RCB continued their strong run in IPL 2026 with an 18-run victory over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, registering their highest-ever total at the venue.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Riding on a blistering 78 off 36 balls by Phil Salt, who was named Player of the Match, and a captain\u2019s knock of 53 off 20 balls by Rajat Patidar, RCB posted a formidable total on Sunday. With the ball, Krunal Pandya (1\/26) and Suyash Sharma (2-47) played key roles in restricting Mumbai\u2019s chase.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on the team\u2019s consistent batting performances, skipper Patidar said, \u201cLooking at the moment, it feels like we are scoring 200-plus in every match. It gives me a lot of confidence and as a captain, I feel like I have a lot of talent in the team.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Patidar, who also recorded the fastest fifty by a captain in the tournament\u2019s history with a 17-ball half-century, elaborated on his batting approach:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI don\u2019t really think too much about how I want to play. I try to react to the ball and stay clear about what I want to do, which shot I want to hit, which bowler I want to target. Even in the dugout, I try to read where the scoring opportunities are,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Praising the batting unit for laying a solid foundation, spinner Krunal Pandya said, \u201cEvery game you have to earn that win. The way everyone is batting, Virat, Salty, Tim, everyone has contributed. I\u2019m especially happy for Salty, the way he counter-attacked in the powerplay. That set us up really well,\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Highlighting the captain\u2019s impact, he added, \u201cThe way Rajat has batted in all four innings, the consistency and clarity, it\u2019s been unbelievable. The captain is leading from the front and I hope he continues.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Krunal also credited the support staff for the team\u2019s batting success saying, \u201cA lot of credit goes to DK, the mastermind as well. He has worked really hard with individuals to get the best out of them. He will be the happiest seeing the way we are batting\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Assessing the bowling effort under challenging conditions, Patidar said, \u201cEven with 200 on the board, there is always pressure with dew and conditions. I thought Bhuvi bhai and Jacob started very well and executed the plan.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The RCB skipper identified Rasikh Salam\u2019s spell as a key turning point. \u201cThe turning point for me was Rasik. The way he planned, the slower balls, the yorkers, it gave me confidence. After his first over, I felt he could change the game\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Patidar reserved special praise for Krunal Pandya\u2019s bowling. \u201cK.P. is the most courageous bowler I have ever seen. He has so many skills. He keeps the batsman in doubt about the next ball. This is his strength. He bowls with a lot of confidence. He is not afraid to do anything.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan lauded Rasikh\u2019s resilience in his first appearance of the season. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a guy who we know has got a lot of character and shows a lot of resilience. Everybody could see that he was cramping in both legs, but he\u2019s still competing and doing the best for the team. That\u2019s what Rasik is. A pocket dynamite, a fighter and a competitor,\u201d he said. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan lauded Rasikh\u2019s resilience in his first appearance of the season. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking ahead, Patidar expressed excitement about returning to their home ground stating, \u201cVery much excited to go back to Chinnaswamy and play with our 12-man army.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n