Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may have roared back to winning ways with a commanding 18-run victory over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, but the spotlight quickly shifted to a worrying development involving Virat Kohli.The RCB talisman, who scored a composed 50 off 38 balls, did not take the field during Mumbai’s chase due to an ankle issue, leaving fans concerned. Kohli was seen watching from the dressing room in a jacket, with youngster Jacob Bethell replacing him in the outfield.
Why Virat Kohli stayed off the field
The decision to keep Kohli off the field was precautionary, triggered by discomfort in his ankle during RCB’s innings. While the franchise hasn’t confirmed the severity, the move suggested no risks were taken during a crucial phase of the tournament.Adding to the drama, Rohit Sharma too left the field mid-innings with a hamstring injury, making it a rare and concerning sight as two modern-day greats battled fitness issues in the same match.Despite the anxiety, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar offered a calming update post-match.“I do not know yet, but I think he, I feel that he is okay right now,” Patidar said, indicating that the injury may not be serious.
Virat Kohli during the MI innings at Wankhede. (Video grab)
Patidar highlights Kohli’s impactPatidar also underlined how Kohli’s steady start alongside Phil Salt laid the foundation for RCB’s imposing total of 240/4.“Whenever we come here… the atmosphere, the fans… it’s a different feeling,” Patidar said. “The way Virat bhai and Salt started the innings, I think that kept us in the driving seat. Then a good cameo by me and Tim (David), I think that 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 fought back through Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive 71 off 31 balls, but fell short at 222/5.Even on a day cut short in the field, Kohli etched his name in the record books, becoming the first batter to score 1,000 runs against Mumbai Indians. He now has 1,030 runs against them, reinforcing his dominance.The innings also featured 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 returns to full fitness swiftly.
