Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) bounced back in style in IPL 2026, registering a commanding 18-run win over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. Batting first, the defending champions piled up a massive 240, powered by a collective batting effort and a standout knock from skipper Rajat Patidar in the middle order.
After a flying start from Phil Salt and Virat Kohli, Patidar took control and shifted the game firmly in RCB’s favour. The right-hander smashed a sensational 53 off just 20 balls, striking four boundaries and five sixes at a blistering strike rate of 265. It was his second consecutive fifty-plus score this season, further underlining his growing importance in RCB’s batting lineup.
Patidar’s fearless approach drew praise from former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who labelled him the biggest positive for RCB this season.
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“Rajat Patidar has been a nightmare for bowlers. He comes in and starts attacking from ball one,” Irfan Pathan said. “That intent makes a huge difference. The moment he walked in, he set the tone, and every ball looked like it could go the distance. He’s been the biggest positive in their batting line-up, and his approach separates RCB’s total from the opposition.”
Earlier, Kohli and Salt laid the perfect foundation with a dominant 120-run opening stand. Kohli started fluently, flicking Trent Boult for a stylish six, while Salt took the aggressive route, targeting both Boult and Hardik Pandya. The Englishman was particularly brutal against Mitchell Santner, smashing three consecutive sixes to put MI on the back foot.
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RCB raced to 50 in just 4.2 overs, forcing Mumbai to bring Jasprit Bumrah into the attack earlier than planned. Salt continued his assault before eventually falling to Shardul Thakur, ending a formidable partnership. Patidar then ensured the momentum never dipped, racing to a near-record 17-ball fifty. His explosive innings allowed Kohli to play a steady hand at the other end before departing in the 15th over, with RCB firmly in control.
