IPL 2026: RCB Skipper Rajat Patidar Provides Update on Virat Kohli’s Injury After MI vs RCB Game

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru drubbed the Mumbai Indians the other night in front of their home crowd at the Wankhede Stadium by 18 runs to secure their third win of the Tata IPL 2026. It was a sheer dominance from the reigning champions, who didn’t let the 5-time champions gain any sort of momentum during the entire 40-overs. However, one thing that triggered fans was Virat Kohli not taking the field after batting in the first innings and scoring a fifty.

Why was Virat Kohli not fielding in the MI vs RCB game?

Virat Kohli did not take the field during MI’s chase and was instead seen sitting in the dugout wearing a jacket. His absence sparked speculation about a possible injury, but RCB skipper Rajat Patidar and teammate Krunal Pandya later clarified that Kohli’s condition is not serious. After the win, skipper Rajat Patidar gave an update on Kohli’s condition, saying,

“I do not know yet, but I think he, I feel that he is okay right now.”

Besides Patidar, RCB’s bowling all-rounder also shared an update on Kohli’s fitness. Krunal said,

“Virat Kohli will be fine & nothing to worry about him. He would be fine”.

During Mumbai’s chase, Kohli was conspicuously absent from the field:

• Reason: He experienced ankle discomfort after batting.
• Substitute: Jacob Bethell fielded in his place.
• Visuals: Cameras caught Kohli in the dugout, wearing a jacket, which immediately triggered speculation among fans and commentators.

MI vs RCB: How things went in the blockbuster clash?

The 20th match of the Tata IPL 2026 at Wankhede Stadium saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru deliver a commanding performance against Mumbai Indians. After being asked to bat first, RCB’s top order fired in unison to set up a daunting total of 240/4 in 20 overs. Philip Salt was the standout performer, smashing 78 off 36 balls with six fours and six sixes at a strike rate of 216. Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 50 off 38 balls, while skipper Rajat Patidar played a blistering cameo, hammering 53 off just 20 deliveries at a strike rate of 265. Tim David added late fireworks with 34 off 16 balls, ensuring RCB crossed the 240 mark.

Mumbai’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Shardul Thakur, Hardik Pandya, and Mitchell Santner picking up a wicket each but conceding heavily. Jasprit Bumrah was the most economical, giving away 35 runs in his four overs, but even he couldn’t prevent the carnage.

Chasing 241, MI’s innings began briskly as Ryan Rickelton scored 37 off 22 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav looked fluent with 27 off 17 balls. However, Tilak Varma fell cheaply, and Rohit Sharma retired hurt after a promising start. At 103/2 in 10.2 overs, MI still required 138 runs from 58 balls, leaving the chase heavily tilted in RCB’s favor. Suyash Sharma provided breakthroughs, dismissing Rickelton and Varma, while Hardik Pandya tried to counterattack with 16 off 7 balls.

With RCB’s batting depth and disciplined bowling, the visitors seized control early and never let MI settle. The match highlighted RCB’s explosive batting lineup and their ability to dominate even at the traditionally high-scoring Wankhede. The team looks possessed by a win every time they take the field. They are surely playing as the reigning champions.

What next for RCB?

After a brilliant win in the last game, the reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will now head back home to host the Lucknow Super Giants on April 15, followed by a game against the Delhi Capitals on April 18 and against the 2022 champions Gujarat Titans on April 24. After three home games, the caravan of RCB will move to the nation’s capital, i.e., Delhi, where they will be taking on the home team Delhi Capitals.