RCB and Kohli fined for second slow over rate offence

Virat Kohli has been fined INR 24 lakh (USD 29,300 approx.) after Royal Challengers Bangalore maintained a slow over rate in their win against Rajasthan Royals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. It was the second over-rate offence committed by Royal Challengers in IPL 2023.

Aside from Kohli, who stood in as captain in the game, the other members of the playing XI and the impact substitute also faced fines. They have to pay either INR 6 lakh ($7300 approx.) or 25% of their match fees, whichever is lesser.

Royal Challengers also faced the on-field penalty and had to bowl the 20th over with just four fielders outside the 30-yard circle.

Their first over-rate offence came in their defeat against Lucknow Super Giants, also at home. Only Faf du Plessis, Royal Challengers' regular captain, was fined INR 12 lakh ($14,600) at the time.

Kohli has been the stand-in captain for Royal Challengers in their last two games, with du Plessis not fit to field because of a grade-one intercostal strain. Du Plessis batted in both games, but was substituted out when Royal Challengers were fielding, as the team made the most of the Impact Player rule.

Royal Challengers have so far won four out of their seven matches and sit fifth on the points table.