Rajat Patidar delivered a captain’s knock under pressure, lighting up Wankhede Stadium with a breathtaking display of power-hitting in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 clash against the Mumbai Indians. Leading from the front, Patidar showcased his growing stature in the league with a fearless innings that shifted momentum firmly in RCB’s favour.
The highlight of his knock came in the 12th over, when he took apart Mayank Markande with a stunning hat-trick of sixes. After Virat Kohli rotated the strike with a single, Rajat Patidar went on the offensive.
A tossed-up delivery on the pads was dispatched over wide long-on, followed by another maximum over backward square leg. He then added flair to power by switching his stance and launching a reverse-hit six over backward point, leaving both bowler and fielders stunned.
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Rajat Patidar’s explosive 53 off just 20 balls, featuring five sixes and four boundaries, came at a staggering strike rate of 265. His form this season has been consistent, building on earlier contributions of 31, 48*, and 63, further solidifying his role as RCB’s batting leader.
The #RCB skipper is putting on a show! 🔥
🎥 3️⃣ consecutive sixes for Rajat Patidar right out of the blocks 👊
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RCB’s innings was anchored by a dominant opening stand between Phil Salt and Kohli. Salt continued his aggressive run, smashing 78 off 36 balls with six sixes and six fours, while Kohli added a composed 50 off 38 deliveries. The duo stitched together a 120-run partnership, setting the tone for a big total.
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Mumbai Indians managed to pull things back briefly, with Shardul Thakur breaking the opening stand by dismissing Salt. Hardik Pandya and Mitchell Santner then struck in quick succession, removing Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar soon after their half-centuries.
Despite the late breakthroughs, RCB remained firmly in control, crossing the 200-run mark with ease. With contributions across the top order and Patidar’s standout brilliance, the defending champions once again underlined their batting depth and intent in IPL 2026.
