A Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clash in the IPL is always billed as a fiery contest between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, at least for fans. Unfortunately, both legends had a rare off day when RCB thrashed the MI Paltan at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday night (April 12) at at IPL 2026. While Rohit’s innings was cut short due to hamstring struggles, Virat Kohli scored a horrible fifty in the first innings before not coming out on the field due to some niggle.
Yes, Kohli’s half-century, which came at a strike rate of 131.58, has cost RCB more than what it managed to offer them; there’s no denying that the Indian legend won’t give his 200% on the field. The visitors, nonetheless, posted 240, courtesy of mayhem caused by captain Rajat Patidar and Phil Salt. Having said that, Kohli not coming out to field was a thing to worry about. He was seen in a jacket, with English batter Jacob Bethell replacing him as a fielder in the second innings.
Why didn’t Virat Kohli take field vs MI?
Now, if you’re searching for a Virat Kohli injury update, we have something for you. However, it isn’t groundbreaking. During the match, commentator Simon Doull informed the fans that Kohli sat out due to an ankle injury. Having said that, the nature of the injury and the seriousness of it are still unknown.
After RCB’s win over Mumbai, Rajat Patidar was posed this question on Kohli, to which he said that his senior will be fine soon. “I don’t know yet, but I think he, I feel that he’s okay right now.”
Not just this, Krunal Pandya, who attended the post-match presentation after the game, also alluded to the fact that Kohli is doing well and there might be nothing to worry about. “I’ve not spoken to the physio yet but I think he’ll be fine. There is nothing to worry about,” said Krunal.
Will Virat Kohli play RCB’s next match?
Despite scoring a fifty, Kohli had a negative impact on RCB’s batting on Sunday. While he went at a strike rate of 131, other batters combined hammered at more than 215 against a struggling Mumbai Indians bowling. The pitch was a haven for batters as well.
| Batters | Runs | Balls | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Salt | 78 | 36 | 6 | 216.66 |
| Virat Kohli | 50 | 38 | 1 | 131.57 |
| Rajat Patidar | 53 | 20 | 5 | 265.00 |
| Tim David | 34 | 16 | 3 | 212.50 |
Now, while Kohli has intentionally tried to add variety to his game. It was just not his game yesterday. Sometimes, that can happen. Also, we might not know but he could be struggling with some ankle issues already during his knock. So, that could’ve played a part.
Talking about his participation in RCB’s next game, that should not be a concern. He was seen cheering with the teammates after the win and was part of the traditional handshake between the players too. Kohli will have two days of rest, as RCB’s next match will be against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at home in Bengaluru on April 15.
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