‘Even I am Surprised…’- Skipper Rajat Patidar Rallies Behind Bowlers Bengaluru Trigger Delhi’s Worst Powerplay Score

Royal Challengers Bengaluru crushed Delhi Capitals by nine wickets at Arun Jaitley Stadium, after Delhi Capitals crashed to 13 for 6 in the Powerplay. The total became the lowest score after six overs in IPL history, and even RCB captain Rajat Patidar admitted the collapse took Patidar by surprise.

The Powerplay score of 13 for 6 broke the earlier IPL mark of 14 for 2, set by Rajasthan Royals against RCB in 2009. Delhi Capitals’ top six together produced only seven runs, as the innings nearly slid towards another record, the all-out total of 49 that still stands in the league.

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The slide began almost at once, when DC debutant Sahil Parakh was out for 0 from the second ball. Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar then dismantled the top order, using the new ball skilfully. Wickets kept falling inside six overs, leaving Delhi Capitals 13 for 6 and the home crowd stunned.

Abhishek Porel steadied the innings with 30, while David Miller added 19 in the middle overs. Their partnership helped Delhi Capitals move past deeper trouble and avoid the unwanted feat of being dismissed for fewer than 49, the joint benchmark for batting collapses in IPL history.

Patidar praised the new-ball pair after the match, stressing how the surface behaved differently from expectations. "Even I am surprised the way wicket played and all credit goes to bowlers, the way they have bowled, especially in the powerplay, Hazlewood and Bhuvi," Patidar said. "I think the way they hit those areas and got that a bit of swing earlier, I think that was tremendous to see."

RCB removed Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar from the attack after the Powerplay, even though both controlled the innings. Patidar said that the decision followed a clear pre-match strategy built around early breakthroughs. "We had planned earlier that if we got early wickets, then we'll go three-three overs each (of Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood) and see how the wicket is behaving," Patidar explained.

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For a team long linked with batting strength, RCB now appear more balanced, with a strong pace group backing the top order. Patidar underlined the need for quality bowling, especially on flat T20 pitches. "I think if you are playing T20 cricket on the flat surface, so I think if you have, you should have a good bowling unit. That's why, because only bowlers can make you win the championship," Patidar said.

Patidar also spoke about RCB’s approach through the IPL 2026 season, stressing consistency over hype. "It's very important to follow your routines because it's still a long way to go, but I think we are just taking one game at a time. And the positive is, as I mentioned last game also, that different players coming up and doing it for the team, I think that's a good sign for us," Patidar said.

RCB’s comprehensive win, built on Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar’s decisive Powerplay burst, strengthened RCB’s position in IPL 2026 and highlighted Delhi Capitals’ batting issues. The record Powerplay low of 13 for 6 and the reliance on Abhishek Porel and David Miller underlined how far Delhi Capitals’ top order fell short on the night.