The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is buzzing tonight, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) host the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 23rd match of IPL 2026. In a high-stakes encounter under the Bengaluru lights, RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first, eyeing the tactical advantage of chasing on a surface that looks significantly different from previous outings. While the fans were thrilled to see the home side take the field, the big talking point remains the tactical shuffle in the pace department and the surprising placement of the legendary Virat Kohli.
Why Jacob Duffy is missing from the RCB XI today?
The primary reason for Jacob Duffy’s absence from the starting eleven is the return of Australian spearhead Josh Hazlewood. Despite Duffy’s impressive performances in the early stages of the season, where he filled the shoes of the ‘Kiwi Express’ with pace and bounce, the team management has opted for the sheer experience and precision of Hazlewood.
Speaking at the toss, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar clarified the decision:
“We’re gonna bowl first. It’s pretty obvious. I see a pretty good surface… Not much [on the pitch]. The previous game had a lot of grass, but I think this wicket has no grass. So, it will be a good track. Just one change—Josh Hazlewood comes in place of Duffy.”
Duffy’s exclusion is purely tactical. With the Chinnaswamy deck appearing flatter and devoid of the grass seen in earlier games, RCB prioritized Hazlewood’s ability to extract movement and maintain a tight economy over Duffy’s raw pace. It’s a horses for courses strategy, ensuring that the seasoned Australian leads the attack on a wicket that promises to be a batter’s paradise.
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Playing XIs and impact substitutes of both teams: Virat Kohli takes a strategic backseat
The most striking detail of the team sheet is Kohli being named as an impact substitute. After a minor ankle scare in the previous match against Mumbai Indians, the management is taking a cautious yet calculated approach. By naming him as a sub while RCB bowls first, they ensure he doesn’t have to spend 20 overs on the field, preserving his energy and fitness for a crucial role during the second innings chase.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam Dar.
Lucknow Super Giants: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (w/c), Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Prince Yadav.
Impact Substitutes:
- RCB: Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Jordan Cox, Kanishk Chouhan, Mangesh Yadav.
- LSG: Manimaran Siddharth, George Linde, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Mayank Yadav.
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