IPL 2026: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma equal MS Dhoni’s historic IPL record

TL;DR

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have equaled MS Dhoni's record for the most matches played in IPL history, each making their 278th appearance during a recent match. Dhoni's record spanned from 2008 to 2025, while Kohli has played exclusively for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Key points

Kohli and Rohit equal Dhoni's IPL record
Both players have 278 appearances in IPL
Dhoni's record spanned from 2008 to 2025
Kohli has played exclusively for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
The milestone was reached during a match in Raipur

Virat KohliRohit SharmaMS DhoniRoyal Challengers Bengaluru

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma added another historic milestone to their legendary IPL 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, who remains part of Chennai Super Kings’s 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 CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant during his IPL journey.

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.

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.