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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) thrashed Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by five wickets to record their fourth win in the ongoing IPL 2026. With this RCB rocketed to top of the IPL 2026 points table with 8 points in par with Rajasthan Royals (RR). The only differentiating factor amongst RCB and RR is the Net Run Rate, where the former (+1.503) supersedes the latter (+0.889).
Virat Kohli's 49 steers RCB to commanding win over LSG
Bowling first Rasikh Salam and Bhuvneshwar Kumar broke LSG's back with terrific four-fer and three-fer respectively which saw the visitors getting bundled out for 146. In reply, Virat Kohli's sedate 49 ensured RCB get past the finishing line with 29 balls to spare.
Despite pre-match expectations of a high-scoring encounter, a slightly sluggish M. Chinnaswamy pitch posed a potential challenge for RCB as they set out to chase 147. However, any concerns about the deck were quickly put to rest as Virat Kohli and skipper Rajat Patidar mastered the conditions and the Lucknow Super Giants' bowling attack, helping the home side secure a convincing five-wicket victory in just 15.1 overs.
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Kohli set the tone for the chase with a high-intent innings, striking at a rate of over 200 during the early stages to ensure RCB didn't lose momentum following the early departure of Phil Salt. His aggression was most evident during a particularly expensive over from Prince Yadav, where he dispatched the pacer for four boundaries. Kohli shared a vital 57-run stand for the second wicket with Devdutt Padikkal, who looked elegant in his 11-ball 10 before being dismissed.
Although Kohli appeared destined for a milestone, he narrowly missed out on another IPL half-century when he was caught by Nicholas Pooran at long-on off the bowling of Avesh Khan for 49. Following his exit, Rajat Patidar took over the mantle of the aggressor, clearing the ropes with ease. He launched Mohammed Shami for two consecutive sixes and added another off Prince Yadav to rapidly bring the target within reach.
While both Patidar (27 off 13) and Jitesh Sharma (23 off 9) lost their wickets while trying to finish the game in a hurry, their explosive cameos ensured the result was never in doubt.
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Rasikh, Bhuvneshwar run through LSG's batting order
Earlier, RCB delivered a clinical bowling performance, dismantling LSG for just 146 runs. The standout performer was Rasikh Salam Dar, who tore through the LSG lineup to finish with stellar figures of 4/24 from his four overs. His wily spell left the visitors struggling to find any rhythm throughout their 20 overs.
The Lucknow innings began with some promise as Mitchell Marsh struck a brisk 40, including a massive 102-meter six. However, the momentum shifted quickly when Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran fell in rapid succession. The situation worsened when captain Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt during the powerplay after taking a painful blow to the elbow from a Josh Hazlewood delivery. Although Pant courageously returned to the crease in the 16th over, he was unable to make an impact and was dismissed for just a single run.
While Ayush Badoni (38) and Mukul Choudhary (39) provided some late resistance, the LSG batting order largely crumbled, with seven players failing to reach double figures. The RCB attack remained relentless, led by the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who claimed 3/27. In the process, Bhuvi crossed the milestone of 200 IPL wickets, further cementing his legacy as one of the league's greatest bowlers.
Adding to the disciplined effort, Krunal Pandya proved highly effective with his off-breaks, finishing with 2/38 and securing the vital wickets of Marsh and Abdul Samad. His performance was particularly historic, as he became only the sixth finger spinner in IPL history to reach 100 career wickets. Despite the individual milestones for LSG's bowlers, the team’s batting struggles—highlighted by Pooran's poor form and Pant's injury, left them in a vulnerable position.
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