The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is buzzing tonight Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosted by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) In his 23rd match IPL 2026. In a high-stakes encounter under Bengaluru lights, the RCB skipper Rajat Patidar Focusing on the tactical advantage of chasing on a surface that looked significantly different from previous outings, he won the shootout and was selected for the trophy first. While the fans are excited to see the home side’s emergence, the main talking point is the tactical confusion in the pace department and the surprising placement of the legendary player. Virat Kohli.
Why is Jacob Duffy not in RCB XI today?
The main reason Jacob Duffy’s his absence from the starting eleven is the return of the Australian spearhead Josh Hazlewood. Despite Duffy’s impressive performances in the early stages of the season, when the Kiwi Express filled his shoes with pace and bounce, team management opted for Hazlewood’s sheer experience and precision.
Speaking at the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar clarified the decision:
“First we will draw a bowl. This is pretty obvious. I see a pretty good surface… Not much (on the pitch). There was a lot of grass in the previous game, but I don’t think this gate has any grass. So it will be a good track. Just one change – Duffy is replaced by Josh Hazlewood.”
Duffy’s exclusion is purely tactical. With Chinnaswamy’s deck flatter and devoid of the grass seen in previous games, RCB preferred Hazlewood’s ability to generate movement and maintain tight economy compared to Duffy’s raw pace. It’s a horse-for-courses strategy that ensures the experienced Aussie leads the charge on what promises to be paradise.
Also WATCH: Glenn Phillips pulls back after injury scare to bring back Ayush Badoni in LSG vs GT clash.
Playing both teams’ XIs and effective substitutes: Virat Kohli is in the strategic background
The most striking detail of the team sheet is the naming of Kohli as a batting substitute. After a minor ankle scare in the previous match against Mumbai Indians, the management is taking a cautious but calculated approach. By naming him as a sub when RCB bats first, they ensure he doesn’t spend 20 overs on the field, saving his energy and readiness 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.
Effect Substitutes:
- RCB: Virat KohliVenkatesh Iyer, Jordan Cox, Kanishk Chouhan, Mangesh Yadav.
- LSG: Manimaran Siddharth, George Linde, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Mayank Yadav.
Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s heartwarming moment on the field is a highlight in the MI vs RCB clash
