Rajat Patidar and Royal Challengers Bengaluru set the tone early and never let Gujarat Titans back into the contest, producing a stunning display in Qualifier 1 of the 2026 Indian Premier League on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 255, GT were restricted to 162 and were beaten by 92 runs as RCB posted a record-breaking 254. With the match all but decided by his batting, Patidar turned the pressure into power, delivering the captain’s knock that set up a second straight final for the defending champions.
Key takeaways
- RCB overpowered Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, winning by 92 runs after posting 254.
- Gujarat could manage only 162 in the chase, bringing their run to an early end.
- Patidar’s 93-run assault was the centrepiece of RCB’s dominance.
- After a slow start that included 14 off his first 10 balls, Patidar accelerated massively with 79 off the next 23.
- The RCB captain said his routine stays the same: assessing the pitch early, then forcing bowlers to feel the pressure.
- Bengaluru’s next step is to face the winner of Qualifier 2, with the Eliminator set to decide the opponent after Wednesday’s match.
Patidar’s captain’s knock swings the game
There was a moment when Patidar looked like he might struggle to get going. At one stage, he was on 14 from 10 deliveries, and the early phase had clearly not gone to script. Yet the innings changed gears quickly, with Patidar going from tentative to devastating—smashing 79 off the following 23 balls to completely take the initiative away from GT.
That acceleration became the difference between a strong RCB total and an overwhelming one. In the end, the defending champions put up a mammoth 254, and the chase never gained traction for Gujarat, who finished 92 runs short at 162.
“I take time early, then I put the bowler under pressure”
Speaking after the match, Patidar explained that his mindset doesn’t shift dramatically from game to game. He said he likes to spend the initial overs observing how the pitch behaves and what the ball is doing. Once he gets that clarity, he settles into the plan for his innings and becomes more aggressive.
Patidar’s message was clear: he looks to apply pressure as soon as the timing and conditions align, adding that he is always aiming to force the bowler into difficult areas rather than simply waiting for deliveries.
“I think my batting approach remains the same. At the start, I like to take 8 to 10 balls to understand how the wicket is behaving and what the ball is doing. Once I get that clarity, I know exactly how to go about my innings. After that, I am not too worried about the wicket. I always like to put the bowler under pressure,” Patidar said.
RCB’s captaincy impact and the next challenge
Patidar’s transformation as captain has been hard to miss. In 2024, he earned a Test debut for India, but after a tough run against England, he was dropped from the setup. Still, with the responsibility of leading RCB, he has appeared steadier and more decisive, and the night’s performance only intensified that narrative.
With the memes about his pace of batting beginning to gather, Patidar delivered the kind of knock that silences doubters—turning a slow start into an innings that defined the outcome and helped RCB secure yet another shot at glory.
Confidence boost ahead of the final
Now, RCB will wait to learn their opponent in the title match. They will face the winner of Qualifier 2, which is scheduled to be played between Gujarat Titans and the victor of Wednesday’s Eliminator. Patidar believes this kind of commanding win—especially with batting dominance—can serve as the ideal confidence boost as the team moves closer to a special achievement.
He pointed to the attacking intent across the batting order, saying it was crucial that everyone played with purpose. Patidar also clarified that while the plan was not strictly about targeting one specific group of bowlers, RCB were prepared, and the message was clear: the body language and mindset had to show they were coming for the opposition.
“It was a superb game for us, especially with the way our batsmen dominated. Everyone batted with intent, and I think that was very important for us. It wasn’t exactly a clear plan to go after the GT bowlers specifically, but we were prepared because you have to show through your body language that we are coming for you. I think every batsman showed that intent,” he added.
Patidar further revealed that the team discussed the same themes in the meeting beforehand—positive body language and an attacking mindset. For him, that approach mattered even more because Qualifier 1 is a high-pressure stage, and RCB’s performance matched the occasion.
“We spoke about it in the team meeting as well. We wanted to display positive body language and an attacking mindset. It was a big stage, Qualifier 1, and the way we played and dominated the game was simply outstanding.”
