In 2016, Virat Kohli etched his name into IPL history by scoring an unprecedented 973 runs, a record that has stood as a testament to his dominance in the shortest format of the game. As IPL 2025 approaches, the cricketing world wonders if this formidable milestone can be eclipsed. Among the teams with a realistic shot at this record, Mumbai Indians (MI) boast a trio of talents who might just have what it takes. Here, we analyze 3 MI players who could challenge Kohli’s record, based on their recent performances and potential.
1. Suryakumar Yadav –
Suryakumar Yadav, with a hefty price tag of INR 16.35 crore, has established himself as one of the world’s premier T20 batsmen, currently ranked as the 4th best in the ICC T20I rankings. His ability to play 360 degrees around the wicket and score at a brisk pace makes him a prime candidate. Yadav’s consistency in the IPL, coupled with his knack for big scores, has been well-documented. His 2023 season, where he scored over 600 runs and in IPL 2024 he scored 345 runs in 11 matches was just a glimpse of his capabilities. If Yadav can maintain his form, his aggressive style and adaptability could see him amassing runs at a rate that might challenge Kohli’s record. His performances in international cricket, including his series against England, have shown that he can anchor innings or accelerate as needed, which is crucial in a tournament like the IPL.
2. Rohit Sharma –
Rohit Sharma, valued at INR 16.30 crore, has had a resurgence in form, particularly highlighted during the T20 World Cup 2024 where he scored 257 runs in eight matches. His experience and understanding of the game are unmatched, making him a consistent performer in the IPL. Sharma’s history with MI includes numerous seasons where he has led from the front with the bat. His ability to score big in crucial matches, combined with his strategic acumen, could propel him to break the 973-run barrier. If he can replicate his World Cup form, where he showed he can still dominate bowling attacks, Sharma might just have the season of his life in IPL 2025.
3. Tilak Varma –
Tilak Varma is perhaps the dark horse in this race. Although young, his recent performances, particularly his back-to-back centuries against South Africa, indicate a player on the cusp of something special. Varma’s inclusion in MI’s squad at a cost-effective price signifies the team’s faith in his potential. His ability to adapt to different conditions and his fearless approach against both pace and spin could be key. If Varma can translate his international form into the IPL, where he has shown glimpses of his talent, the sky’s the limit for how many runs he could score. His youth, hunger, and recent big scores suggest he might just have the breakout season that could see him challenging established records.
The IPL 2025 could be the season where we witness history being rewritten. With Suryakumar Yadav’s technical mastery, Rohit Sharma’s seasoned aggression, and Tilak Varma’s youthful exuberance, Mumbai Indians have assembled a batting lineup that could very well see one of these players breaking Kohli’s monumental record. The combination of experience with emerging talent within MI might just be the recipe needed for an extraordinary season. As fans and analysts watch with bated breath, the IPL 2025 promises to be a spectacle of batting prowess, potentially heralding a new era in IPL cricket.
