Kohli achieved the milestone during RCB's nine-wicket win over DC.
Kohli achieved the feat during a dominant 9-wicket victory for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The RCB talisman entered the match needing 11 runs and reached the landmark after facing 12 balls. He finished the match unbeaten on 23 off 15 balls, helping his team chase down the paltry target of 76 with back-to-back sixes.
Speaking after the game, RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya lauded Kohli’s "unbelievable" consistency and hunger. He highlighted veteran batter’s sustained impact since the league's inception in 2008.
"Virat Kohli has been one of the greatest who has played. The achievements he has had over the last 15-20 years have been unbelievable. To have that sort of consistency and the hunger he has is remarkable," Krunal said during the post-match press conference.
He also credited Kohli for being the "flagbearer" who transformed the fitness culture in Indian cricket.
"He has changed the way people see the sport from a fitness point of view. He has been the flagbearer of how the fitness culture has come in India," Krunal added.
Reflecting on the milestone, Krunal stated that such achievements are the result of years of hard work
"When you achieve a milestone, you get satisfaction that the effort you have put in is paying off. Everyone who works hard wants to see that result," he stated.
Krunal expressed hope that Kohli continues this form to win more matches for the franchise. "He has achieved so much in his career. I have not asked him yet how he feels about 9,000 runs, but I hope he continues like this, wins us more matches and gives everyone happiness," Krunal remarked.
Following this unbeaten knock against DC, Virat Kohli’s career total stands at 9,012 IPL runs in 275 matches and 267 innings at an average of 40.05 and a strike rate of 133.80, including eight centuries and 66 fifties, with a best score of 113*.
The win against DC was RCB’s sixth in eight matches this season. The defending champions are currently occupying second spot in the team standings, with 12 points.
(With ANI Inputs)