Rajat Patidar addresses Virat Kohli injury scare as RCB veteran doesn't field during MI run chase

Virat Kohli didn't field during MI's run chase due to an ankle injury. After the match, Rajat Patidar gave an update on Kohli's fitness.

Published on: Apr 13, 2026, 09:10:14 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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An ankle issue prevented Virat Kohli from returning to the field in the second innings on Sunday as Royal Challengers Bengaluru took on Mumbai Indians in Mumbai. Speaking after the match, which RCB won, skipper Rajat Patidar gave fans an update, revealing that Kohli's injury wasn't serious.

Rajat Patidar gave a update on Virat Kohli's injury. (PTI)

Kohli struggled to maintain his usual rhythm in the match, registering 50 off 38 balls, at a strike rate of 131.58. He was striking at well above 150 in his last three innings.

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Rajat Patidar on Virat Kohli's injury

Speaking in the post-match presentation, Patidar said, "I don't know yet, but I think he, I feel that he's okay right now."

Patidar also praised Kohli and Phil Salt for giving RCB a strong platform. "And the way Virat bhai and Salt started the innings, I think that kept us in the driving seat. Then a good cameo by me and Tim (David), I think that was a pure team efforts I would say," he said.

Chasing a target of 241 runs, MI were restricted to 222/5 in 20 overs, despite an unbeaten 31-ball 71* by Sherfane Rutherford. For RCB, Suyash Sharma took two wickets. Initially, half-centuries Salt (78), Kohli (50) and Patidar (53) took RCB to 240/4 in 20 overs.

Salt was adjudged Player of the Match and spoke about his batting philosophy. "Some of these grounds aren't the most bowler-friendly, so you've got to keep the mentality that you're going to keep going at the opposition. And then not forget your assets as a player. It's about being a match-winner, isn't it? I know I can't get runs every game, nobody can. But if I can be as impactful as possible, then I'm on the right path", he said.

Kohli is currently fifth in the Orange Cap race with 179 runs in four matches, with an average of 59.67, striking at 162.72. Meanwhile, Patidar is second with 195 runs in four matches, striking at 214.28. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (200) occupies pole position, and SRH's Heinrich Klaasen (184) is in third spot. Meanwhile, RR opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (183) is in fourth position.

RCB are currently third in the IPL 2026 points table, with 6 points from 4 matches. Meanwhile, MI are eighth in the standings with two points. RR are on top of the standings with eight points in four games, followed by second-placed PBKS (seven points in four games). Meanwhile, DC are in fourth spot with four points, and GT are fifth with four points in four games. LSG are sixth (four points in four matches), and SRH are seventh (two points). CSK are ninth in the standings, and KKR are at the bottom.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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