Virat Kohli's Absence from RCB's Starting XI Against Lucknow Super Giants

Virat Kohli, a prominent player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has been left out of the starting XI against Lucknow Super Giants due to an ankle injury. However, he remains available as an Impact Player. Kohli's recent performance has been noteworthy, with significant runs scored in IPL 2026, but concerns about his fitness linger. The article details his injury status, recent form, and the complete team lineup for RCB in this crucial match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 15, 2026, 22:09 IST

Kohli's Role as an Impact Player

In the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Virat Kohli, a key player for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), was not included in the starting eleven for the match against Lucknow Super Giants. However, he has been designated as an Impact Player, which allows him to bat if necessary during the game in Bengaluru on Wednesday. His exclusion from the initial lineup is attributed to an ankle injury he sustained during RCB's last match against the Mumbai Indians, where they secured an 18-run victory. Kohli had been establishing a solid opening partnership with Philip Salt, and his absence at the top of the order may slightly affect RCB's batting dynamics.

Injury Concerns and Recent Performance

During a training session prior to the match against LSG in Bengaluru on Tuesday, Kohli was observed with a bandage on his leg. A video shared by LSG's social media showcased Kohli interacting with Kane Williamson, a member of LSG's support team, and LSG captain Rishabh Pant, while he was still bandaged. This situation arises amidst concerns regarding a potential leg or ankle injury for Kohli. In IPL 2026, he has accumulated 179 runs at an impressive average of 59.66 and a strike rate of 162.72, including two half-centuries and a top score of 69*. In the previous encounter against the Mumbai Indians, Kohli managed to score 50 runs off 38 balls, hitting five fours and a six, although he did not appear to be at his best.

RCB's Team Composition

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru's playing XI for the match includes: Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, and Rasikh Salam Dar.

Impact substitutes for RCB are: Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Jordan Cox, Kanishk Chouhan, and Mangesh Yadav.