NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru turned the screws on the Gujarat Titans bowlers in a blockbuster IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Tuesday. Chasing momentum right from the start, RCB—playing as the defending champions—compiled a staggering 254 for the loss of five wickets in their 20 overs, a score that has become the highest ever in IPL playoff history.
The 254/5 mark eclipsed the previous benchmark of 233/3, which Gujarat Titans had posted against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad during the 2023 season. In what proved to be the defining spell of the innings, RCB captain Rajat Patidar delivered a match-winning display, staying unbeaten on 93 off just 33 balls. His innings was laced with power and precision—five boundaries and nine sixes—leaving the GT attack struggling to find any consistent answers.
Patidar’s fireworks were backed by quick contributions from the rest of the top order. Virat Kohli struck an aggressive 43 off 25 balls, while Krunal Pandya provided the late acceleration with a well-timed 43 off 28 deliveries, helping RCB reach a total that will be remembered as a landmark in the tournament’s playoff record book.
For context around the IPL’s highest playoff totals, RCB’s 254/5 in Dharamsala in 2026 stands at the top. The list includes 233/3 by Gujarat Titans versus Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad in 2023, 228/5 by Mumbai Indians versus Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh in 2025, 226/6 by Punjab Kings versus Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium in 2014, and 222/5 by CSK versus Delhi Capitals in Chennai in 2012. Other notable RCB playoff highs referenced include 263/5 against PWI in Bengaluru in 2013, 262/7 versus SRH in Bengaluru in 2024, and 250/3 against CSK in Bengaluru in 2026, along with 248/3 against GL in Bengaluru in 2016.
Patidar’s own playoff run also underlines how pivotal his innings has been in RCB’s high-pressure outings. His record in IPL knockouts/Playoffs includes 112* (54) versus LSG in the Eliminator of 2022, 58 (42) versus RR in Qualifier 2 of 2022, 34 (22) versus RR in the Eliminator of 2024, 15* (8) versus PBKS in Qualifier 1 of 2025, 26 (16) versus PBKS in the Final of 2025, and 93* (33) versus GT in Qualifier 1 of 2026.
Rajat Patidar’s 93* also adds to a broader milestone: only Raina (40), Dhoni (28), and Pollard (25) have struck more sixes than Patidar in IPL knockouts/Playoffs. The article also notes boundary totals from similar high-stakes matches, where RCB’s 38 boundaries against GT in Dharamsala in 2026* top the list, ahead of CSK’s 33 versus DC in Chennai in 2012, PBKS’ 32 versus CSK at Wankhede in 2014, Gujarat’s 31 versus MI in Ahmedabad in 2023, and MI’s 31 versus GT in New Chandigarh in 2025.
RCB’s record-setting 254/5 in Qualifier 1 sets up a thrilling next chapter in the 2026 playoff race, with the tournament continuing to build toward its climactic moments. Stay tuned for developments as RCB take on GT and follow the latest IPL updates alongside the race for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.
