Bengaluru, April 16: Virat Kohli has admitted that despite playing a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 23rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, he is not yet fully fit.
Chasing a target of 147 runs, Kohli scored a brilliant 49 runs, helping RCB secure the win in just 15.1 overs and reclaim the top spot in the points table. However, the former captain revealed that he has been dealing with knee issues and illness over the past few days.
Speaking to broadcasters after the match, Kohli stated, “I feel much better compared to the last match. I am still not 100 percent fit. I experienced some knee pain in the previous game. Health-wise, I have been feeling a bit under the weather for the last four or five days. So, I am gradually getting back into my rhythm. I started well today, and I was pleased with my energy levels. However, I wanted to carry on my innings and finish the match. Sometimes, you have to consider the conditions. The pitch had slowed down considerably, and I just wanted to continue playing in that manner. But yes, in the end, I should have finished the match myself.”
Earlier in the evening, RCB’s bowlers laid the foundation for victory by restricting LSG to 146 runs. Rasikh Salam Dar delivered a standout performance, taking four wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed three. The home team maintained pressure on the visiting side throughout the innings.
Discussing the evolving nature of T20 cricket, Kohli emphasized the importance of adapting to conditions.
He remarked, “Well, for me, it also depends on the conditions and circumstances. Not every match will see scores of 230 or 240 runs. We understand that the game is progressing well, and the requirements of today’s game are quite different. However, you always need to keep an eye on the conditions and observe how players perform under pressure. We are still in the first half of the tournament. As we move into the second half, matches will become tougher, and the pressure on players will be much higher than it is now. Therefore, when the freedom diminishes, pressure takes over. That’s when you need to use your game intelligence, which I believe will benefit the teams.”
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