Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) bounced back to winning ways with an 18-run win over Mumbai Indians on Sunday at Wankhede Stadium.
Batting first, RCB put up a huge total of 240 runs. Captain Rajat Patidar played a big role in the middle with a quick and attacking innings.
Irfan Pathan lauds Rajat Patidar
The team got off to a strong start as Phil Salt and Virat Kohli added 120 runs for the first wicket. After that, Patidar kept the momentum going with a powerful 53 off just 20 balls, hitting 4 fours and 5 sixes. This was also his second straight fifty this season. Patidar’s performance impressed many, including former India cricketer Irfan Pathan
“Rajat Patidar has been a nightmare for bowlers. He comes in and starts attacking from ball one. That intent makes a huge difference. The moment he walked in, he set the tone, and every ball he faced looked like it could go the distance. He’s been the biggest positive in their batting line-up, and his approach is what really separates RCB’s total from the opposition," said Irfan Pathan.
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How Rajat Patidar punished bowlers
Kohli looked comfortable early on and even hit Trent Boult for a six. While he rotated strike well, Salt took charge and attacked bowlers like Hardik Pandya and Mitchell Santner. He was especially aggressive against Santner, hitting three sixes in a row.
RCB reached 50 in just 4.2 overs, which forced Mumbai to bring back Jasprit Bumrah early. Salt continued his attacking play, hitting boundaries off Mayank Markande.
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Mumbai finally got a breakthrough when Shardul Thakur dismissed Salt, who was caught by Hardik Pandya after a strong opening partnership.
After that, Patidar took control. He punished loose balls and reached his fifty in just 17 balls, just missing a record. His knock kept the momentum going, while Kohli also completed his half-century before getting out in the 15th over, helping RCB reach a big total.