IPL 2026: Virat Kohli not in XI as RCB opt to bowl against LSG
RCB batter Virat Kohli was left out of RCB’s starting XI against Lucknow Super Giants due to an ankle injury but remained available as an Impact Player. Captain Rajat Patidar chose to bowl first, while Rishabh Pant stayed confident. RCB brought in Josh Hazlewood as both teams looked to gain momentum.
NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli was not included in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s starting XI against Lucknow Super Giants in Bengaluru, but he was named among the Impact Players, meaning he could still come in to bat if needed. His absence at the start comes after he picked up an ankle injury in RCB’s previous match against the Mumbai Indians, where they secured an 18-run win. Kohli and Philip Salt had been forming a steady opening pair, so his limited role slightly affects the team’s balance.
RCB captain Rajat Patidar opted to bowl first, trusting the pitch conditions to help early on. "We're gonna bowl first. It's pretty obvious.
I see a pretty good surface," Patidar said at the toss. "So, we bowl first and take the advantage of the first innings and keep the pressure. Not much (on the pitch).
The previous game was having a lot of grass. But I think this wicket, I think there is no grass. So, it will be a good track.