Bengaluru: Ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s prior match versus Lucknow Super Giants, Virat Kohli stood out for reasons beyond cricket. The former captain completed his usual pre-game routine with his knee taped, having picked up an ankle discomfort during the team’s trip to Mumbai Indians. When the playing XI and reserves were announced, Kohli’s name did not land in the starting group—placing him instead among the substitutes.
For a batter who thrives on being in the thick of the contest, beginning from the sidelines was far from ideal. Still, Kohli found a way to influence the game when it counted most. During the chase, he walked out to bat as an Impact Player, making it his first appearance in the role at this stage of the season. Once he got going, Kohli shifted into top gear and finished with 49 runs off 34 balls, helping propel RCB’s pursuit forward.
After the result, Kohli spoke candidly about how his body felt. He said, “My knee was a bit sore last game. Also, health-wise, I’ve been under the weather for four or five days.”
While Kohli is not typically associated with embracing the Impact Player mechanism, he accepted the adjustment when circumstances required it. With the demands of T20 cricket and his high-intensity approach to every match, adapting to such scenarios could become part of the season’s rhythm as the campaign moves into its later phases.
Kohli’s next step and the Impact Player plan
- RCB teammate Josh Hazlewood indicated that Kohli is expected to take part against Delhi Capitals on Saturday.
- Hazlewood also suggested that whether Kohli starts in the usual XI will depend on how fit he is to take the field, calling it a precautionary approach.
- He added that RCB are likely to continue using Kohli in the Impact Player role for as long as needed.
- Hazlewood pointed out the value of the rule, saying it can be especially useful for players returning from injury or carrying a niggle while still allowing them to contribute.
- At the same time, Hazlewood acknowledged that holding Kohli back is not straightforward, noting Kohli’s competitive mindset and energy.
- He added that Kohli would probably spend time working with the physios in a bid to get back out there, even if the final decision is fitness-led.
Hazlewood summed it up by saying he would prefer Kohli to be on the field, describing him as one of the team’s best fielders—while also remarking that, true to his nature, Kohli is unlikely to be content watching from the sidelines.
