Royal Challengers Bengaluru Opt to Bowl Vs Lucknow Super Giants, Virat Kohli Benched After Injury Scare
RCB bowl first as Kohli named impact player
Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first against Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL 2026 encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. The decision reflects RCB’s strategy to chase under familiar conditions as both teams aim to secure crucial points in the tournament.
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the match was the status of Virat Kohli, who had picked up an injury in the previous game. In a significant tactical move, RCB chose not to include him in the starting XI, with expectations that he may feature later as an Impact Player depending on match conditions.
RCB also made a notable change to their lineup by bringing in Josh Hazlewood, replacing Jacob Duffy. The inclusion of the experienced pacer is expected to strengthen their bowling attack, particularly in the early overs as they look to put pressure on the opposition.
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On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants have opted for consistency, fielding an unchanged playing XI from their previous match against Gujarat Titans. The decision suggests confidence in their existing combination as they look to bounce back and improve their standing in the points table.
With both teams eager to build momentum in IPL 2026, the match promises to be a closely contested affair. RCB’s bold call on Kohli and their decision at the toss could play a decisive role as the game unfolds under high expectations from fans and team management alike.
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