Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma added another historic milestone to their legendary Indian Premier League journeys during the clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur on Sunday. The IPL 2026 fixture marked the 278th appearance in the tournament for both Kohli and Rohit, allowing the two modern-day greats to equal MS Dhoni's all-time record for the most matches played in IPL history.
Dhoni's Legacy and the New Milestone
Dhoni, who remains part of Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2026 squad despite not featuring in a game this season, reached the landmark across an iconic career spanning from 2008 to 2025. The former India captain represented both Chennai Super Kings and Rising Pune Supergiant during his IPL journey. His record of 278 matches stood as the benchmark until Kohli and Rohit matched it on Sunday.
Kohli's Single-Franchise Loyalty
Kohli's record carries extra significance given his loyalty to a single franchise. The batting superstar has represented only Royal Challengers Bengaluru ever since the inaugural IPL season in 2008 and has now gone level with Dhoni after 278 appearances for the franchise. His consistent presence and leadership have made him a cornerstone of RCB's identity.
Rohit's Journey Across Teams
Rohit, meanwhile, achieved the feat after representing two teams in the competition. He began his IPL career with Deccan Chargers between 2008 and 2010 before moving to Mumbai Indians, where he went on to become one of the most successful captains in tournament history. Under his captaincy, Mumbai Indians won multiple titles, cementing his legacy as a strategic leader.
Most Matches in IPL History
The updated list of players with the most IPL appearances now includes Kohli and Rohit at the top alongside Dhoni. Here is the current top 10:
- MS Dhoni (CSK, Rising Pune Supergiant) - 278 matches, 5439 runs, 0 wickets
- Rohit Sharma (Deccan Chargers, MI) - 278* matches, 7267* runs, 15* wickets
- Virat Kohli (RCB) - 278* matches, 9040* runs, 4* wickets
- Ravindra Jadeja (RR, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, CSK, Gujarat Lions) - 265 matches, 3450 runs, 178 wickets
- Dinesh Karthik (DC, PBKS, RCB, MI, Gujarat Lions, KKR) - 257 matches, 4842 runs, 0 wickets
- Shikhar Dhawan (DC, MI, Deccan Chargers, SRH) - 222 matches, 6769 runs, 4 wickets
- Ravichandran Ashwin (CSK, Rising Pune Supergiant, PBKS, DC, RR) - 221 matches, 833 runs, 187 wickets
- Ajinkya Rahane (MI, RR, Rising Pune Supergiant, DC, KKR, CSK) - 208 matches, 5250 runs, 1 wicket
- Suresh Raina (CSK, Gujarat Lions) - 205 matches, 5528 runs, 25 wickets
- Robin Uthappa (MI, RCB, Pune Warriors India, KKR, RR, CSK) - 205 matches, 4952 runs, 0 wickets
Thrilling Contest in Raipur
The milestone came in a thrilling contest that eventually saw RCB edge past Mumbai Indians in a dramatic last-ball finish. Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar starred with the ball for RCB with figures of 4/23, while Tilak Varma top-scored for Mumbai with a fighting half-century. RCB's chase was then revived by a counterattacking knock from Krunal Pandya before Bengaluru sealed a tense victory in the final over.
Stay updated with the latest IPL Live Score, IPL news on Times of India. Follow the IPL Schedule, check the IPL Points Table, and track the race for the IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap.
About the Author
TOI Sports Desk: At TOI Sports Desk, reporters work around the clock to bring you comprehensive updates from the world of sports. Expect nuanced match reports, previews, and reviews, along with statistics-based technical analysis, the latest social media trends, and expert insights across cricket, football, tennis, badminton, hockey, motorsports, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics, and more.
