The 23rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 between the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) delivered yet another
blockbuster chapter in this fierce rivalry. Chasing a modest total set by LSG at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB fans were treated to a vintage masterclass from the modern-day legend, Virat Kohli.
The undisputed highlight of the run chase came when Kohli took young LSG pacer Prince Yadav to the cleaners, hitting him for four spectacular boundaries in a single over, completely altering the complexion of the match.
RCB's chase of LSG's 147-run target got off to a shaky start. After losing their opener cheaply early inside the powerplay, the scoring rate dipped. The LSG bowlers were already being taken the to cleaners.
The carnage began at the start of the 3rd over. Virat Kohli, who was batting steadily at 12 runs. Sensing a moment to tighten the screws, the LSG captain introduced the promising young speedster, Prince Yadav, into the attack for his second over. It was a move intended to exploit the pressure, but Kohli had other plans. Facing the energetic Prince Yadav, Kohli decided it was time to shift gears and dictate terms.
RCB vs LSG: Virat Kohli hits 4 Boundaries off Prince Yadav
Ball 1: Yadav pitched it slightly short and wide outside off. Kohli pounced in a flash, rocking back and slapped a ferocious cut shot past point for the first boundary.
Ball 2: A swing and a miss, Yadav shortened the length and angled one back into the right-hander, Kohli backed away on the pull and missed. A rare dot ball.
Ball 3: Back of length and well wide Kohli steered it over cover-point for a boundary.
Four more.
Ball 4: Another dot ball. On a good length and just outside off, Kohli pressed that across defensively.
Ball 5: A short and angling down leg, Kohli swivels across, gets inside the line and then pulled it behind square on the on-side for a boundary
Ball 6: A mistimed drive off the 6th delivery fetched him another boundary.
The psychological impact of that 17-run over was immense. The momentum shifted instantly from the fielding side to the batting side. Capitalizing on the newfound momentum, Kohli seamlessly transitioned into the role of the aggressor but was unlucky not to get his half century as he was dismissed for 49.
After Virat, Rajat Patidar played a decent knock and then Tim David, Romario Shepherd took RCB home to a simple win by 5 wickets.
