Kohli's Century Powers RCB to Top Spot After Beating KKR

Virat Kohli's unbeaten century lit up Raipur as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets in IPL 2026's 57th match, reclaiming the top position on the points table. RCB now boasts 16 points from 12 outings, their eighth win boosting net run rate to +1.053. Chasing 193, RCB lost four wickets but crossed the line in 19.1 overs. Kohli's 105 (60 balls, 11x4, 3x6) was the standout, complemented by Padikkal's 39 (27 balls). Earlier, KKR posted 192/4, thanks to Raghuvanshi's 71 (46 balls, 7x4, 3x6) and Rinku's 49* (29 balls). This victory dethrones Gujarat Titans, who slip to second despite matching 16 points—their NRR at +0.551 lags behind. SRH sits third on 14 points, PBKS fourth with 13, CSK and RR fifth and sixth on 12 each, and DC seventh with 10. KKR, despite the defeat, holds eighth with 9 points from 11 matches, but playoffs look distant. MI and LSG are out. RCB's resurgence, fueled by Kohli's form, positions them as frontrunners heading into the business end of the season.