Rajat Patidar, the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, provided an update on Virat Kohli after RCB bounced back from a recent slip-up to defeat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs at Wankhede Stadium. Following the win, Patidar said the 37-year-old is “okay right now,” while also explaining what went right for his side as Phil Salt, Kohli and Patidar all struck fifties to set up a competitive total of 240/4. Mumbai managed 222/5 in reply despite Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive 71 not out off 31 balls, featuring nine sixes and a boundary.
RCB’s comeback at Wankhede
After losing momentum earlier in the competition, RCB returned to winning ways against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians with an 18-run victory. Batting first, the Bengaluru franchise posted 240/4, then restricted MI to 222/5.
- RCB total: 240/4
- MI reply: 222/5
- Result: RCB won by 18 runs
Fifties fuel the chase-deficit
RCB’s innings was driven by three standout half-centuries. Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and Patidar all reached the 50-run mark, helping their team build pressure from the start and maintain momentum through the middle overs.
For Mumbai, Rutherford delivered the most dangerous spell of batting in the match, smashing 71* from 31 deliveries. His knock included nine maximums and one four, but it was not enough to close the gap.
- Phil Salt: scored a fifty
- Virat Kohli: scored a fifty
- Rajat Patidar: scored a fifty
- Sherfane Rutherford: 71* (31 balls), nine sixes and one four
Kohli’s fitness question and Patidar’s response
While the game focused on the scoreboard, attention also turned to Kohli’s absence from the field. Virat was seen not taking the field and instead sitting out while wearing a jacket.
When asked about any injury concerns that had been doing the rounds, Patidar played down the situation. He said he was not certain about the reason yet, but felt Kohli was fine at that moment.
- Patidar on Kohli’s condition: “I do not know yet, but I think he… he is okay right now.”
- Observation during the match: Kohli did not appear on the field and was seen in a jacket while sitting out.
Captain’s take: batting clarity, Wankhede atmosphere, and bowling preference
Patidar also discussed the broader reasons behind the win. He pointed to the clarity the team gives itself in the batting order, and he highlighted how the early momentum—especially the way Kohli and Salt began—helped RCB keep control of the match.
He further described the unique feel of playing at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where the crowd and packed stands create an atmosphere that changes the rhythm of a game.
On the tactical side, Patidar explained his preference when choosing between spin and pace. He noted that while people often associate him with enjoying spin, he personally prefers facing fast bowling—and, on this particular wicket, he believes pace is especially effective for batters.
Patidar’s key points after the match
- He said the batting plan provides “clarity” to every player in the lineup.
- He credited the innings start by “Virat Bhai and Salt” as a key factor in keeping RCB in the driving seat.
- He described his own cameo along with Tim David as part of a “pure team effort.”
- On Wankhede: he called the ground’s atmosphere and the packed crowd a “different feeling,” especially when RCB play in Mumbai.
- On spin vs pace: he stated he loves playing pace and believes the track is good for fast bowlers to face.
Patidar’s numbers versus spin and pace
Patidar’s conversation also included his matchup record this season, with separate figures against spin and against pace. His output under both conditions reflects a high strike rate and heavy boundary hitting.
- Against spin: 59 balls, 129 runs, strike rate 218.94, nine fours, 11 sixes; dismissed twice.
- Against pace: 32 balls, 66 runs, strike rate 206.25, two fours, seven sixes; dismissed once.
Six-hitting and run-scoring form this season
Patidar’s season form has also been reflected in his overall production. He is tied for the joint-highest number of sixes this campaign with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and he ranks near the top of the run-getters for the side’s batting efforts.
- Sixes: joint-highest in the season with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (18).
- Runs: 195 runs across four innings.
- Average: 65.00.
- Strike rate: 214.28.
- Fifties: two.
