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Kohli Benched as Impact Sub for RCB vs LSG Amid Ankle Injury Scare

Virat Kohli was omitted from Royal Challengers Bengaluru's starting lineup against Lucknow Super Giants due to an ankle injury sustained in their previous match. He was, however, included among the Impact Players, making him available to bat if required. Kohli was seen with a bandage on his leg during training and in a social media video meeting with LSG members. The star batter has scored 179 runs this IPL season, including two fifties.

Key Points: Virat Kohli Impact Sub for RCB vs LSG Due to Injury

  • Kohli not in starting XI
  • Named as Impact Player
  • Ankle injury concern
  • Seen with leg bandage
  • Scored 179 runs this season
2 min read

IPL: Kohli included as impact sub for RCB amid injury concern vs LSG

Virat Kohli is not in RCB's starting XI but is an Impact Player against LSG after sustaining an ankle injury in the previous match.

"Kohli was seen wearing a bandage on his leg during the training session - Report"

Bengaluru, April 15

Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting heavyweight Virat Kohli was not named in the starting XI against Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing Indian Premier League, but was included among the Impact Players, keeping him available to bat if required in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

His omission from the initial lineup follows an ankle injury sustained in RCB's previous match against the Mumbai Indians, where they registered an 18-run victory.

Kohli had been forming a stable opening partnership with Philip Salt, and his reduced involvement at the top slightly disrupts RCB's batting balance.

Kohli was seen wearing a bandage on his leg during the training session ahead of RCB's match against LSG at Bengaluru on Tuesday.

In a video posted by LSG's social media handle, Kohli was seen meeting Kane Williamson, a part of LSG's support staff and LSG skipper Rishabh Pant, while wearing a bandage on his leg. This comes amid reports that Virat is facing a leg/ankle injury scare.

Virat has scored 179 runs at an average of 59.66 with a strike rate of 162.72, with two fifties and a best score of 69* in IPL 2026. During the previous match against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI), Virat had scored a 38-ball 50, with five fours and a six and did not look at his fluent best.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam Dar.

RCB Impact subs: Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Jordan Cox, Kanishk Chouhan, Mangesh Yadav.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Bengaluru, the atmosphere is tense! The opening partnership with Salt was looking so good. Hope Padikkal steps up today. The team balance does look a bit shaky without Virat at the top, but player health comes first.
A
Ananya R
Honestly, a bit worried. He's been our most consistent batter. That bandage in the video looked serious. I just hope this is a precaution and not something that keeps him out for multiple matches. The season is long, we need him fit. 🤞
V
Vikram M
Impact Player rule is a blessing in such situations. He can still come in and play a defining knock if the situation demands. His strike rate of 162+ this season shows he's in form. Fingers crossed he doesn't have to bat and we win easily!
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I think we rely too much on one player. This is a good test for the rest of the batting order. Patidar as captain needs to lead from the front. Time for players like Tim David and Jitesh Sharma to show their worth.
P
Priya S
The real concern is the T20 World Cup later this year. BCCI and RCB need to manage his workload carefully. We cannot afford our best batter getting injured before a global tournament. This cautious approach is the right one.

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