Kohli’s Ankle Strain Raises Doubts Ahead of IPL Clash
Injury Concerns for the Star Player
Virat Kohli’s participation in the upcoming IPL 2026 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) remains uncertain due to an ankle injury. The former captain of RCB was unable to field during their recent match against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
Although Kohli returned to the nets for RCB’s training session prior to the game, he only engaged in running tests while sporting strapping on his ankle. This has sparked worries among fans about his readiness for the clash scheduled at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
Training Session Highlights
A video released by RCB showcased Kohli greeting LSG captain Rishabh Pant and Kane Williamson the day before the match. In the footage, Kohli was seen with noticeable strapping on his left leg, reaffirming concerns regarding his fitness.
In the 2026 IPL season thus far, Kohli has played four matches, accumulating a total of 179 runs at an average of 59.66 and a strike rate of 162.72. He has recorded two half-centuries, with his highest score being 69 not out.
Performance Against Mumbai Indians
In RCB’s latest encounter with their long-time rivals Mumbai Indians, Kohli scored a quick-fire 50 off 38 balls, featuring five fours and one six, although he did not seem to be in his best form. RCB managed to secure a victory against MI by 18 runs, successfully bouncing back from a previous loss to the Rajasthan Royals.
The match saw notable performances from Phil Salt, who scored 78 runs from just 36 balls with six fours and six sixes, and Rajat Patidar, who contributed with a blistering 53 runs off 20 balls, including four boundaries and five sixes. RCB set a challenging target of 240 runs, while MI ended their innings at 222 runs for the loss of five wickets, despite a remarkable 71 not out from Sherfane Rutherford, who hit nine sixes and a four.
During the match, Kohli observed from the sidelines wearing a jacket, further indicating his inability to participate due to the ongoing ankle issue.
