Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the warm-up session. (NOT a photo) BENGALURU: Ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s previous match against Lucknow Super Giants, Virat Kohli cut an unusual figure. The superstar opener went through the pre-match routine with his knee strapped and was already nursing a gash in his ankle that he contracted during the away game against Mumbai Indians. When the team sheet was announced, his name appeared in an unknown column — among the backups.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!For a player who revels in being in the center of the action, watching from underground would be far from ideal. Still, Kohli made his presence felt when it mattered as he stepped in to open the innings during the chase as an Impact Player. This was the first time Kohli was seen in this role. He smoothly shifted into top gear and scored 49 off 34 balls to steer the chase.After the win, Kohli revealed the extent of his discomfort. “Last game I had a bit of knee pain. Even medically, I was under the weather for four or five days,” he said.Kohli, who is not known to be a strong proponent of the Impact Player rule, nevertheless embraced the role when the circumstances demanded it. Due to the intensity with which he approaches the game, he may need to adjust to such situations as the season progresses.Team-mate Josh Hazlewood confirmed that Kohli will play against Delhi Capitals on Saturday, although he did not rule out the possibility of him continuing as an Impact Player.“I think he’ll definitely play. It’s just a question of whether he’s right to get on the pitch. It’s going to be precautionary and we’ll use the Impact Player role for as long as he needs to,” Hazlewood said.The Australian pacer highlighted the usefulness of the rule, adding: “It’s probably lucky we have that option. A lot of teams use it when someone’s coming back from injury or has a niggle. It’s invaluable when your main skill can still contribute.”However, Hazlewood acknowledged that keeping Kohli off the field is easier said than done. “Obviously I’d love to have him on the field. He’s got great energy, one of our best fielders. But knowing him, he’s not a great observer of cricket. He loves to be out there and make an impact. So I think he’ll be with the physios trying to get back there.”
