Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a breathtaking batting performance against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, with captain Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya completely shifting the momentum after a brief middle-order collapse in Dharamsala. Their fearless counterattack powered RCB to a record-breaking total of 254, the highest score ever registered in an IPL playoff match.
RCB had started strongly after being put in to bat by Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal once again provided the perfect platform, stitching together a fluent half-century partnership that kept the scoreboard moving rapidly after the Powerplay.
Kohli looked in sublime touch before Jason Holder dismissed him for 43, while Padikkal departed for a quickfire 30 soon after in the same over. Holder’s double strike briefly pulled Gujarat Titans back into the contest and silenced the packed Dharamsala crowd.
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For a few overs, GT appeared to regain control through Rashid Khan and their disciplined middle-over bowling. However, Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya remained calm under pressure and waited for the right moment to launch their assault.
That turning point arrived in Kulwant Khejroliya’s over. After surviving a couple of chances earlier in the innings, Patidar capitalised on Gujarat Titans’ sloppy fielding and completely dismantled the left-arm pacer. A costly no-ball followed by a free hit allowed RCB to seize momentum, and Patidar hammered 14 runs off the final three deliveries of the over as Khejroliya leaked 28 runs overall.
Rajat Patidar tonight Vs Gujarat Titans at Dharamshala
1st 14*(10) – 1,1,1,6,0,1,1,1,1.
Last 79*(23) – 2,6,1,1,4,6,4,6,1,6,6,6,1,1,4,1,6,4,1,6,1,6
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Cap Rapa🥶
Vs Kulwant Khejroliya, Rashid Khan, Rabada, Siraj, Prasidh.
— MANU. (@IMManu_18) May 26, 2026
The over completely changed the complexion of the game and exposed Gujarat Titans’ growing fielding troubles. From dropped catches to misfields, GT failed to maintain pressure during the crucial middle phase of the innings.
Patidar had already received a lifeline in the 14th over when Jos Buttler and Kulwant Khejroliya failed to hold onto a difficult chance near the boundary. Just one delivery later, Kagiso Rabada also put down a much simpler opportunity off Prasidh Krishna, allowing the RCB captain another escape.
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Those missed opportunities proved disastrous for Gujarat Titans. Once settled, Rajat Patidar unleashed one of the most destructive knocks ever seen in an IPL playoff. The RCB skipper accelerated dramatically after a cautious start and eventually smashed 71 runs off just 19 deliveries during his brutal assault on the GT bowling attack.
Batting at a staggering strike rate of 281.82, Patidar hammered nine sixes and five boundaries while Krunal Pandya provided excellent support at the other end. Their partnership completely overwhelmed Gujarat Titans and helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru post a mammoth 254 — the highest total in IPL playoff history.
