BENGALURU: Ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s previous match against Lucknow Supergiants, Virat Kohli Cut an unusual shape. The superstar opener went through pre-match routines with a brace on his knee, having already picked up an ankle sprain during the game against Mumbai Indians. When the team sheet was announced, his name appeared in an unfamiliar column – between the reserves.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!For a player who thrives in the thick of the action, watching from the dugout is not ideal. Nevertheless, Kohli made his presence felt when it mattered, walking in as an impact player to open the innings during the chase. This was the first time Kohli appeared in the role. He slipped seamlessly into top gear, scoring 49 off 34 balls to keep the chase going.After the win, Kohli revealed his pain. “I had a little pain in my knee in the last match,” he said.Not one to be known as a staunch advocate of the impact player principle, Kohli nonetheless embraced the role when the situation called for it. Given the intensity with which he approaches games, adapting to such situations may be necessary as the season progresses.Team mate Josh Hazlewood confirmed that Kohli is ready to play against Delhi Capitals on Saturday, although he did not rule out the possibility of him continuing as an impact player.“I think he’ll play for sure. It’s just a matter of whether it’s right for him to come on. It’ll be precautionary, and we’ll continue to use the impact player role for as long as he needs it,” Hazlewood said.Highlighting the utility of the rule, the Australian fast bowler added, “They are probably lucky that we have this option. A lot of teams use it for someone coming back from an injury or a layoff. It’s invaluable when your core skills can still contribute.”However, Hazlewood admitted that keeping Kohli off the field is easier said than done. “Obviously I’d love to get him on the field. He’s got a lot of energy, one of our best fielders. But knowing him, he’s not a great watcher of cricket. He likes to be out there and make an impact. So I think he’ll be there with the physios trying to come back.”
