Impact sub Kohli shines as Bengaluru move top of IPL

Virat Kohli admitted he is still not operating at full fitness after turning up as an Impact Player and delivering a crucial 49 off 34 balls to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday.

It marked the first time in Kohli’s IPL career that he was deployed as an Impact Substitute, having been left out of RCB’s starting XI when they opted to bowl first. The veteran batter had also spent time off the field in the previous match against Mumbai Indians, where he picked up a knee issue that has since lingered, along with a brief spell of illness in recent days.

Despite the discomfort, Kohli made an immediate impact at the top of the chase of 147, racing to 34 off just 14 deliveries and setting the tone for RCB’s strong start. His innings eventually tapered as the pitch slowed considerably, but the platform he built proved decisive in a chase completed with 29 balls to spare.

Speaking after receiving the Orange Cap for leading the season’s run charts, Kohli acknowledged he was still working his way back to full rhythm.

“I’m feeling better than the last game, but I’m not 100% yet,” he said. “My knee was sore last match and I’ve also been under the weather for a few days. It’s about gradually getting back to my best.”

Kohli, who now leads the IPL 2026 run tally with 228 runs, said RCB had anticipated a tricky surface under hot and dry Bengaluru conditions. He explained that the game plan was built around exploiting the Powerplay before the wicket slowed down.

“It wasn’t the easiest pitch to play through the innings,” he noted. “We knew if we didn’t capitalise early, it would get tougher, and that’s exactly what happened.”

RCB’s approach up front, led by Kohli and Phil Salt, ensured early control of the chase, even as conditions became more demanding later on. Skipper Rajat Patidar continued his strong start to the season with a brisk 27, while the finishing duties were calmly handled by Tim David and Romario Shepherd.

Kohli also praised the flexibility within RCB’s batting unit, pointing to the depth that allows aggressive intent throughout the order.

“The way the squad is structured gives everyone the freedom to play with intent,” he said. “There’s clarity in roles, and that makes a big difference in T20 cricket.”

Earlier, RCB’s bowlers set up the win by restricting LSG to 146 in 20 overs. Rasikh Salam starred with a four-wicket haul, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood provided strong support with the new ball and in the middle overs.

LSG captain Rishabh Pant briefly retired hurt after a blow on the elbow but returned before falling cheaply, as Lucknow struggled to build partnerships on a sluggish surface. Mitchell Marsh’s 40 was the only notable contribution in an otherwise underwhelming batting effort.

With the win, defending champions RCB moved level on points with Rajasthan Royals, continuing their strong early-season momentum while underlining the growing influence of Kohli—even when not fully fit—at the top of the order.