milestone, registering his 47th century partnership in T20 cricket – the most by any batter in the format. In doing so, he went past Babar Azam, who has 46, and moved ahead of other greats like Chris Gayle (46), David Warner (45) and Faf du Plessis (40).Kohli eventually departed for a well-made 50, dismissed by Hardik Pandya after providing the perfect platform.A pillar of RCB since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, Kohli once again underlined his value at the top. The franchise, meanwhile, are the defending champions, having clinched the IPL 2025 title with a win over Punjab Kings in the final.
Most century partnerships in T20 cricket
47 – Virat Kohli*46 – Chris Gayle46 – Babar Azam45 – David Warner40 – Faf du Plessis
