Lucknow: In a dramatic IPL 2026 clash, Virat Kohli’s own tactical advice inadvertently contributed to his dismissal for a duck as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) edged Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by nine runs in a rain-affected encounter.
The match, reduced to 19 overs per side due to multiple rain interruptions, saw LSG snap a six-match losing streak and register their first home win of the season, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Prince Yadav shines with ball after Marsh’s heroics
Earlier in the contest, Mitchell Marsh delivered a stunning performance, smashing 111 off just 56 balls to power LSG to a formidable 209 for 3. Rain interruptions later revised RCB’s target to 213.
Marsh’s innings, studded with nine fours and nine sixes, laid a strong foundation through a 95-run opening partnership with Arshin Kulkarni, followed by a 70-run stand with Nicholas Pooran. Captain Rishabh Pant added a late flourish with a quickfire 32 not out off just 10 balls.
Kohli’s dismissal rooted in his own advice
RCB’s chase got off to a disastrous start, losing two wickets for just nine runs. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami struck early, but it was young seamer Prince Yadav who produced the standout moment.
Bowling at around 140 kmph, Prince delivered a sharp ball that nipped back off a good length to shatter Kohli’s stumps. The dismissal marked Kohli’s first IPL duck since April 2023.
In a remarkable twist, Prince later revealed that the wicket came from advice given by Kohli himself.
“After the last match, I was talking to Virat bhaiya and he told me only one thing — as long as it’s moving around off a length, stick to that length,” Prince said after the match.
The young pacer executed that plan to perfection, turning Kohli’s guidance into a decisive breakthrough.
RCB fight back through Patidar and Padikkal
After the early collapse, Devdutt Padikkal (34) and captain Rajat Patidar (61) led a strong recovery. The duo stitched together a 95-run partnership, keeping RCB in contention with aggressive strokeplay.
Patidar, in particular, looked in sublime touch, taking on bowlers like Digvesh Rathi and Mayank Yadav with a flurry of boundaries and towering sixes.
However, just as RCB appeared to seize control, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant made a crucial tactical move by bringing Prince back into the attack.
Late collapse derails RCB chase
Prince struck immediately, dismissing Padikkal with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort and then removing Jitesh Sharma in quick succession. Patidar’s dismissal soon after triggered a collapse, with RCB losing three wickets in quick time.
Despite late resistance from Tim David, Krunal Pandya (28 not out), and Romario Shepherd (23 not out), RCB fell short, finishing at 203 for 6.
Digvesh Rathi held his nerve in the final over, successfully defending 20 runs to seal a tense win for LSG.
Marsh’s explosive start sets tone
Marsh’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting. He reached his fastest IPL fifty in just 20 balls and dominated the powerplay, punishing bowlers like Josh Hazlewood with ease.
Even after rain interruptions briefly halted momentum, Marsh continued his onslaught, bringing up his century in style before eventually falling after being dropped on 110.
His innings proved to be the difference-maker in a high-scoring thriller.
Conclusion
The match will be remembered not just for LSG’s crucial win but also for the ironic twist involving Virat Kohli. His own advice to a young bowler ended up leading to his downfall, highlighting the unpredictable nature of cricket.
For LSG, the victory revives their playoff hopes and boosts team morale after a difficult run. Meanwhile, RCB will look to regroup quickly as the tournament enters a crucial phase.