IPL 2026: 'What a Player, The Best' - Fans React as RCB captain Rajat Patidar lits up Dharamshala with 93 off 33 Balls

Rajat Patidar produced a sensational knock of 93 off just 33 balls that lit up Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala.

Coming in after a strong start from the top order, the RCB captain turned the contest into a personal masterclass. He blended timing, power, and fearless intent, punishing every bowler in GT’s attack with a flurry of boundaries and towering sixes.

Patidar reached his fifty in only 21 deliveries, smashing consecutive maximums off Kagiso Rabada. He survived a couple of dropped chances and kept accelerating, sharing a crucial 90+ run stand with Krunal Pandya. In the death overs, he went into overdrive, launching big sixes right till the end. Though he fell seven runs short of a century, his unbeaten 93 was the cornerstone of RCB’s massive total and will be remembered as one of the finest captain’s innings in IPL knockout history.

RCB’s Batting Effort

RCB posted a mammoth 254/5 in 20 overs — the highest total in IPL playoff history. They got off to a flying start with Venkatesh Iyer and Devdutt Padikkal providing momentum in the powerplay. Virat Kohli contributed a fluent 43, while Krunal Pandya’s explosive 43 off 28 offered excellent support to Patidar.

Lower-order cameos from Jitesh Sharma and Tim David added late fireworks. Despite a strong fightback from GT bowlers like Holder and Rashid Khan, RCB’s aggressive approach on a batting-friendly Dharamsala pitch helped them set a daunting target of 255.

Fans React on Social Media after Patidar Heroics

Fans reacted on social media, hailing RCB captain Rajat Patidar for his magnificent knock, which has put the defending champions in a great position.

"Today, Rajat's knock was the closest thing to an IPL Greatest Knock, Raina's innings. Both came in the playoffs and the way Patidar attacked right after the PP made it even more special. But Raina's 2014 knock still stays ahead for me because it came in a chase under massive pressure," a fan wrote.

"What a knock by the captain. Rajat Patidar stood tall when the team needed him the most," another fan wrote.