Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) overcame Mumbai Indians by 18 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, producing their highest-ever team total at that venue. Phil Salt was the standout performer, striking 78 from just 36 deliveries to earn Player of the Match honours. Skipper Rajat Patidar also made a major impact with a quickfire 53 off 20 balls as RCB put up a score that proved too steep to chase.
In the bowling phase, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma were central to Mumbai’s struggles. Krunal finished with figures of 1/26, while Suyash returned 2/47, helping RCB keep MI under pressure and limit their run chase. The details were shared in a press release from the RCB camp.
After the win, captain Rajat Patidar reflected on the team’s batting rhythm and confidence. He said, “Looking at the moment, it feels like we are scoring 200-plus in every match. It gives me a lot of confidence, and as a captain, I feel like I have a lot of talent in the team.”
Patidar’s innings also carried a historic note: he struck a 17-ball fifty, which became the fastest half-century by a captain in the tournament’s history. Discussing how he approaches his batting, he added, “I don’t really think too much about how I want to play. I try to react to the ball and stay clear about what I want to do, which shot I want to hit, and which bowler I want to target. Even in the dugout, I try to read where the scoring opportunities are.”
Krunal Pandya, who played a key role with the ball, praised the platform built by the batting unit. He said, “Every game you have to earn that win. The way everyone is batting, Virat, Salty, Tim, everyone has contributed. I’m especially happy for Salty, the way he counter-attacked in the power play. That set us up really well.”
Turning his attention back to Patidar’s batting at the top, Krunal highlighted the captain’s consistency across matches. He said, “The way Rajat has batted in all four innings, the consistency and clarity, it’s been unbelievable. The captain is leading from the front, and I hope he continues.”
Krunal also credited the support staff for helping maintain the batting momentum. He remarked, “A lot of credit goes to DK, the mastermind as well. He has worked really hard with individuals to get the best out of them. He will be the happiest seeing the way we are batting.”
Assessing the bowling effort, Patidar acknowledged the challenge even after setting a large total. He said, “Even with 200 on the board, there is always pressure with dew and conditions. I thought Bhuvi bhai and Jacob started very well and executed the plan.”
Patidar further pointed to a specific spell that helped swing the match. He identified Rasik’s spell of 1/23 as a turning point, explaining, “The turning point for me was Rasik. The way he planned, the slower balls, the yorkers, it gave me confidence. After his first over, I felt he could change the game.”
In addition, Patidar praised Krunal Pandya for his ability and temperament while bowling. He described Krunal as both brave and skilful, emphasising how his variations keep batters uncertain. Patidar said, “KP is the most courageous bowler I have ever seen. He has so many skills. He keeps the batsman in doubt about the next ball. This is his strength. He bowls with a lot of confidence. He is not afraid to do anything.”
