In a surprising turn of events in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli was named as an impact player for the first time in his illustrious career during Wednesday's home clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The 37-year-old batting legend, who has been a constant presence in RCB's playing XI since the league's inception in 2008, shook off a recent ankle injury scare but was listed as an impact substitute rather than in the starting eleven.
Virat Kohli to play as Impact Player
This marks a historic shift for the "King of Chases," who has featured in all 19 IPL seasons exclusively for RCB and holds numerous records, including being the league's all-time leading run-scorer. He has never
been on the Impact Player bench, but the recent injury and health issue are the reasons behind him not fielding in this match today.
RCB, the defending champions, have made a strong start to IPL 2026, sitting comfortably in the top half of the points table with three wins from four matches. Team management opted for this tactical adjustment to manage Kohli's workload after he picked up the niggle in the previous outing against Mumbai Indians. Kohli, known for his fitness and longevity, has been in fine touch this season, contributing significantly with the bat in high-pressure chases.
As an impact player, Kohli could be introduced mid-match, likely as a batter to provide explosive firepower or stabilize the innings, depending on the situation. This rule, introduced in 2023, allows teams flexibility in balancing batting depth and bowling options.
