Virat Kohli in the RCB dugout at Wankhede Stadium. (video capture)
New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may have returned to winning ways with a solid 18-run win over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, but the spotlight quickly turned on a worrying development involving Virat Kohli.The RCB talisman, who scored 50 off 38 balls, did not take the field during Mumbai’s chase due to an ankle problem, worrying fans. Kohli was seen watching from the dressing room wearing a jacket, with youngster Jacob Bethell replacing him on the field.
Why did Virat Kohli stay off the field?
The decision to keep Kohli off the field was precautionary, due to discomfort in his ankle during RCB’s innings. While the franchise has not confirmed the seriousness of the matter, the move indicates that no risks are being taken during a crucial phase of the tournament.Adding to the drama, Rohit Sharma also left the field midway through the half with a hamstring injury, making for a rare and worrying sight as two modern-day greats faced fitness issues in the same match.Despite the concern, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar gave a calm update after the match.Patidar said: “I don’t know yet, but I think he is, I feel fine now,” indicating that the injury may not be serious.
Virat Kohli during MI’s innings at Wankhede. (video capture)
Patidar highlights Kohli’s impactPatidar also emphasized how Kohli’s steady start alongside Phil Salt laid the foundation for RCB’s total of 240/4.
“Whenever we come here…the atmosphere, the crowds…it’s a different feeling,” Patidar said. “The way Virat bhai and Salt started the innings, I think it kept us in the driving seat. Then a good cameo from me and Tim (David), and I think it was a pure team effort.”RCB’s batting unit clicked in unison, with Patidar smashing 53 off 20 balls and Tim David finishing strongly. Mumbai responded strongly with Shravan Rutherford’s explosive 71 off 31 balls, but fell short at 222/5.Even on a short day on the field, Kohli etched his name in the record books, becoming the first batsman to score 1,000 runs against Mumbai Indians. He now has 1,030 runs against them, further cementing his dominance.The innings also included a 120-run stand with Salt, marking Kohli’s 47th century partnership in T20s – the most by any player, surpassing Chris Gayle.While RCB celebrated a crucial win, all eyes will now be on Kohli’s recovery, with the franchise and fans hoping their biggest star will return to full fitness quickly.