IPL 2026: Fans praise Virat Kohli's 38-ball 50 in MI vs RCB match

In the crucial IPL 2026 match between the five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the reigning winners got a strong start with two openers' half-centuries. Leading IPL run-scorer Virat Kohli hit another crucial half-century for his team, as he set the team up to build a strong first innings total.

Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is hosting the MI vs RCB match on Sunday night, which is the 20th game of the IPL 2026. The venue is known for the high-scoring T20 matches, where 220 runs are even tough to defend. MI captain Hardik Pandya chose to field first after winning the toss, where the visiting openers set a solid start.

After managing 71/0 at the end of the powerplay, the RCB openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli maintained the momentum to set a strong first innings total. RCB openers Salt and Kohli had a 120-run partnership for the first wicket. Salt slammed a 25-ball fifty, as the English opener scored 78 runs off 36 balls with six fours and six sixes.

Kohli innings power RCB towards huge total

After Salt's dismissal, RCB captain Rajat Patidar produced a stormy batting of a 17-ball half-century, as he scored 53 off 20 balls with four fours and five sixes. Meanwhile, Kohli had another crucial 65-run partnership with the RCB skipper for the second wicket, where the opener scored 50 off 38 balls (five fours and one six) before losing his wicket.

Although Kohli's innings seemed very slow, the right-handed opening batter focused on rotating the strike more and providing solid support to the other end of the powerful top-order batters. His presence has confidently moved the RCB to a strong first innings total in the game. While some cricket fans are appreciating his performance, some have found an opportunity to troll the legendary batter.