Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Virat Kohli is likely to miss his side's upcoming IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants after reportedly suffering
from fever and an ankle issue following their match against Mumbai Indians.
Kohli did not travel with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad after the Mumbai fixture and remained in Mumbai, where he is currently being monitored by the team physio. Reports suggest he is recovering from fever while also managing discomfort in his ankle, which appeared to trouble him during the previous match.
Virat Kohli Being Monitored Ahead of RCB vs LSG
Concerns over Kohli's fitness surfaced after he was seen limping following the match against Mumbai Indians. The former RCB captain had earlier played through illness during the game and was also absent from the field during parts of the second innings.
Team management is believed to be closely monitoring his recovery before making a final call on his availability for the Lucknow Super Giants fixture.
If he is ruled out, it would be a rare absence for Kohli, who has maintained one of the most consistent participation records in IPL history.
Rare absence possible for one of IPL most consistent players
Kohli has missed very few matches throughout his IPL career, underlining his durability and long-standing presence in the tournament.
Most of his previous absences came during the 2017 season, when he missed matches due to a shoulder injury. Apart from those limited occasions, he has featured regularly for Royal Challengers Bengaluru across seasons.
His potential absence against Lucknow Super Giants would therefore mark an unusual break in his otherwise consistent IPL record.
Virat Kohli possible return expected later in the week
While his participation in the Lucknow Super Giants match remains uncertain, early indications suggest Kohli could return for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's next fixture against Delhi Capitals scheduled for April 18 in Bengaluru.
A final decision on his availability is expected closer to match day, depending on his recovery from fever and improvement in ankle mobility.
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli's fitness status will be closely watched, given his importance to the batting lineup during the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
