Josh Hazlewood speaks on Virat Kohli's injury (Source: AFP Photos)
On Wednesday, Virat Kohli came as an impact substitute during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL 2026 match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Kohli replaced Suyash Sharma in RCB’s playing XI when they were in the chase.
Kohli did not take the field during RCB’s previous IPL outing against Mumbai Indians (MI). The 37-year-old had hurt his ankle, as well as having a fever and eye infection, which did not allow him to be in action during the later part of the MI vs RCB IPL 2026 match.
Josh Hazlewood Gives Virat Kohli Injury Update
RCB pacer Josh Hazlewood, who won the Player of the Match award during RCB’s IPL 2026 match against LSG, came up to talk about Virat Kohli injury status.
There, Hazlewood revealed whether Kohli will take the field against LSG or not, and also spoke about what capacity he would be in action.
“He (Virat Kohli) will definitely play. It's probably about whether Kohli would take the field. He can do that impact thing for as long as possible. But he isn't a great watcher; he likes to play,” Josh Hazlewood said at the press conference ahead of RCB vs DC.
Also Read: When Was The Last Time Virat Kohli Missed An IPL Match Due To Injury?
Virat Kohli Stood Tall Despite Injury
Despite the injury setback, Kohli put up a valiant show against the Rishabh Pant-led LSG. Coming to chase a below-par 147, he set the tone for RCB.
With the help of six fours and one six, Kohli made 49 off 34 balls before Avesh Khan ended his stay. It was a brilliant knock by the former RCB captain, for which the defending champions got the job done in just 15.1 overs with five wickets in hand.
RCB On A Roll In IPL 2026
Amid Virat Kohli injury saga, RCB have been flying high this season while coming to defend the IPL title. With four wins in five matches, RCB are second on the this year's points table. Only yet-to-be-defeated Punjab Kings, led by high-flying Shreyas Iyer, are above them.
Riyan Parag's Rajasthan Royals, too, are in a good position, with four wins in five matches keeping them third on the points table.
Virat Kohli Still At The Top Of The World
Even at the age of 37, Kohli is still going strong with the bat in hand. He averages 57 this season, courtesy of making 228 runs at a superb strike rate of 158.33. In fact, he is currently holding the Orange Cap, something which only the top run-getter of the competition wears.
Kohli would like to improve his numbers when RCB and DC will go head-to-head on Saturday afternoon. Not to forget, the defending champions will wear green jerseys tomorrow to promote the environmental awareness.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Linked To German Influencer As Fans Recall Avneet Kaur Algorithm Row
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