Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the defending champions, marked their return to winning form in IPL 2026 with an 18-run victory over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. After being put in to bat first, RCB compiled a formidable 240/4 from their 20 overs, setting a target that proved just out of reach for the five-time champions. The innings was largely shaped by Phil Salt, whose power-hitting saw him smash 78 off only 36 balls, providing the early momentum RCB needed before accelerating further.
Chasing 241, Mumbai Indians struggled to find consistent partnerships, but Sherfane Rutherford stood out with a brilliant knock of 71 off 31 deliveries. His late thrust kept the chase alive for long periods, yet once the wickets started falling around him, the required run-rate climbed beyond what MI could manage. In the end, MI were bowled out for 222/5, suffering their third straight defeat of the season despite Rutherford’s heroics.
Beyond the numbers, the match also produced a feel-good moment that quickly caught the attention of fans. With RCB preparing to begin their innings, a viral clip captured a brief exchange between two of India’s biggest names—Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. In the footage, Kohli is seen approaching Rohit for a short conversation, leaning in as if to share a few words, and the pair then share a light laugh before play gets underway.
That interaction left supporters from both camps smiling, underlining the mutual respect between the stars even as they face each other in fierce IPL contests. The clip became one of the standout talking points of the day, particularly because it offered a glimpse of camaraderie right before the competitive action began.
As for Kohli’s own outing, he contributed 50 runs from 38 balls, but his stay at the crease ended in the 11th over when he was dismissed by Hardik Pandya. Despite that dismissal, Kohli did not take the field during Mumbai’s innings, with the absence put down to an injury concern. Following the match, RCB captain Rajat Patidar stepped in to reassure fans that the veteran is all right.
“I do not know yet, but I think he, I feel that he is okay right now,” Patidar said during the post-match presentation. Patidar also spoke about what the win meant from a team perspective, explaining that the batting unit had a clear plan and that the mindset carried through the innings. He added that playing at Wankhede—known for its intensity—makes a noticeable difference, particularly when the stadium is packed.
“Whenever we come here in Mumbai, especially at this ground, the atmosphere, the fans, and playing along with them and playing in a full-packed stadium – that is a different feeling. It was, I would say it is a more clarity about every individual, I would say (on the strong batting). And the way Virat Bhai and Salt started the innings, I think that kept us in the driving seat. Then a good cameo by me and Tim (David), I think that was a pure team effort,” Patidar said, summing up how the innings came together for RCB to defend successfully.
