Why Virat Kohli is Not Fielding in MI vs RCB Match? Revealed

Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans were left concerned during the ongoing MI vs RCB IPL 2026 match at the Wankhede Stadium. The reason behind the concern was their star batter Virat Kohli, who was spotted in the dressing room while RCB were fielding during the second innings.

The star batter, who had earlier scored a steady half-century in the first innings, did not take the field after the innings break. Fans are wondering if he will take the field in the later part of this match against Mumbai Indians or will continue to rest.

Why Virat Kohli is Not Fielding Against MI?

As per on-air commentary on JioHotstar, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull said that Kohli was dealing with an ankle injury, which forced him to stay off the field. While the exact moment of the injury wasn't clearly identified during the commentary, it is believed to have occurred either while batting or during movement between the overs.

Considering the importance of Kohli in RCB's batting lineup, the team management is unlikely to take risks and let him take the field. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have enough substitutes who can field in his place. Also, there is no official confirmation regarding Virat Kohli injury by the RCB team management.

Kohli, the best batsman in IPL, was seen sitting on the balcony and enjoying the match. Later, he came to the dugout during the final stages of the match for the customary handshakes.

Virat Kohli's Struggling Knock Before Injury

Virat Kohli might have scored a half-century in the first innings; however, he was seen struggling throughout the innings. The right-handed batter opened with his partner Phil Salt as usual and started cautiously, scoring 20 runs off 11 balls after the end of the fourth over.

However, he couldn't maintain the pace and ultimately slowed down. On the other hand, Salt continued his assault and raced to 78 runs off just 36 deliveries, showing why he is among the most dangerous batsmen in IPL at the moment. Skipper Rajat Patidar, who came after Salt's dismissal, smashed a 17-ball half-century.

At that stage, Kohli was still struggling, managing to score only 38 runs off 20 balls; however, the star batted eventually managed to reach the 50-run mark in 37 balls. The former RCB captain was clearly disappointed with his knock and didn't even celebrate it.

The RCB team management will hope that Kohli gets fit for the next match as he is a key player for the team. He has been in excellent form this season and has a big role to play for the defending champions.