Will Virat Kohli feature as Impact Player in RCB vs DC IPL 2026 clash? Josh Hazlewood reveals

For the first time in his extensive IPL career, Virat Kohli was utilised as an Impact Player in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), appearing only during the second half of the match. Despite the restricted role, he remained a central figure in the contest, contributing a vital 49 runs to help RCB successfully chase down a target of 147.

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This strategic move was prompted by fitness concerns, as Kohli had sustained an ankle injury during a previous encounter with the Mumbai Indians. The injury, combined with a recent bout of illness, meant he was unable to take the field during the bowling innings in the LSG game. Kohli himself acknowledged that he was not at peak fitness, which has led to speculation regarding whether he will continue to be used as an Impact Player in the immediate future.

Josh Hazlewood on Virat Kohli's fitness ahead of RCB vs DC clash

Looking ahead to RCB’s upcoming fixture against the Delhi Capitals, pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood provided an update during the pre-match press conference. While Hazlewood confirmed that Kohli will definitely feature in the match, he remained non-committal about the specific capacity in which the star batter would play. It remains to be seen whether Kohli will return to his standard role or if the team will continue to manage his workload as he recovers.

"He’ll definitely play, it’s just about how much he can contribute in the field. He brings great energy and is one of our best fielders, so we’d love to have him fully out there. Knowing him, he’s not one to sit back, he always wants to be involved and make an impact," Hazlewood said at the pre-match press conference.

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RCB's dominance in IPL 2026

Hazlewood’s 2026 campaign began on the sidelines due to an injury, causing him to miss the franchise's opening fixtures. His return to action initially proved difficult during a loss to Rajasthan Royals, where he struggled to find his rhythm. However, the Australian pacer quickly silenced any doubts in the following match against LSG. He delivered a clinical, Player of the Match performance, stifling the opposition by conceding a mere 20 runs across his four overs and claiming a crucial wicket.

Reflecting on his time away from the field, Hazlewood noted that the layoff provided a valuable perspective on the physical demands of the game. He emphasised the necessity of patience, stating that he learned to respect the recovery process rather than rushing his return. His primary objective during rehabilitation was to ensure he was fully prepared to meet the high intensity of the tournament, a goal that was validated by his immediate impact upon his return.

As the tournament progresses, RCB are looking to capitalise on this defensive stability. The team is now focused on securing their fifth victory of the season as they prepare to host Delhi Capitals at Chinnaswamy Stadium. With Hazlewood back at the helm of the bowling attack, RCB aims to solidify their standing in the league in quest to defend the title.