- May 13, 2025
If you think of RCB legends, you will no doubt think of two names Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli. One is the Wall of Indian cricket, cool as a cucumber; the other a passionate modern-day genius, with fire in his belly. But what if we compare them at a certain point in their IPL careers, 89 matches each? Let’s just say the numbers are telling a story that may be closer than you think. Regardless of whether you are Team Kohli or like Dravid’s classic Strokeplay a bit more, this showdown has something for everyone who loves cricket.
Kohli’s Fire vs Dravid’s Class
Alright, runs. The substance of every batter. To put it into perspective, in his first 89 IPL matches, Virat Kohli slammed 2,044 runs in 81 innings. An impressive feat, especially considering that during that time he was still becoming a player. The crazy part is that Rahul Dravid – commonly thought of as more of a Test player, out-scored Kohli at that particular moment – scooped up 2,174 runs in 82 innings! Yes, The Wall was just quietly running up better numbers in the same number of matches.
Dravid hasn’t played since the IPL in 2013, so he was more than addressed as an old-time textbook player – he was steady and effective. Kohli’s highs in the IPL would come later, but this just gives a perspective of how good Kohli was, even in a format people said he wouldn’t be good in.
Strike Rates, Averages, and the Bigger Picture
Now we cannot simply look at the run’s column. Let’s see what their strike rates and averages tell us. Kohli had 89 games with an average of 29.62 and a strike rate of 121.16, not bad, not great. Dravid was slightly behind in average at 28.23, and a bit slower at just 115.51 in strike rate.
This gives us some exciting information; Kohli as a batter had been very reliable, but he was not the force of nature in this game that we normally see. Dravid, in contrast, was establishing a kind of working rhythm for the IPL: he was playing on his strengths – placement, timing, and experience to build quietly game after game. Neither of them was hitting sixes for fun, but both were anchoring innings and building frameworks.
In yet another eccentric coincidence, at the same points of their careers, Kohli and Dravid also scored exactly 11 fifties. I must mention that these innings were scored under high pressure and made the case that classy old-school technique and purposeful aggression can still win you games.
Read Also: Nicholas Pooran vs Virat Kohli – Who Had the Better Start in IPL?
Match Winners: Performance in Victories
Statistics can seem pointless if they don’t convert into wins. So, how did these two contribute to the wins that their teams had? Kohli accumulated 1,097 runs in RCB’s 47 wins over the 89 matches, with a 34.28 average and 127.62 strike rate–better than his general numbers here. It is clear that when RCB won, Kohli was often the guy who made the difference in those wins.
On the flip side, Dravid clocked 1,092 runs across 43 wins—not flashy, but solid, averaging 32.12 with a strike rate of 113.87. You can see again, it was close, but Kohli has the edge once more, and Dravid was definitely a match winner, but on his own terms. Over a brilliant career, when you consider his talent and ability, he executed leadership and won for his team. He showed that wins can be delivered in T20 cricket even when it is not his style.
So, who has offered you better value in the first 89 matches? The emerging flamboyant future legend, or the timeless tactician? Tell us in the comments, and let’s argue this in the best way only cricket fans can!
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