Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener Virat Kohli endured his lowest score of IPL 2026, falling for 19 off 13 balls during the clash against Delhi Capitals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 18. The early dismissal handed DC a crucial breakthrough in the power play after a brisk start from the defending champions.
Kohli looked in good touch initially, finding the boundary against the Indian pace duo and rotating the strike effectively. With Phil Salt playing the aggressor at the other end, the RCB openers appeared to be settling into a strong rhythm. However, a tight over from Mukesh Kumar slowed the momentum, briefly applying pressure on the batting side.
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RCB responded with intent, collecting 18 runs in the following over to regain control. Sensing an opportunity to maximise the final over of the powerplay, Kohli decided to take on Lungi Ngidi. The veteran stepped down the track, aiming to clear the off-side boundary, but failed to connect cleanly. The mistimed lofted shot found Pathum Nissanka in the deep, bringing an end to Kohli’s brief stay.
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Ngidi’s dismissal of Kohli continues a pattern, having previously got the better of him in international encounters, including the 2025 ODI series between India and South Africa and the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Perth. The South African seamer also bowled an economical over, conceding just seven runs while picking up the key wicket.
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Despite losing Kohli, RCB maintained a steady run rate. Salt and Devdutt Padikkal navigated the middle overs carefully, particularly against spin from Kuldeep Yadav, before shifting gears against T Natarajan.
At the end of eight overs, RCB were well-placed at 79/1, with Salt approaching another half-century and the innings building promising momentum despite Kohli’s early departure.
