Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 8: In a season brimming with surprises, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) appear to have discovered a gem in new skipper Rajat Patidar, whose calm leadership and consistent performances have steered the team to a dream start in IPL 202.
Taking charge of RCB for the first time, Patidar has captained the side to three wins in their first four games, including high-profile victories over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Mumbai Indians (MI)—all on away turf.
Devdutt Padikkal Praises Patidar’s Leadership
RCB batter Devdutt Padikkal lauded Patidar during the post-match press conference following their win over MI.
“Rajat is doing a remarkable job. To be captaining for the first time in the IPL and managing everything so well both on and off the field, then stepping up with the bat—it’s really commendable,” said Padikkal.
Patidar has scored 161 runs in four matches, with two half-centuries, and continues to be a pillar of stability in the RCB lineup with his composed batting approach.
Match Recap: RCB vs MI
Toss: MI won and opted to field.
RCB Innings:
- Phil Salt fell early, but Virat Kohli (67 off 42) and Devdutt Padikkal (37 off 22) stitched a strong 91-run stand.
- Rajat Patidar smashed a fluent 64 off 32, while Jitesh Sharma added a blistering 40 off 19*, propelling RCB to a commanding 221/5.
MI Bowling Highlights:
- Hardik Pandya (2/45) and Trent Boult (2/57) took wickets but struggled to contain runs.
- Jasprit Bumrah bowled a tight spell, finishing with 0/29 in 4 overs.
MI Innings:
- MI were reduced to 99/4 in 12 overs, but Tilak Varma (56 off 29) and Hardik Pandya (42 off 15) sparked a fightback with an 89-run stand.
- RCB held their nerve, thanks to clutch bowling by:
- Krunal Pandya (4/45)
- Josh Hazlewood (2/37)
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/48)
The match ended with RCB sealing a 12-run win.
Points Table Update
- RCB now sits at third with three wins and one loss from four games—all three victories coming away from home.
- Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, have slipped to eighth, with just one win in five matches.
With early momentum on their side and a promising new leader in Rajat Patidar, RCB fans have every reason to be optimistic about the rest of the season.