Virat Kohli did not take the field during Mumbai Indians’ chase at the Wankhede Stadium after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) posted a mammoth 240/4 in 20 overs during their Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Sunday. Instead, Jacob Bethell came on as a substitute infielder.
While it has not been officially confirmed which pitch Kohli did not field in the second innings of the game, it looked like the defending champions did not want to risk their opening batting after Cricbuzz reported that the former RCB skipper had suffered an ankle injury while batting.
Even RCB captain Rajat Patidar and all-rounder Krunal Pandya also decided to keep mum on Kohli’s injury. While Patidar said during the post-match presentation, “I don’t know yet, but I think he, I feel he is fine right now”, Krunal stated during the post-match presser, “Virat Kohli will be fine and there is nothing to worry about. He would be fine”.
Meanwhile, a viral video has sparked speculations about Kohli’s injury. The incident occurred in the dugout when Kohli was caught on camera talking to wife Anushka Sharma (not seen in the video). Although it was not known what Anushka asked Kohli about, but the Indian cricketer’s gestures made it clear that she was explaining why he did not come to the field.
In the video, Kohli first waved at Anushka and then pointed towards his head with both hands. Later, Kohli also pointed to his left leg and hinted that he has problems with his footwork. The video went viral in no time.
Ravi Shastri provides an important update
Meanwhile, Kohli was also seen sitting in a jacket in the dressing room despite the temperature being between 26 to 29 degrees. According to multiple reports, former India coach Ravi Shastri, who met Kohli before the match, confirmed on air that the RCB batsman was not at his best. “Virat Kohli is not at his best recently,” he said.
Earlier, Kohli looked unhappy with his bat as he batted the ball at a rate of just over 131 at a time when his teammates Phil Salt and Patidar were scoring at a rate of over 200. Kohli took 38 balls for his 50 and even threw his helmet and gloves as he walked back to the dressing room, a viral video of his social exclusion.
Chasing a mammoth total, Mumbai Indians put up a good fight, especially Sherfane Rutherford (71 not out in 31 balls) to post 222/5, losing the game by 18 runs. This was Mumbai Indians’ third loss in four games.
What’s next for RCB and Virat Kohli?
RCB will play their next three matches at home, against Lucknow Super Giants (April 15), Delhi Capitals (April 18) and Gujarat Titans (April 24). In the points table, RCB are third with six points while Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings are in the top two spots.
Follow IPL 2026 live updates with complete IPL 2026 schedule and IPL 2026 points table. Also know who is currently leading the IPL 2026 Orange Cap and IPL 2026 Purple Cap charts.
