Rajat Patidar produced one of the most explosive innings of IPL 2026, turning a competitive playoff contest into a personal showcase of power, timing and fearless strokeplay. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain delivered a breathtaking unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, guiding his side into a commanding position and once again proving why he has become one of the most dangerous middle-order batters in T20 cricket.
What was even more remarkable about the innings was how it went. Patidar was not the first learner to speak his language fluently. The momentum for RCB suffered to a large scale after a strong powerplay, on such a pitch as Dharamsala which had swings and underarm movement. At one point emotions seemed to shift with Gujarat Titans making it look as though they were in control. But then Patidar hit his stride and the game went poles apart.
First of all, Patidar had to handle a tough time. Not an ideal surface to play free style and the Gujarat bowlers particularly made it hard. RCB’s bats were unproductive during the first six overs as well and they went wicket-less in the eighth and ninth. Patidar didn’t even come close to his marauding form during those days. He was able to only find the middle of the bat a handful of times, and even got the chance twice to stay in the game as a fielder.
But under those NBA hands, big-time gamers might need one second to wash a game. Patidar got his turn to bat at the midway point of the innings. He bowled from 22 runs for 14 balls, and started an all-time ‘assault’ that left Gujarat Titans fumbling.
This was quite a turnaround. Patidar blitzed 71 runs off his next 19 deliveries, with a good display of attacking shots. Pace, spin, length and line looked to be irrelevant as he faced the entire spectrum of all Lankan bowlers had in their arsenal and blew them out. One of the world’s top T20 bowlers, Rashid Khan, was sent out for big sixes. Installation specialist Kagiso Rabada got the chop thanks to his pace and accuracy as well.
A six-off by Rabada made an instant highlight of the season. It wasn’t a bad ball. It was thrown on a good length outside off stump, where there is typically little opportunity to score. However Patidar shifted his weight and just opened up his line and fired the ball high over the covers. The outcome of the strike was startling as it went all the way into the stands and even shocked the Virat Kohli in the dugout.
The innings showcased a glimpse into the allure of Patidar’s net-worth approach to the game in IPL 2026. Most of the middle order batters are set for consolidation in the middle overs, but Patidar he plays like an attack bowler in the middle. Bowling attack at the start, very complete attack and does not enable bowlers to establish a rhythm.
Numbers back that up-by a mile! Patidar has been one of the fastest scorers in the middle order of the IPL 2026 with a dominating strike rate of over the 200. For those who don’t open, he is the leader in the scoring category, and that is solid indication that he can make a difference in the momentum game almost as quickly.
It has been hugely beneficial for RCB. When teams tend to adopt an “all work and no play” approach in pressure situations, Patidar always has the ability to play out of time. Currently, while Bengaluru is returning to the powerplay, their attacking prowess is not taking a backseat thanks to the fearless he is.
Last, the qualifier 1 got the answer as to why Patidar has been integral in RCB’s title quest. The unbeaten 93 effort was more than a game saver, it was a presentation of numbers for a game on one of the largest grounds of the season. Demonstrated confidence, flexibility and stellar ball-striking skills in the face of a decent bowling arm.
Patidar’s run would prove to be the factor going forward for RCB as they inch towards their IPL dream team. If he goes on swinging with this authority and freedom, the opposition teams might face the same scenario as Gujarat Titans just watching, watching, watching and the ball, gone.
“Not only is Rajat Patidar having a good season, the message from Dharamsala was that of the kind. He is laying the groundwork for the modern day middle order batsman.
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