An ankle problem kept Virat Kohli out of the action during the second innings on Sunday, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru faced Mumbai Indians in Mumbai. After the match, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar addressed supporters’ concerns, indicating that Kohli’s ailment did not appear to be a major one.
In the game, Kohli found it difficult to replicate his usual timing, scoring 50 runs off 38 balls for a strike rate of 131.58. While his numbers were steady enough, he was not able to maintain the momentum he had shown in his most recent three outings, where he had been hitting at a rate above 150.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Patidar said, “I don’t know for sure yet, but my feeling is that he’s alright at the moment.”
Patidar also highlighted the impact of Kohli and Phil Salt at the top of the order. He explained, “The way Virat bhai and Salt started the innings was crucial—it kept us in control. Then I contributed with a good cameo alongside Tim (David), and I believe that was a genuine team effort.”
With Mumbai Indians chasing 241, they finished on 222/5 in their 20 overs, even as Sherfane Rutherford remained unbeaten on 71 off 31 deliveries. For RCB, Suyash Sharma was the standout with two wickets to slow down the chase.
Earlier, RCB laid the groundwork with a score of 240/4 in 20 overs. Salt made 78, Kohli contributed 50, and Patidar struck 53, as the top order ensured the chase-ready total was well within reach.
Salt was named Player of the Match and shared the mindset behind his batting. He said, “Some venues aren’t particularly friendly for bowlers, so you have to keep the attitude that you’ll continue applying pressure on the opposition. Also, you can’t forget what your strengths are. For me, it’s about trying to be a match-winner. I know you don’t score runs every single game—nobody does—but if I can be as influential as possible, then I’m on the right track.”
Kohli currently sits fifth in the Orange Cap race, having amassed 179 runs across four matches. He has an average of 59.67 and a strike rate of 162.72. Patidar is placed second with 195 runs from four games, striking at 214.28. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi leads the list with 200 runs, while SRH’s Heinrich Klaasen is third on 184. In fourth position is RR opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has 183 runs.
In the IPL 2026 standings, RCB are third with 6 points from 4 matches. Mumbai Indians are eighth, having collected 2 points so far. Rajasthan Royals remain at the top with 8 points from four fixtures, ahead of second-placed PBKS with 7 points in the same number of games. Delhi Capitals are fourth on 4 points, and Gujarat Titans occupy fifth with 4 points from 4 matches. Lucknow Super Giants are sixth with 4 points, while Sunrisers Hyderabad are seventh with 2 points. Chennai Super Kings are ninth, and Kolkata Knight Riders are at the bottom of the table.
