Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans were disappointed on Wednesday as Rajat Patidar did not mention Virat Kohli’s fitness specifically at the toss, leaving fans guessing. However, his appointment in the alternate list suggests that RCB are keeping the door open. Kohli could replace the batsman later in the innings if the situation calls for it and his body allows it.
The move comes at a vital stage for RCB who are currently third in the IPL 2026 points table with 6 points from 4 matches and a healthy net rate of +1.148. A win against LSG (who have 4 points from 4 matches) would boost their playoff chances.
Virat Kohli suffered injury in MI vs RCB clash
Virat Kohli injured his ankle in RCB’s recent high-scoring encounter against Mumbai Indians.
He was seen leaving the field in discomfort and later appeared with a heavy strap around his left ankle and knee during practices. Although he looked comfortable batting in the nets, the team management probably opted for a cautious approach to avoid any long-term damage and did not name him in the starting XI.
Rajat Patidar during the toss
Rajat Patidar did not mention Virat Kohli’s fitness issue during the tossing interview. However, RCB left the option open by including the former Indian captain in the alternate list. Kohli could come in later as a batsman if the match situation allows and his ankle allows. This flexible strategy gives fans hope that the king could still appear in the game.
“We’ll bat first. It’s pretty obvious. I can see a pretty good surface. So we’re batting first and we’ve taken advantage of the first innings and kept the pressure on. Not much (on the field),” Rajat said.
“The previous game had a lot of grass. But I think this wicket, there’s no grass. So it’s going to be a good track. But yeah, we’ll see. I think everyone is doing pretty well for the team (in the necessary improvements). And to come to a different stage and play for the team. I think that’s what the team is behind us. Just one change. Josh Hazlewood comes in.
RCB playing XI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing XI: Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam Dar
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Impact Submarines: Cast: Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Jordan Cox, Kanishk Chouhan, Mangesh Yadav
