IPL 2026: Impact role again on the cards for Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli, nursing knee and ankle issues, surprisingly started as a reserve against Lucknow Super Giants. He then made a significant impact as an Impact Player, scoring 49 off 34 balls. Teammate Josh Hazlewood confirmed Kohli will play against Delhi Capitals, potentially continuing as an Impact Player due to his injuries.
BENGALURU: Ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s previous outing against Lucknow Super Giants, Virat Kohli cut an unusual figure. The superstar opener went through his pre-match routine with his knee strapped, already nursing an ankle niggle picked up during the away game against Mumbai Indians. When the team sheet was announced, his name appeared in an unfamiliar column — among the reserves.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! For a player who thrives on being in the thick of the action, watching from the dugout would have been far from ideal.
Yet, Kohli made his presence felt when it mattered, walking in to open the innings during the chase as an Impact Player. It was the first time Kohli was seen in that role. He slipped seamlessly into top gear, scoring 49 off 34 balls to steer the chase.
After the win, Kohli revealed the extent of his discomfort. “My knee was a bit sore last game. Even health-wise, I’ve been under the weather for four or five days,” he said.