Royal Challengers Bengaluru player Virat Kohli scored 49 runs from 34 balls against Lucknow Super Giants in an IPL 2026 fixture, resulting in him claiming the Orange Cap as the season's leading run-scorer. The innings, which included six boundaries and one six at a strike rate of 144.12, took place at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. In a post-match interview, Kohli stated that his knee had been sore in the previous game and that he had been unwell for four to five days. He also commented on the dry wicket conditions and his strategy to establish an early lead for his team. This performance brought Kohli's total to 228 runs in five IPL 2026 matches, maintaining an average of 57.00 and a strike rate of 158.33. He currently holds the top position in the run-scoring charts, ahead of Heinrich Klaasen (224 runs) and teammate Rajat Patidar (222 runs).
Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/virat-kohli-fitness-battle-and-smart-approach-orange-cap-ipl-2026-rcb-vs-lsg-win-rajat-patidar-11776274707416.html
