IPL 2026: Impact role again on the cards for Virat Kohli?

BENGALURU: Ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s previous outing against Lucknow Super Giants, Virat Kohli cut an unusual figure. The superstar opener went through his pre-match routine with his knee strapped, already nursing an ankle niggle picked up during the away game against Mumbai Indians. When the team sheet was announced, his name appeared in an unfamiliar column — among the reserves.

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For a player who thrives on being in the thick of the action, watching from the dugout would have been far from ideal. Yet, Kohli made his presence felt when it mattered, walking in to open the innings during the chase as an Impact Player. It was the first time Kohli was seen in that role. He slipped seamlessly into top gear, scoring 49 off 34 balls to steer the chase.

After the win, Kohli revealed the extent of his discomfort. “My knee was a bit sore last game. Even health-wise, I’ve been under the weather for four or five days,” he said.

Not one known to be a strong advocate of the Impact Player rule, Kohli nevertheless embraced the role when circumstances demanded it. Given the intensity with which he approaches the game, adapting to such situations may become necessary as the season progresses.

Teammate Josh Hazlewood confirmed that Kohli is set to feature against Delhi Capitals on Saturday, though he did not rule out the possibility of him continuing as an Impact Player.

“I think he’ll definitely play. It’s just whether he’s right to take the field. It’ll be precautionary, and we’ll keep using the Impact Player role for as long as he needs to,” Hazlewood said.

Highlighting the utility of the rule, the Australian pacer added, “He’s probably fortunate we’ve got that option. A lot of teams use it for someone coming back from injury or carrying a niggle. It’s invaluable when your main skill can still contribute.”

Hazlewood, however, acknowledged that keeping Kohli away from the field is easier said than done. “Obviously I'd love to have him on the field. He's got great energy, one of our best fielders. But knowing him, he's not a great watcher of cricket. He loves to be out there and having an impact. So I think he'll be with the physios trying to get back out there."