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

Kohli's Impact Player Role Amid Injury Concerns

In Bengaluru, Karnataka, on April 15, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has opted to leave their star batsman Virat Kohli out of the starting eleven for the match against Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). However, he has been designated as an Impact Player, which means he can step in to bat if necessary during the game on Wednesday.

This decision comes after Kohli suffered an ankle injury in 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 from the top order could disrupt RCB's batting dynamics.

During a training session prior to the match against LSG, Kohli was spotted 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 Rishabh Pant, the LSG captain, while he was still bandaged.

Virat Kohli has accumulated 179 runs in IPL 2026, boasting an impressive average of 59.66 and a strike rate of 162.72, including two half-centuries with a top score of 69 not out. In the recent clash against the Mumbai Indians, he managed to score 50 runs off 38 balls, hitting five fours and a six, although he didn't appear to be at his best.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Playing XI includes: Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), 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.