*“It gives me confidence that we are scoring 200-plus consistently,” says Rajat Patidar after RCB’s win over MI*
Skipper Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya and Malolan Rangarajan reflect on RCB’s 18-run win over Mumbai Indians
Mumbai, 13th April 2026: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs at the Wankhede stadium on Sunday, 12th April, registering their highest-ever total at the venue. Phil Salt starred with 78 off 36 to win the Player of the Match award, while skipper Rajat Patidar smashed 53 off 20. With the ball, Krunal Pandya (1/26) and Suyash Sharma (2/47) played key roles in restricting MI.
Reflecting on the team’s batting form, captain Rajat Patidar said:
“Looking at the moment, it feels like we are scoring 200-plus in every match. It gives me a lot of confidence and as a captain, I feel like I have a lot of talent in the team.”
Captain Rajat Patidar scored a 17 ball 50 which is the fastest fifty for a captain in the tournament’s history.
Speaking about his batting approach, he added:
“I don’t really think too much about how I want to play. I try to react to the ball and stay clear about what I want to do, which shot I want to hit, which bowler I want to target. Even in the dugout, I try to read where the scoring opportunities are.
RCB’s key performer on the night with the ball, Krunal Pandya praised the platform set up by the batting unit:
“Every game you have to earn that win. The way everyone is batting, Virat, Salty, Tim, everyone has contributed. I’m especially happy for Salty, the way he counter-attacked in the powerplay. That set us up really well,”
Highlighting Captain Patidar’s impact at the top of the order, Krunal added:
“The way Rajat has batted in all four innings, the consistency and clarity, it’s been unbelievable. The captain is leading from the front and I hope he continues,.”
Crediting the support staff for the team’s batting momentum, he said:
“A lot of credit goes to DK, the mastermind as well. He has worked really hard with individuals to get the best out of them. He will be the happiest seeing the way we are batting”
Assessing the effort from the bowling unit, Patidar said:
“Even with 200 on the board, there is always pressure with dew and conditions. I thought Bhuvi bhai and Jacob started very well and executed the plan.”
The skipper identified Rasik’s spell of 1/23 as a turning point of the game:
“The turning point for me was Rasik. The way he planned, the slower balls, the yorkers, it gave me confidence. After his first over, I felt he could change the game”
Speaking about Krunal’s contribution with the ball, Patidar said:
“K.P. is the most courageous bowler I have ever seen. He has so many skills. He keeps the batsman in doubt about the next ball. This is his strength. He bowls with a lot of confidence. He is not afraid to do anything.”
Reflecting on Rasikh’s impact in his first game of the season, RCB Head Coach Malolan Rangarajan said:
“He’s a guy who we know has got a lot of character and shows a lot of resilience. Everybody could see that he was cramping in both legs, but he’s still competing and doing the best for the team. That’s what Rasik is. A pocket dynamite, a fighter and a competitor.”
Looking back on a special outing at the Wankhede, Krunal said:
“I know the conditions really well. Wankhede and Chinnaswamy are two of my favourite grounds. This is one of my favourite grounds, so I always look forward to coming and playing over here. But for me, W matters a lot at the end of the day. I am glad that I was able to perform in a game where we won.”
Looking ahead to RCB’s return home, Patidar said:
“Very much excited to go back to Chinnaswamy and play with our 12-man army.”
