Rajat Patidar’s 93* Powers RCB To Massive Total Against Gujarat Titans

Picture Credit: BCCI

Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a dominant batting display, piling up a record 254/5 in 20 overs against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2026 at Dharamshala.

Captain Rajat Patidar led the charge with a superb unbeaten 93, while Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya added brisk contributions of 43 each.

Following the decision to bat first, RCB adopted an aggressive approach from the outset. Venkatesh Iyer provided early momentum with attacking strokes against Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada before departing for a quick 19, with Shubman Gill completing the catch.

RCB maintained their tempo despite the early breakthrough. Devdutt Padikkal partnered with Kohli effectively, as the pair accelerated the scoring rate and lifted the total to 76/1 at the end of the Power-play.

Just as the innings gathered further pace, Jason Holder struck twice in quick succession, dismissing both Kohli and Padikkal to momentarily shift the momentum.

In response, Patidar stabilised the innings before launching a calculated counterattack alongside Krunal Pandya. The duo capitalised on lapses in Gujarat’s fielding, including missed chances and costly extras.

The pressure mounted on Gujarat as even Rashid Khan conceded heavily. RCB surged beyond the 200-run mark with ease.

Krunal Pandya contributed a fluent 43 before falling to Rabada, but Patidar continued to dominate proceedings.

Patidar reached his half-century in rapid time and maintained control through the final overs with a range of attacking strokes. Although Tim David fell cheaply, the scoring rate remained unaffected.

Patidar finished unbeaten on 93 off 39 deliveries. He struck five fours and nine sixes in a commanding innings that dismantled the opposition attack.

Jitesh Sharma chipped in with a late cameo as RCB crossed the 250-run mark, registering the highest total in IPL playoff history.

For the Gujarat Titans, Holder and Rabada picked up two wickets each. The bowling unit, however, struggled to contain the relentless scoring.