M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is buzzing tonight Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) host the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 23rd match of ipl 2026. RCB captain in a very exciting match under Bengaluru lights Rajat Patidar Won the toss and elected to bowl first, with an eye on the tactical advantage of chasing on a surface that looks quite different from previous matches. While fans were thrilled to see the home team take the field, the main topic of discussion remained the tactical shuffle in the pace department and the surprising condition of the giants. Virat Kohli.
Why is Jacob Duffy missing from RCB XI today?
primary cause of jacob duffy’s Absent from the starting eleven is the return of the Australian leader Josh Hazlewood. Despite Duffy’s impressive performances in the early stages of the season, where he replaced the ‘Kiwi Express’ with pace and bounce, the team management opted for Hazlewood’s experience and accuracy.
Speaking on the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar explained the decision:
“We will bowl first. This is absolutely clear. I’m seeing a pretty good surface… not much [on the pitch]. There was a lot of grass in the last match, but I think there is no grass on this wicket. So, it will be a good track. Just one change – Josh Hazlewood comes in place of Duffy“
Duffy’s exclusion is purely strategic. With the Chinnaswamy deck appearing flat and devoid of the grass seen in earlier games, RCB prioritized Hazlewood’s ability to gain movement and maintain a tight economy over Duffy’s raw pace. It is the horses of strategy that ensure the experienced Australians lead the attack on a wicket that promises to be a batsman’s paradise.
Playing XI of both the teams and impressive options: Virat Kohli is behind strategically
The most striking thing about the team sheet is that Kohli has been named as an influential option. After suffering a minor ankle injury in the last match against Mumbai Indians, the management is taking a cautious but considered approach. By naming him as a sub when RCB bowl first, they ensure that he does not have to spend 20 overs on the field, thereby maintaining his energy and fitness for the important role during the chase in the second innings.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyyash Sharma, Rasikh Salaam Dar.
Lucknow Super Giants: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper/captain), Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Mukul Chaudhary, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Prince Yadav.
Effect Options:
- RCB: Virat KohliVenkatesh Iyer, Jordan Cox, Kanishk Chauhan, Mangesh Yadav.
- LSG: Manimaran Siddharth, George Linde, Matthew Britzke, Himmat Singh, Mayank Yadav.
See also: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s heart-touching moment on the field makes headlines in MI vs RCB match
