Clouds of doubt have gathered over Virat Kohli’s availability as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare to face Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026 on Wednesday. Kohli, who has been central to RCB’s batting plans, missed the team’s most recent outing at the Wankhede against Mumbai Indians after suffering an ankle strain, leaving supporters concerned about how fit he truly is for the trip to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Kohli’s fitness check ahead of RCB vs LSG
- Kohli did not take the field against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on Sunday, hampered by an ankle strain.
- He returned to RCB’s training environment and took part in the franchise’s lone session prior to the match against Lucknow.
- During that session, Kohli’s work appeared limited to running tests while wearing strapping on the injured ankle area, prompting fresh worries about his readiness.
- On the eve of the contest, RCB posted a video showing Kohli greeting Lucknow captain Rishabh Pant and Kane Williamson while still sporting a heavy wrap on his left leg.
With the match day approaching, Kohli’s involvement remains the key storyline for Bengaluru, particularly as the team looks to protect its rhythm while managing a potential injury scare to one of its most important top-order batters.
How Kohli has fared in IPL 2026 so far
In the four matches he has played in IPL 2026 to date, Kohli has amassed 179 runs at an average of 59.66. His scoring has come at a strike rate of 162.72, with two half-centuries, including a top score of 69 not out.
RCB’s last outing vs Mumbai Indians
In the previous game against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians, Kohli contributed 50 runs off 38 balls. His innings included five fours and a single six, though it did not resemble his sharpest, most fluent form.
That match carried extra significance for RCB after an earlier slip-up against the Rajasthan Royals. Bengaluru regrouped to register an 18-run triumph over Mumbai at the Wankhede, powered by a trio of impactful fifties.
- Phil Salt struck 78 off 36 balls, featuring six fours and six maximums.
- Rajat Patidar made 53 off 20 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and five sixes.
- Kohli’s 50 off 38 balls anchored the chase.
RCB posted 240/4, and Mumbai ended their innings at 222/5—falling short by 18 runs. Sherfane Rutherford delivered the brightest late surge for the chase, smashing 71 not out from 31 balls. His knock included nine sixes and one four, but it was not enough to bridge the gap.
One notable detail from that match was Kohli’s absence from the field as the game progressed; he was seen sitting out wearing a jacket, reinforcing that the ankle problem was already affecting his participation.
