RCB Player availability against LSG, IPL 2026 (Source: AFP)
After thrashing five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI), the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have returned to winning ways in the ongoing IPL 2026. Going forward, the 2025 winners, RCB, are poised to take on Lucknow Super Giants in their next fixture at the Ekana Stadium.
While RCB comprehensively won their previous game, there are a couple of injury concerns going into the next fixture. During the MI vs RCB match, reports surfaced that the star Indian batter Virat Kohli had gone down with a fever and sustained an ankle issue.
The 26-year-old pacer Rasikh Salam also pulled up a leg injury. He was bowling exceptionally well and put on a gritty display. However, he could not complete the over and was taken off the field. Moreover, Josh Hazlewood missed the MI vs RCB match as part of a strategic workload management plan following his return from injury.
That being said, let’s take a look at RCB player availability for today’s RCB vs LSG IPL 2026 match.
Virat Kohli Health and Injury update
Royal Challengers Bengaluru received a major scare during their 18-run win over MI after Virat Kohli was seen spending time off the field due to an ankle concern. Kohli, who had earlier played a knock of 38-ball 50, did not remain active in the second innings when MI stepped out to chase.
Also read: Virat Kohli Himself Reveals His Injury Status
It is worth noting that commentator Ravi Shastri remarked on air that the former RCB captain was down with a fever.
Adding to the misery, during the broadcast, former India head coach Ravi Shastri revealed that Kohli had been dealing with a slight fever since the previous match, which affected his rhythm at the crease. It is also reported that he was dealing with an eye infection during the match, though this is unconfirmed.
Will Virat Kohli play RCB’s next match? Captain Rajat Patidar gives crucial update
Following the match, RCB captain Rajat Patidar addressed concerns over Virat Kohli’s fitness, providing a reassuring update. Patidar said, “I don’t know yet, but I feel that he’s okay right now."
Apart from that, speaking in the post-match press conference, Krunal Pandya said that Virat Kohli will be fine, even though he had not spoken to the team physio yet. “I’ve not spoken to the physio yet, but I think he (Kohli) will be fine. So, I guess nothing to worry," Pandya said.
That being said, Virat Kohli's participation in RCB's next match against Lucknow Super Giants on April 15, 2026, remains in doubt. Given their packed schedule, the RCB management could consider resting the superstar.
Will Josh Hazlewood play RCB vs LSG IPL match today?
On April 10, Josh Hazlewood returned to play for RCB, replacing Jacob Duffy against Rajasthan Royals. However, coming fresh off an injury, Hazlewood had a poor start to his IPL 2026 campaign, with 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashing him 19 in an over.
Wounded by the loss against RR, the Bengaluru-based franchise rested Hazlewood, bringing the Kiwi pacer back against Mumbai Indians for workload management.
However, playing over Hazlewood, Duffy was smacked to all corners, conceding 58 runs in his 4-over quota. Thus, there’s a good chance that RCB could bring Josh Hazlewood back into the RCB Playing XI vs LSG.
Rasikh Salam to play against LSG?
The Jammu and Kashmir pacer, Rasikh Salam, suffered agonising leg cramps and eventually left the field during his first game of the season against Mumbai Indians.
In the high-octane clash, Rasikh was bowling very well, conceding only 23 runs in his 2.5 overs, scalping the big wicket of Naman Dhir, before he was forced to leave the field.
Rasikh Salam's availability for RCB's next match is uncertain due to the potential leg injury or cramps sustained in the previous game.
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