Virat Kohli's Knee Strapping Raises Eyebrows Before Crucial IPL Encounter
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's premier batter Virat Kohli, who has been in devastating form during the ongoing IPL 2026 season, sparked concern after being spotted with a heavily strapped left knee during a training session. This development comes just days after he walked off the field with an ankle niggle during RCB's match against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
Training Session Eases Immediate Availability Fears
Kohli's participation in Wednesday's high-stakes clash against the Lucknow Super Giants at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium had become a major topic of discussion. However, the star batsman attended the team's practice, where he was seen actively engaging in drills, interacting with teammates, and sharing his characteristic light-hearted moments.
The only visible cause for concern was the significant strapping on his left knee. In a video released by LSG's social media team, Kohli was observed walking with the strapped knee while greeting New Zealand legend Kane Williamson, who serves as part of Lucknow's support staff. The encounter also included a warm hug with LSG captain Rishabh Pant.
Despite the apparent knee issue, Kohli proceeded to spend considerable time in the nets, undertaking an extended batting session that has temporarily alleviated immediate worries about his fitness for the upcoming match.
Kohli's Stellar Form in IPL 2026
Through four matches this season, Virat Kohli has been a cornerstone of RCB's batting lineup, amassing 179 runs at an impressive average of 59.66 and a strike rate of 162.72. His performances include two half-centuries, with a top score of 69 not out.
In his previous outing against the Mumbai Indians, Kohli crafted a fluent 38-ball 50, striking five boundaries and one maximum. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will once again depend on their potent batting unit as they aim to overcome an inconsistent Lucknow Super Giants side and create separation from the congested middle of the points table.
Current Standings and Squad Details
The Bengaluru-based franchise currently occupies third position on the IPL 2026 points table with six points. Four other teams are closely trailing with four points each. RCB finds itself two points behind the table-topping Rajasthan Royals and one point adrift of the second-placed Punjab Kings.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam Dar, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Mangesh Yadav, Josh Hazlewood, Jordan Cox, Nuwan Thushara, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhinandan Singh, Kanishk Chouhan, Satvik Deswal.
Lucknow Super Giants Squad: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper/captain), Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, George Linde, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Manimaran Siddharth, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mayank Yadav, Matthew Breetzke, Anrich Nortje, Josh Inglis, Himmat Singh, Mohsin Khan, Arjun Tendulkar, Akash Maharaj Singh, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Arshin Kulkarni, Naman Tiwari.
