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.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set for their fifth IPL final, aiming to defend their maiden 2025 title against Gujarat Titans. Having endured heartbreak in 2009, 2011, and 2016 finals, RCB finally tasted glory last year. A win now would secure their second championship and make them only the third team to successfully defend the IPL crown.

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.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are on the cusp of defending their IPL title after a dominant IPL 2026 campaign. Under captain Rajat Patidar, RCB finished top of the league and stormed into the final with a crushing win in Qualifier 1. They now face Gujarat Titans, looking like strong favourites to secure back-to-back championships.

Rajat Patidar's explosive unbeaten 93 off 33 balls powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a commanding 254/5, the highest IPL playoff total ever. RCB then bowled out Gujarat Titans for 162, securing a dominant 92-run victory and their second consecutive IPL final appearance.

Rajat Patidar has brushed aside talk of India's T20 captaincy and selection, insisting his sole focus is on helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru win a second successive IPL title. On the eve of the final against Gujarat Titans, the RCB skipper highlighted the team's culture shift towards shared responsibility and a winning mindset.

Rajat Patidar's remarkable journey from being released by RCB to leading them to successive IPL finals is a testament to his resilience. An injury to Luvnith Sisodia paved his comeback, and he seized the opportunity, transforming into a celebrated captain. His calm leadership and team-first approach have been pivotal to RCB's recent success, culminating in a dominant qualifier win.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru crushed Gujarat Titans by 92 runs to reach the IPL 2026 final, powered by Rajat Patidar’s unbeaten 93 and a record playoff total of 254/5. Virat Kohli also went viral after jokingly marking his bowling run-up during the match. GT captain Shubman Gill blamed poor fielding, dropped catches and pressure mistakes for the heavy defeat as Gujarat were bowled out for 162.

Gujarat Titans will bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1. The winner directly enters the final. Gujarat Titans made one change to their team. Royal Challengers Bengaluru also made changes for the knockout clash. Both teams aim for a strong performance to secure a spot in the final.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into the IPL 2026 final after thrashing Gujarat Titans by 92 runs. Rajat Patidar starred with an unbeaten 93 off 33 balls as RCB posted 254/5. Gujarat collapsed during the chase, with Sai Sudharsan creating an unwanted IPL record after a bizarre hit-wicket dismissal. Rahul Tewatia’s 68 was not enough as GT were bowled out for 162.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans face off in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala, with a direct final spot at stake. Both teams finished level on points and have identical 4-4 head-to-head records. RCB rely on batting depth, while GT bank on their top-order stars and bowling attack. Key battles include Bhuvneshwar Kumar against GT’s top three and Rashid Khan’s middle-over impact.