Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar has been handed a fine of INR 12 lakhs after his side was found guilty of maintaining a slow over-rate during their high-octane clash against Mumbai Indians in Match No. 21 of IPL 2025 at the Wankhede Stadium. This marked RCB’s first over-rate offence of the season under Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which deals with minimum over-rate violations. As per protocol, the Match Referee’s decision remains final and binding for all Level 1 breaches.
Despite the fine, Patidar had a standout performance both as a leader and batter. After MI opted to bowl first, RCB posted a massive 221/5, thanks to a dominant opening stand by Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal, followed by Patidar’s explosive 64 off 32 balls.
In the second innings, RCB’s bowling unit was tested as Mumbai looked poised for a late charge, with Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya threatening to steal the game. But Patidar marshaled his resources expertly, deploying his bowlers with great precision. The captain’s tactical brilliance ensured RCB defended the total successfully, winning the match by 12 runs and ending a decade-long winless run at the Wankhede.
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Reflecting on the thrilling finish, Patidar credited the bowlers for their courage under pressure. “This award belongs to the bowling unit. It’s never easy to stop a side at Wankhede, and the way they executed was simply superb,” he said at the post-match presentation. He especially praised Krunal Pandya’s composure in bowling the final over, calling it a “fantastic show of courage.”
Rajat Patidar has been fined for maintaining a slow over-rate against MI.#RajatPatidar #MIvRCB #IPL #IPL2025 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/6j73o1vHAa
— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) April 8, 2025
Rajat Patidar also opened up about his own mindset while batting. “After Hardik’s over, I decided to just go for it. I wasn’t worried about getting out. I just wanted to put pressure on the bowlers and make an impact,” he said. He further highlighted Suyash Sharma’s importance as a wrist-spinner, calling him a “key wicket-taker” in the middle overs.
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This win not only showcased Patidar’s emerging leadership but also marked a turning point in RCB’s campaign, signaling that the team may have finally found the belief to break old jinxes and push forward with renewed confidence.
