New Delhi: After the Royal Challengers Bengaluru had their high-scoring win over Mumbai Indians, a question that has surfaced about Virat Kohli’s fitness. Is Virat Kohli tackling an injury?
An ankle scare before LSG clash
During the IPL 2026 clash at Wankhede, Kohli appeared to suffer an ankle injury while batting, and did not return to the field during the second innings. He was seen in the dugout in a jacket, with a substitute taking his place—an indication that the team chose caution over risk.
While there is no official confirmation yet on the severity, early indications suggest it could be a twist or strain, with team management hopeful rather than alarmed.
What’s at stake?
This puts his availability for the upcoming clash against Lucknow Super Giants in doubt—an absence that could significantly affect RCB’s momentum.
Not the first time: Kohli’s history with injuries
Kohli’s career, though marked by extraordinary fitness, hasn’t been entirely injury-free.
2017 shoulder injury: He missed early IPL matches due to a shoulder issue, returning mid-season. �
Finger and minor impact injuries: Across formats, he has dealt with finger strains and knocks affecting batting grip.
Knee and training knocks: Occasional net-session injuries and impact blows have forced short breaks (widely reported across seasons).
What stands out is not the injuries themselves—but his remarkable recovery discipline, often returning quickly without long layoffs.
What exactly is an ankle injury like this?
Sports medicine literature describes such injuries typically as:
Ankle sprains (ligament stretch/tear)
Twists due to sudden directional change
Overuse strain from repetitive impact
According to research in journals like the British Journal of Sports Medicine, ankle sprains are among the most common injuries in field sports, often requiring careful rehabilitation to avoid recurrence.
How athletes deal with ankle injuries?
- Immediate care: R.I.C.E protocol
Rest – Avoid weight-bearing
Ice – Reduce swelling
Compression – Stabilize joint
Elevation – Improve circulation
This is widely recommended in acute injury management studies.
- Early-stage rehab
Gentle range-of-motion exercises
Avoiding stiffness without stressing ligaments
- Strength and stability training
Focus on proprioception (balance training)
Resistance exercises for ankle muscles
Studies show this phase is crucial to prevent repeat injury, which is common in athletes.
- Gradual return to sport
Controlled running → agility drills → match simulation
Monitoring pain thresholds
- Preventive strategies
Taping or ankle braces
Strength conditioning and load management
Why RCB will be cautious
Modern cricket schedules are unforgiving, and with Kohli being central to RCB’s batting, rushing him back could risk a chronic ankle issue—something teams are increasingly wary of.
The decision to keep him off the field mid-match already signals a preventive approach, not panic.
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