Virat Kohli in RCB football at the Wankhede Stadium. (Download Video) NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may have returned to winning ways with an impressive 18-run victory over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, but attention quickly shifted to a worrying development involving Virat Kohli.The RCB talisman, who scored a composed 50 off 38 balls, did not take the field during the chase in Mumbai due to an ankle problem, leaving fans worried. Kohli was seen watching from the dressing room wearing a jacket and was replaced in the reserves by youngster Jacob Bethell.
Why Virat Kohli Stayed Off The Field
The decision to keep Kohli off the field was precautionary and was prompted by ankle discomfort during the RCB innings. While the franchise did not confirm the severity, the move indicated that no risks were being taken during the crucial phase of the tournament.Adding to the drama was Rohit Sharma, who left the field in the middle innings with a hamstring injury, a rare and worrying sight as the two modern-day greats battled fitness issues in the same match.Despite the anxiety, RCB captain Rajat Patidar offered a reassuring update after the match.“I don’t know yet, but I think he, I feel he’s fine now,” Patidar said, suggesting the injury may not be serious.
Virat Kohli during the MI innings at the Wankhede. (Download video)
Patidar highlights Kohli’s influencePatidar also highlighted that Kohli’s steady start alongside Phil Salt laid the foundation for RCB’s impressive total of 240/4.“Whenever we come here… the atmosphere, the fans… it’s a different feeling,” Patidar said. “I think the way Virat bhai and Salt started the innings kept us in the driver’s seat. Then a good cameo from me and Tim (David), I think it was a pure team effort.”The RCB batting unit clicked in unison, with Patidar smashing 53 off 20 balls and Tim David finishing hard. Mumbai battled through Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive 71 off 31 balls but it was not enough to post 222/5.Even on a shortened field day, Kohli etched his name in the record books, becoming the first batsman to score 1,000 runs against Mumbai Indians. He now has 1,030 runs against them, reinforcing his dominance.The innings also featured a 120-run stand with Salt, making it Kohli’s 47th century partnership in T20s – the most by any player as he went past Chris Gayle.While RCB celebrated a crucial win, all eyes will now be on Kohli’s recovery, with the franchise and fans hoping that their biggest star will be back to full fitness quickly.
