RCB vs LSG Highlight, IPL 2026: Virat Kohli shines as impact player; Royal Challengers Bengaluru thrash Lucknow Super Giants by 5 wickets

'Knee was sore last game and has been under the weather for 4-5 days': Virat Kohli after his fluent 49 against LSG

Virat Kohli acknowledged that while he is still regaining full fitness after a knee niggle and a brief illness, he was satisfied with his improved rhythm and intent at the crease during his innings against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Wednesday night in Bengaluru.

He highlighted the challenge of a slowing pitch, which required adjustment, and admitted that although he contributed well, he would have ideally liked to remain unbeaten and guide the team home himself.

Kohli's fluent knock, complemented by handy cameos from Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma, guided RCB to a commanding five-wicket win over LSG in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) in Bengaluru, propelling them to the top of the points table with a dominant performance.

"Much better than the last game. I'm still not 100%. My knee was a bit sore in the last game. Even health-wise, I've been under the weather for four or five days now. So, just getting back up to my best. I started well today, so I was happy with my intensity. Again, would have liked to carry on and finish the game off. Sometimes you have to take the conditions into account as well. The pitch slowed down considerably, and I just wanted to keep going in the same manner. But yeah, in the end, should have probably finished that one off as well," Kohli said after the match against LSG.

RCB vs LSG: LSG stand-in captain Nicolas Pooran after losing to RCB

Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) stand-in captain Nicholas Pooran admitted that his side fell short with the bat after suffering a five-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2026 on Wednesday night.

Pooran, who was captaining the side in the absence of injured Rishabh Pant, admitted to being more consistent. Pooran reflected on LSG's batting struggles this season, noting that a total around 175 would have been competitive in the match against the defending champions, RCB.

"Tough season for us, we were below par, 175 would have been competitive, we have been struggling with the bat... It's T20 cricket, tough game, tough to stay consistent, guys have been working hard, it's a matter of time, have to stay patient and take the opportunity when it comes," Pooran said during the post-match presentation.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru surged to the top of the Indian Premier League 2026 points table after a commanding five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday. It was the defending champions’ fourth win in five games, taking them to 8 points and pushing them ahead of Rajasthan Royals on net run rate in a tightly packed early-season race.

RCB now boast the best net run rate in the league at +1.503, underlining their dominance in both batting and bowling so far this season. Rajasthan Royals remain close behind with +0.889, keeping the race for the top spot wide open after just over three weeks of action.

The early phase of IPL has largely belonged to emerging talent and young turks. But the midweek fixture at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium here was different. It turned out to be a vintage Wednesday. Two experienced exponents of the sport from Royal Challengers Bengaluru came out to show Lucknow Super Giants how the job is done.

Two seasoned campaigners led the charge. The 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/27) set the tone with a masterclass in swing bowling, exploiting movement early before nailing his yorkers at the death. At the other end, 35-year-old Josh Hazlewood (1/20) was relentless, operating on probing lengths that proved difficult to read. On a spongy surface, RCB’s pacers — with Rasikh Dar (4/24) joining the party — used the short ball to unsettle the opposition before bundling LSG out for a modest 146.

RCB vs LSG: Player of the Match - Josh Hazlewood

"It's been a bit of a long road the last few months, but yeah, got the rust out, I guess, last game against Rajasthan. Felt much better today and the rhythm feels in good shape. (On hitting the right length) A little bit of everything there. You've got to look at who you're playing against, what players are at the other end and the conditions obviously play a part. It was quite a slow wicket today and it was a little bit up and down, so I just had to whack away that length and get the result. It was an all-round effort today. I thought all the bowlers bowled unbelievable. I'd like to have a few funky deliveries, but as a Test bowler, it's quite hard to bowl good slower balls. always working on them. You always got to keep that into the armoury and keep moving forward. (On his conversations with Bhuvi) I think that's one of our real strengths. Bhuvi in particular, but all around the bowling attack just summing up the conditions as early as we can through conversations and communication on the field, and we go from there and we know what's working. So I think that's a huge plus for us. (On Rasikh Salam Dar) Yeah, he obviously missed the first few games, but he's been selected in the last couple and he's been training the house down. He's got some nice skills, and we've seen that in the last few games. Bowls the hard overs as well. It's a big tournament for Rasikh. Will you play every game from now on?) The plan is to hopefully keep playing. Our schedule is pretty good from here on in, so fingers crossed I can keep playing."

RCB vs LSG: RCB skipper Rajat Patidar after the win

"It was fantastic (on bowling). I think the good thing was we won the toss. And the way the fast bowlers hit the deck was nice to watch. I don't know what he's going to bowl next but I would say he's a very courageous bowler (on Krunal Pandya). And at the same time, Suyesh's stump-to-stump bowling was tremendous to watch. (On the new-ball pair of Bhuvneshwar and Josh Hazlewood) Of course, for a captain, if you have specialist bowlers in T20 leagues, it makes the job easier because you don't have to tell them what to do next. The experience and ideas are helping all the other bowlers as well. (On RCB's fielding) The team has been working on fielding intensity since the start of the IPL. That was followed by (Phil) Salt and he usually takes those one-handed and flying catches. It was a great catch for him. No, it's a long way to go (on the title hopes). Right now, we are just looking at one game at a time."

LSG vs RCB Live Score: Virat Kohli after RCB win

"(How did tonight feel?) Much better than the last game. I'm still not 100%. My knee was a bit sore last game. Even health-wise, I've been under the weather for four or five days now. So, just getting back up to my best. I started off well today, so I was happy with my intensity. Again, would have liked to carry on and finish the game off. Sometimes you have to take the conditions into account as well. The pitch slowed down considerably and I just wanted to probably keep going in the same manner. But yeah, in the end, should have probably finished that one off as well." - Kohli

RCB vs LSG Live Score: LSG's stand-in skipper Nicholas Pooran after the match

"It's been a tough season for us, we've been below par with the bat. 175 would've been competitive. But it's no secret we have been struggling with the bat the entire season and today we paid the price. It's T20 cricket. It's a tough game. It's a tough game to stay consistent as well. But the guys have been really working hard and we're ready for them. We'll try to fight it out as well. And I just believe it's a matter of time. Just stay patient, be ready for the opportunity, and take it on the team. (On his batting) I'm feeling really good and striking the ball nicely. Unfortunately, it hasn't been going my way this time in the tournament. But that's happened before. I've been in this position already, I know how to fight. And I believe I'll get out of this."

IPL Live Score 2026: It's all over! RCB thrash LSG by 5 wickets

A thumping win for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they surge to the top of the table with a clinical all-round display.

After winning the toss and opting to field, they never allowed Lucknow Super Giants to build any momentum, restricting them to 146 and eventually bundling them out with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.

In reply, RCB suffered an early blow with the dismissal of Phil Salt, but impact player Virat Kohli took centre stage with a commanding counterattack. Despite some movement on offer for the pacers, Kohli timed his response perfectly, guiding RCB to 60 in the powerplay and setting the tone for the chase.

He fell agonisingly short of a half-century, missing out by just one run after a superb knock that effectively sealed the contest in the early phase of the innings.

RCB’s dominant performance with both ball and bat ensured they barely put a foot wrong on the night, reinforcing their position at the top of the standings.

LSG vs RCB Live Score: It's raining boundaries in Bengaluru

Romario Shepherd smashed a big six off Avesh Khan to bring RCB on the verge of victory. Avesh gave away 9 runs in his final over, but returned impressive figures of 2 for 23.

RCB 145/5 after 15 overs, need 2 runs to win

RCB vs LSG Live Score: BOOM! Tim David on fire

Tim David smoked a six and a four in three balls off Digvesh Rathi to take RCB on the verge of a big win in Bengaluru. The LSG spinner conceded 13 runs to return figures of 0 for 51 in 4 overs.

RCB 136/5 after 14 overs, need 11 more to win

IPL Live Score 2026: OUT! Prince strikes again, dismisses Jitesh

Prince Yadav strikes again as Jitesh Sharma departs!

There’s a big appeal for caught behind, the finger goes up, and Jitesh starts walking. It was a seam-up delivery on a good length with decent bounce. Jitesh shuffled across and tried to hoick it across the line but only managed an audible outside edge. A simple catch for Mukul Choudhary behind the stumps.

Jitesh Sharma departed after scoring 23 off just 9 balls [4s-2, 6s-2]

RCB 122/5 in 12.4 overs | Target 147

LSG vs RCB Live Score: OUT! Prince removes Patidar

BIG WICKET! Prince Yadav comes back into the attack and gives LSG a big breakthrough by removing RCB skipper Rajat Patidar (27)

In the air and safely taken by Digvesh Singh Rathi. It was slightly shorter than the previous ball, but Patidar still went for the big lofted hit down the ground. He lost his shape in the attempt and miscued it high into the air. Rathi moved across from mid-off to his right to complete a steady catch. Patidar perishes trying to finish the chase in a hurry.

Rajat Patidar scored 27 (13), which included three sixes and a four.

RCB 121/4 in 12.2 overs, need 26 more off 46 balls

RCB vs LSG Live Score: BOOM! Jitesh on fire

6,4,6,4 — Jitesh Sharma joins the party in style, taking apart Digvesh Singh Rathi with four consecutive boundaries. The sequence of six, four, six and four sees the spinner leak 23 runs in the over.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru cross the 100-mark and are now firmly in control of the chase, needing just 32 runs from 48 balls.

RCB 115/3 after 12 overs | Target 147

IPL Live Score 2026: OUT! Avesh dismisses Virat

BIG WICKET! Avesh Khan strikes again to dismiss Virat Kohli for 49

Caught by Nicholas Pooran! Second wicket for Avesh Khan. A 133.1 kph fullish delivery, and Virat Kohli goes for the aerial route, bringing the bottom hand into play. He doesn’t quite time it, striking the inner half of the bat, sending it straight down long-on’s throat. Kohli falls one short of a fifty. Replays suggest he may have checked his shot at the last moment.

Virat Kohli hit a six and six fours in his 34-ball knock.

RCB 86/3 in 10.1 overs| Target 147

LSG vs RCB Live Score: Tidy from Linde

George Linde came into the attack and bowled a tidy one - just five singles off it.

RCB 86/2 after 10 overs, need 61 off 60 balls

RCB vs LSG Live Score: SIXES! Patidar starts in style

6,6 — BOOM! Rajat Patidar continues his superb form, launching Mohammed Shami for two consecutive sixes.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru collect 13 runs from the over and remain firmly in control of the 147-run chase.

RCB 81/2 after 9 overs | Target 147

IPL Live Score 2026: OUT! Avesh removes Devdutt

Big Wicket! Avesh Khan gives LSG a big breakthrough as the pacer dismisses Devdutt Padikkal (10).

Caught by (sub) Himmat Singh! Avesh Khan delivers at 131.4 kph, round the wicket with a sharp short ball angling in. It rises to hip height and Devdutt Padikkal goes for the pull, but fails to middle it properly, finding the fielder at deep backward square leg. Avesh Khan gets the breakthrough.

Devdutt Padikkal added 57 runs with Virat Kohli

RCB 66/2 in 7.2 overs

LSG vs RCB Live Score: Tidy from Rathi

A tidy over from Digvesh Singh Rathi as the spinner concedes just five singles. Despite the control, Royal Challengers Bengaluru remain firmly in the driver’s seat in this chase.

RCB 65/1 after 7 overs | Target 147

RCB vs LSG Live Score: End of Powerplay! RCB on top

Strategic time-out!

Avesh Khan kept things tight with a disciplined over, conceding just five runs.

However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have dominated the powerplay, racing to 60/1 after six overs in pursuit of 147.

Virat Kohli has led the charge with 40 off 20 balls and has stitched a vital fifty-run stand for the second wicket with Devdutt Padikkal.

RCB 60/1 after 6 overs | Target 147

IPL Live Score 2026: SIX! 50 up for RCB

Virat Kohli (36* off 17) brings up the 50 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in style, launching a big six off Digvesh Singh Rathi.

The over yields 10 runs as RCB maintain firm control of the chase, with Kohli continuing in sublime touch.

RCB 55/1 after 5 overs | Target 147

LSG vs RCB Live Score: FOURS! Kohli on fire in Bengaluru

4, 0, 4, 0, 4, Wd, 4 — Wow! Virat Kohli (28* off 13) is in imperious touch tonight, smashing four boundaries off Prince Yadav to collect 17 runs from the over. The RCB talisman is driving the chase with authority as Royal Challengers Bengaluru cruise in their pursuit of 147. The hosts are firmly in control at the Chinnaswamy, while Lucknow Super Giants are in urgent need of wickets to claw their way back.

RCB 45/1 after 4 overs | Target 147

RCB vs LSG Live Score: FOURS! Kohli smashes Shami

4lb, 4, 4, 1, 1, 1, 1 — Virat Kohli takes charge after the early wicket, smashing two consecutive boundaries off Mohammed Shami as Royal Challengers Bengaluru collect 15 runs from the over.

Following the dismissal of Phil Salt, Kohli shifts gears and counter-attacks the Lucknow Super Giants attack with intent.

RCB 28/1 after 3 overs | Target 147

IPL Live Score 2026: OUT! Prince scalps Salt

BIG WICKET! Prince Yadav cleans up Phil Salt for 7.

Bowled! Prince Yadav provides the early breakthrough Lucknow Super Giants were desperate for. It was short of a good length around off, and Phil Salt shuffled across, looking to pull it over backward square leg. But the ball skidded on, beat him for pace, and crashed into the off stump. Early blow for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

RCB 9/1 in 1.4 overs

LSG vs RCB Live Score: Kohli survives run out chance

A huge mix-up and Phil Salt would have been well short with a clean pick-up.

It was a good length ball outside off and Virat Kohli nudged it towards point before setting off, only to hesitate midway. Salt was caught in no man’s land as both batters stuttered, but Kohli eventually committed to the run.

The fielder, however, took his eyes off the ball at the crucial moment, spilling a straightforward chance and letting Salt off the hook.

RCB 6/0 after 1 over vs LSG 146

RCB vs LSG Live Score: Welcome Back!

The players are back out in the middle and we’re all set for the chase. Lucknow Super Giants gather in a huddle with Nicholas Pooran leading the side, while Mukul Choudhary takes over wicketkeeping duties. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli comes in as the impact substitute, replacing Suyash Sharma.

Target for RCB: 147

IPL Live Score 2026: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3 for 27 in four overs)

"Credit goes to all the players. Good enough to bowl but not good enough to field (on his injury). I get a lot of time off after the IPL. (On the pitch) It's a typical wicket which we used to get two years back. If you can time the ball, it's as good as any good batting wicket.” - Bhuvi

LSG vs RCB Live Score: That's it! Rasikh Dar stars as RCB bowl out LSG for 146

Two wickets for Rasikh Salam Dar in the final over as the pacer returned superb figures of 4 for 24.

Lucknow Super Giants have ended with their lowest first-innings total of the season, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be delighted with a clinical all-round effort in the field. Their bowlers were backed up superbly by sharp fielding, and they will now fancy their chances of chasing this down. It wasn’t a typical Chinnaswamy surface either, making the toss call even more crucial in hindsight.

Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram began positively, but once RCB’s bowlers settled into their rhythm, scoring became increasingly difficult. Marsh fought his way to 40, while Ayush Badoni (38) and Mukul Choudhary (39) played a few eye-catching strokes, yet none could shift the momentum back in LSG’s favour.

Rishabh Pant’s injury setback only compounded their troubles, but much of the credit must go to RCB’s disciplined bowling unit for maintaining pressure throughout. While LSG’s bowling has been a strength this season, their batters have once again left them with too much to do.

LSG 146 all out in 20 overs

RCB vs LSG Live Score: OUT! Back-to-back wickets for Bhuvneshwar Kumar

A brilliant penultimate over from Bhuvneshwar Kumar puts Lucknow Super Giants on the back foot, as wickets tumble at a crucial stage.

After a quiet start with singles, Bhuvneshwar strikes twice in quick succession, first removing George Linde with a sharp catch in the deep, and then cleaning up Mohammed Shami with a perfect yorker.

The sudden collapse dents LSG’s hopes of a strong finish. Despite a few singles, it’s a game-changing over from RCB as they tighten their grip heading into the final over.

LSG 139/8 in 19 overs

RCB vs LSG Live Score: George Linde adding some late spark

Lucknow Super Giants manage a handy over at the death, with George Linde adding some late spark against Josh Hazlewood.

Linde brings out a clever scoop over the keeper for a boundary and follows it up with a couple of useful runs, while Mukul Choudhary chips in with quick singles to keep the scoreboard moving. Despite a few mistimed shots, LSG squeeze out valuable runs in the closing stages.

It’s a decent over under pressure as they look to finish strong.

LSG 135/6 in 18 overs

IPL Live Score 2026: OUT! Salt takes a stunner

BIG ONE! Bhuvneshwar Kumar gets his first of the night as Phil Salt takes a stunner to remove Rishabh Pant (1)

What a catch in the deep from Phil Salt! It was a low full toss outside off and Rishabh Pant tried to whip it over mid-wicket, using his wrists. Salt charged in from the deep as the ball dipped quickly, then slid forward at full stretch, getting both hands underneath it and holding on cleanly even as his hands hit the turf. Brilliant effort.

LSG 124/6 in 16.5 overs

IPL Live: OUT! Dar scalps Badoni

BIG WICKET! Rasikh Salam Dar strikes again to remove a set Ayush Badoni (38)

OUT! Rasikh Salam Dar gets the breakthrough with a clever slower ball. It was short and into the surface, but with no real pace on offer, Ayush Badoni tried to generate power on the cut, only to get a thick top edge.

Jitesh Sharma makes no mistake behind the stumps as Lucknow Super Giants lose their fifth wicket.

Ayush Badoni departed after scoring 38 off 24 balls, which included a six and four fours.

LSG 118/5 in 15.5 overs

LSG vs RCB Live Score: Decent one for LSG

Mukul Choudhary (23*) found the boundary and helped Lucknow Super Giants collect 10 runs off Suyash Sharma’s over — a decent return at this stage, though bigger overs are still needed to set a challenging total against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Suyash signs off with figures of 0/34 from his four overs.

Strategic time-out.

LSG 112/4 after 15 overs

RCB vs LSG Live Score, IPL 2026: Tidy from Suyash

Mukul Choudhary found the boundary with a fine leg sweep, but Lucknow Super Giants could manage only five runs off Suyash Sharma’s over.

With the innings stalling, LSG will need a few big overs soon to post a competitive total against the aggressive Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting line-up.

LSG 95/4 in 13 overs

IPL Live Score 2026: OUT! Krunal strikes again

OUT! Krunal Pandya strikes again and dismisses Abdul Samad for a two-ball duck.

It’s a soft dismissal. Slower through the air and drifting onto the pads, Abdul Samad looked to work it into the leg side but was undone by the lack of pace, spooning a leading edge to cover where Rajat Patidar made no mistake.

That also brings up a milestone — 100 IPL wickets for Krunal Pandya.

LSG 83/4 in 11.2 overs

IPL Live: Badoni smashes two fours

4, 2, 0, 4, 0, 1 — Ayush Badoni (26* off 15 balls) injects some momentum into the innings, striking two boundaries to collect 11 runs off Suyash Sharma.

LSG 82/3 after 11 overs

LSG vs RCB Live Score: OUT! Krunal removes Marsh

BIG WICKET! Krunal Pandya gives RCB a major breakthrough, dismisses a set Mitchell Marsh (40)

Bowled! Krunal Pandya strikes with a sharp one — quicker and wide outside off. Mitchell Marsh hung back and went for the cut away from his body, but the extra pace and angle did him in, dragging an inside edge onto the stumps.

Mitchell Marsh departed for 40 (32), which included three fours and two sixes

LSG 71/3 in 9.5 overs

RCB vs LSG Live Score, IPL 2026: Time-out!

Royal Challengers Bengaluru firmly on top in Bengaluru so far, keeping Lucknow Super Giants in check at a modest run rate of seven.

At 63/2 after nine overs, the visitors are still searching for momentum.

Mitchell Marsh (39* off 30) and Ayush Badoni (8* off 6) have added 28 runs and are attempting to rebuild the innings.

IPL Live Score 2026: Not Out! Marsh survives

Royal Challengers Bengaluru opted for a review, but the decision stayed with umpire’s call on impact with the stumps.

Mitchell Marsh, on 38, survives the scare — and RCB retain their review.

LSG 60/2 in 8.3 overs

IPL Live: SIX! 50 up for LSG

1, 1, 1, Wd, 4, Wd, 0, 6 — Lucknow Super Giants finally find some momentum with their best over of the innings.

Krunal Pandya went for 15 runs, with Mitchell Marsh leading the charge. Marsh first picked up a boundary to backward square leg before finishing the over in style with a straight six, bringing up LSG’s 50.

LSG 55/2 in 8 overs

LSG vs RCB Live Score: OUT! Hazlewood scalps Pooran

Bowled! Josh Hazlewood gets his reward for relentless accuracy.

It was back of a length outside off, and Nicholas Pooran went for the pull, but the extra pace cramped him up, taking an inside edge onto the stumps.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are firmly on top now.

LSG 35/2 in 6.1 overs

RCB vs LSG Live Score, IPL 2026: End of Powerplay!

Lucknow Super Giants register their lowest powerplay total of the season, struggling for momentum with as many as 14 dot balls in the first six overs.

Rasikh Salam Dar kept things tight in the sixth over, conceding just two singles as the batters continued to find scoring difficult.

LSG 35/1 after 6 overs

IPL Live Score 2026: Oh No! Pant leaving the field

Concern for Lucknow Super Giants as skipper Rishabh Pant walks off after being struck by a delivery from Josh Hazlewood. Pant had faced three consecutive dot balls before calling for the physio, and is now forced to retire hurt.

Nicholas Pooran comes out to the middle in his place.

LSG 33/1 in 4.4 overs

IPL Live: OUT! Rasikh Dar strikes early

BIG WICKET! Bowling change works for RCB. Rasikh Salam Dar strikes in the first over itself, removing a set Auden Markram.

A rather unusual dismissal — it was a full toss outside leg, and Aiden Markram looked to flick it away, but the bat face closed early, resulting in a leading edge that ballooned to cover, where Devdutt Padikkal took a simple catch. Rasikh Salam Dar strikes in his very first over.

Markram departed for 12 (8), having earlier struck a six in the same over. A timely breakthrough for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

LSG 32/1 in 4 overs

LSG vs RCB Live Score: SIX! First maximum of the night

BOOM! Mitchell Marsh gets going, launching Bhuvneshwar Kumar over deep mid-wicket for the first six of the innings.

Despite the hit, it was another controlled over from the RCB pacer, conceding just eight runs. Boundaries have been hard to come by for Lucknow Super Giants, but their openers continue to hold firm at the crease.

LSG 22/0 after 3 overs

RCB vs LSG Live Score, IPL 2026: Hazlewood starts with tidy one

0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 — a tidy return for Josh Hazlewood on his comeback, conceding just five singles and no boundaries. Lucknow Super Giants’ openers have been kept in check, managing only one boundary across the first two overs.

LSG 14/0 after 2 overs

IPL Live Score 2026: Steady start for LSG

A boundary and three singles help Lucknow Super Giants get off to a steady start. Bhuvneshwar Kumar did beat Mitchell Marsh with one that found the outside edge, but it raced away to third man, just beyond the slip fielder, for four. The batters then settled into a rhythm, rotating strike effectively.

LSG 9/0 after 1 over

IPL Live: Here we go...

Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram are out in the middle for Lucknow Super Giants, with Marsh set to face the first ball.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar will take the new ball for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

LSG 0/0 in 0.0 overs

LSG vs RCB Live Score: Stats back Patidar’s decision

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have chased in eight matches since IPL 2025 and won seven of them, while Lucknow Super Giants have struggled after batting first, losing six of their last eight in that scenario.

RCB vs LSG Live Score, IPL 2026: LSG's Mitchell Marsh before the match

"(Is 200 the new normal?) Look, I think condition-wise, it probably is if you get a good wicket. I think in the past, if you made 200, you'd walk out to bowl and you'd be feeling extremely confident, whereas now it's probably a different question, have we got enough? So it's exciting to watch and hopefully there's lots of runs tonight. (More pressure on the openers to score around 65-70 in the powerplay?) 65-70? It's probably more like 90 these days. I must admit, I've watched a few of these young boys, certainly the young Indians, the way they've gone about the powerplay and sat in my room over the last few weeks and gone, gee, we need to go pretty hard here. So it's a new element to the game. It's certainly exciting and hopefully myself and Aiden can get us off to a flier tonight. (Does it make a difference when two friends go out and open the batting?) You obviously hear people talk about the relationship that you forge on the field, and it often flows off the field. And I grew up listening to Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden talk about their friendship. And Sauce (Markram) and I are becoming very close. He's a great man and I certainly love walking out to bat with him."