Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar's explosive 93* powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a dominant 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, securing their spot in a second consecutive IPL final. This remarkable win places RCB among elite franchises and Patidar in a select group of captains achieving this feat.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are without captain Rajat Patidar for their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings, with Jitesh Sharma leading the side. Patidar is recovering well and is expected to return for the next match in Hyderabad. RCB currently sits atop the IPL 2026 points table.

Rajat Patidar backed his pre-match claim of preferring pace over spin with a breathtaking 93 off 33 balls against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1. The RCB skipper smashed nine sixes -- seven against pacers -- and now has 41 sixes this IPL season, with 27 coming against fast bowlers. Batting at No. 4, Patidar has scored 486 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 196.76, underlining his impact as one of RCB's most destructive middle-order batters.

From being released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru to returning as a mid-season replacement and eventually leading the franchise to its maiden IPL title, Rajat Patidar's journey has been one of persistence and patience. Built on calmness rather than flamboyance, the 32-year-old has grown into a composed leader who now stands two wins away from joining an elite list of IPL captains with back-to-back titles.

Shubman Gill expressed visible frustration as Rajat Patidar received two crucial lifelines in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1. Dropped by Jos Buttler and Jason Holder, then Kagiso Rabada, Patidar capitalized on the errors, going on to score a blistering half-century off just 21 balls.

Rajat Patidar's explosive 93 not out against Gujarat Titans propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a record IPL playoff total. His fearless batting, including a remarkable backfoot six off Kagiso Rabada, earned high praise from Ravichandran Ashwin, who hailed it as a potential shot of the tournament. Patidar's dominant display has elevated his captaincy and batting credentials significantly.

Rajat Patidar's explosive 93 off 33 balls in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 has reignited calls for his India T20I debut. Following RCB's maiden title win in 2025, his stellar captaincy and batting, including a record playoff total, have impressed experts like Ambati Rayudu and R Ashwin, who believe he's crucial for India's future T20 setup.

Rajat Patidar unleashed a destructive 93 off 33 balls, including nine sixes, to power Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a massive 254/5 against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. Dropped twice in the 14th over, Patidar turned anger into a breathtaking knock, leading RCB's late surge and ensuring a historic playoff batting performance.

Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath picked his IPL 2026 league-stage best XII, leaving out Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. He chose Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shubman Gill as openers, with Sai Sudharsan, Heinrich Klaasen, and Rajat Patidar in the batting lineup. His bowling-heavy squad included Krunal Pandya, Sunil Narine, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jofra Archer, and Kagiso Rabada.

Rajat Patidar has etched his name in IPL history, surpassing Chris Gayle for the third-fastest batter to 100 sixes. Achieving this milestone in just 933 deliveries, Patidar showcased his power-hitting prowess during a challenging chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His impactful innings, including a crucial six that secured RCB's top-two finish, highlights his growing importance for the team.

Dinesh Karthik, now an RCB mentor, reflects on the team's championship defense, highlighting Rajat Patidar's calm leadership and Devdutt Padikkal's evolving game. He shares insights on coaching international stars, adapting to their independence, and the crucial mindset for finishers. Karthik emphasises that team combinations, not just individual selection, define value.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 for a direct spot in the IPL 2026 final, which will be held in Ahmedabad. RCB captain Rajat Patidar acknowledged the challenging conditions for bowlers this season, with even 200-plus scores not guaranteeing safety. He emphasized the team's focus on execution and staying calm under pressure.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru achieved a record-breaking score of 254/5 against Gujarat Titans in IPL Qualifier 1. This marks the highest total ever in IPL playoff history. Rajat Patidar led the charge with an unbeaten 93 off 33 balls. Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya also contributed significantly to the massive total.

Rajat Patidar's explosive 93 off 33 balls, featuring 9 sixes, propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a record 254/5 and a dominant 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans. This commanding performance secured RCB's spot in their second consecutive IPL final, showcasing a fearless, attacking mindset.

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL 2026 playoff clash. Both teams have already secured their playoff berths. Cummins expressed a desire to test strategies and enjoy the game before the serious business of the finals begins. Rajat Patidar returns to captain RCB.

As RCB gears up for yet another playoff journey, captain Rajat Patidar attributes his steady leadership style and instinctive decision-making to his success on the field. He is quick to give credit to veteran players like Kohli and Hazlewood, whose mentorship has been pivotal for his growth as a leader.

Rasikh Salam Dar's fiery yorker dismantled Travis Head's stumps, igniting a passionate celebration from the young pacer and a pumped-up Virat Kohli. Head's aggressive 26 off 16 balls ended abruptly, giving RCB a crucial breakthrough. Defending champions RCB, already playoff-bound in IPL 2026, faced Sunrisers Hyderabad in a key clash.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be without captain Rajat Patidar for their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings. Jitesh Sharma will lead the side in Patidar's absence, who missed travel and practice due to an undisclosed reason. Patidar is expected to return for RCB's final league game.