it was a difficult start for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) their IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR)as rain and a difficult pitch combined to test the batting line-up early. The match at the Barsapara Stadium started after a 70-minute delay and when play resumed, the conditions clearly favored the bowlers more than expected.
RR captain Riyan Parag opted to bowl first and his decision paid off immediately. Jofra Archer made an immediate impact, removing Phil Salt on the first ball of the innings. It was the perfect start for Rajasthan, setting the tone for what looked to be a long evening for RCB.
Despite the early setback, Virat Kohli tried to counter-attack by hitting boundaries with confidence. His quickfire 32 off 16 balls gave RCB some early momentum but the pitch was not easy to trust. Devdutt Padikkal showed his intent but failed to convert his start, falling for 14.
The pressure continued to mount as the wickets fell at regular intervals. Ravi Bishnoi struck a crucial blow by removing Kohli just before the end of the powerplay to leave RCB struggling at 58 for 3. From there, the shooting quickly opened up. Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma and Tim David failed to make significant contributions and RCB were in deep trouble at 94 for 6 at 11.
At that stage, only 150 people seemed uncertain. Rajasthan’s bowlers were in complete control, using uneven bounce and keeping the batsmen under constant pressure.
Rajat Patidar plays the captain’s batting for RCB
With the innings in danger of collapsing, the onus fell squarely on skipper Rajat Patidar. Stepping in at crunch time, Patidar showed not only skill but also excellent composure under pressure.
Instead of going into survival mode, he took a balanced approach – respecting good deliveries while punishing loose ones. His shots were a perfect blend of patience and aggression, especially on a surface where timing the ball was not simple.
Patidar steadily rebuilt the innings, first stabilizing the situation and then slowly shifting gears. He brought up a well-crafted half-century and ensured that RCB crossed the seemingly elusive 150-run mark at one point. His 63 off 40 balls with four boundaries and four sixes was testament to his ability to adapt and lead from the front.
Most notable was his 157.5 strike rate on a pitch that offered variable bounce. He read the conditions intelligently, chose his attacking moments and never let the pressure get the better of him. Even as wickets fell around him, Patidar remained calm, anchoring the innings and keeping RCB in the contest.
We present the video:
Counter attack at best 🔥
🎥 Rajat Patidar leads the battle with 500 under great pressure 👏
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In the 18th over, his dismissal off Sandeep Sharma marked the end of a truly impressive innings – one that had already swung the momentum in RCB’s favour.
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Venkatesh Iyer’s late surge takes RCB past 200
While Patidar laid the foundation, the finishing touches came from the lower order that ensured RCB not only recovered but finished strongly. Substitute batsman Venkatesh Iyer played a crucial role in the run to the final and brought much-needed energy to the innings.
Iyer’s quickfire 29 off just 15 balls struck at exactly the right time. His aggressive intent complemented Patidar’s consistency and together they forged a vital partnership that changed the complexion of the innings. The duo added 76 runs in the last five overs, a phase RCB completely dominated.
Adding to the late flourish was Romario Shepherd, who hit the required 22 off 11 balls. His cameo ensured that RCB maintained their run rate even after Patidar’s departure.
RCB managed to cross the 200-run mark from being in a precarious position at 125 for 7, He finished with an impressive 201 for 8.
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