Rajat Patidar Proves Doubters Wrong: Dominant 93 Sends RCB to IPL Final

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar delivered one of the standout performances of the IPL 2026 season with a blistering 93 off 33 balls against the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, guiding his side into a second consecutive IPL final. Patidar’s explosive innings came under pressure and turned the match decisively in Bengaluru’s favor, despite the batter surviving a couple of dropped catches early in his knock. His aggressive strokeplay and calculated attack against both pace and spin proved crucial in RCB’s dominant victory.

Following the match, RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat shared an interesting anecdote about Patidar’s mindset and determination. Bobat admitted that he had once described Patidar as a “spin basher” during the previous season, a label that reportedly irritated the RCB skipper. According to Bobat, the comment may have motivated Patidar to broaden his game and prove he is far more than a specialist against spin bowling. “I called him a spin-basher, and he got quite annoyed. He’s probably trying to prove a point,” Bobat said after the match.

Patidar’s innings in the high-pressure playoff clash showcased his growing maturity and adaptability as a batter. While he has long been recognized for his ability to dominate spinners in the middle overs, the right-hander displayed a complete range of shots against Gujarat’s bowling attack. His fearless approach helped RCB seize momentum early and maintain control throughout the innings, drawing praise from teammates, analysts, and fans alike. The knock also strengthened Patidar’s reputation as one of the league’s most dependable middle-order batters this season.

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RCB’s progression to another IPL final marks a significant achievement for the franchise, which has continued its strong form throughout the tournament. Patidar’s leadership and batting contributions have been central to the team’s campaign, particularly during the knockout stages. With confidence running high in the camp, Bengaluru will now look to end its long wait for a maiden IPL title when it competes in the final later this week.

Also Read: “We Are Coming For You”: Rajat Patidar Explains RCB’s Fearless Batting Approach