Royal Challengers Bengaluru Triumph in IPL 2025 Final Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their first IPL title in a decade by defeating Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in the 2025 final, which took place at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on May 31. The victory marked a historic moment for the franchise, ending an 18-year drought since their last final appearance in 2016. RCB, entering the season as defending champions, had previously lost all three of their previous IPL finals, making this win a culmination of years of perseverance and strategic adjustments. The 2025 final was RCB’s fourth appearance in the IPL summit clash, with the team led by skipper Rajat Patidar for the first time. Patidar, who had taken over the captaincy in 2024, faced the challenge of lifting the trophy after a string of near-misses. The match against Gujarat Titans, a team that had reached the final the previous year, was a test of both batting and bowling prowess. RCB’s innings set the tone for the victory, as they posted a formidable total of 190/9, with Virat Kohli anchoring the chase with a composed 43 off 35 balls. Kohli’s innings was supported by contributions from Mayank Agarawal (24), Rajat Patidar (26), and Liam Livingstone (25), though the team lost regular wickets throughout the innings. Gujarat Titans, captained by Shreyas Iyer, faced a daunting task in chasing the target. The Titans started strongly with a 43-run partnership between Prabhsimran Singh (26) and Priyansh Arya (24), but their momentum was disrupted by Josh Hazlewood’s early intervention. Arya’s dismissal in the powerplay marked a turning point, and the Titans struggled to maintain their momentum as key batsmen fell in quick succession.#virat_kohli #royal_challengers_bengaluru #shreyas_iyer #gujarat_titans #rajat_patidar
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Captain Rajat Patidar Addresses Bowler Challenges and Final Shift in IPL 2026 The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar expressed concerns about the increasing difficulty for bowlers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, ahead of the first qualifier against Gujarat Titans on 26 May 2026 in Dharmshala. Patidar highlighted the challenges posed by the current batting conditions, short boundaries, and weather, which have made it harder for fast bowlers to consistently take wickets. He emphasized that even minor mistakes can lead to significant runs, particularly for pace bowlers. Patidar acknowledged the growing pressure on bowlers, stating, "The challenge for fast bowlers is continuously rising. The batting conditions are favorable, the boundaries are short, and the weather plays a big role. A small error can turn into six runs." Despite these challenges, he reiterated the team's commitment to delivering their best performance regardless of the pitch or weather conditions. The shift of the IPL final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad sparked discussions, but Patidar avoided taking a direct stance on the decision. He stated, "It’s not within my control. Ahmedabad is a historic venue, so the final will be played there. Our focus remains on reaching the final." The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) cited operational reasons, local political conditions, ticket demand, and crowd management as factors behind the decision to move the final. Patidar praised his team's preparation and strategy, noting that their aggressive approach remains unchanged despite the high-scoring nature of the tournament. He emphasized the importance of securing early wickets and maintaining consistency in the powerplay.#ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bengaluru #gujarat_titans #board_of_control_for_cricket_in_india #rajat_patidar
Gujarat Titans Secure Dominant Victory Over Royal Challengers Bengaluru Gujarat Titans delivered a crushing four-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Ahmedabad on April 30, marking their second consecutive win in the Indian Premier League 2026. The defending champions, ranked fourth in the league, were outclassed by the Titans, who showcased a balanced performance across all departments to dismantle RCB's hopes of a competitive chase. RCB, batting first, managed only 155 for six in 19.2 overs, with Virat Kohli leading the charge. The 37-year-old icon struck 40 off 24 balls, including five consecutive boundaries in the second over, to keep RCB in the hunt. However, the team's batting collapse came swiftly, as four batters, including Kohli, fell to tame shots against the fielders. The controversy surrounding Rajat Patidar's dismissal added to RCB's woes, with Jason Holder's catch at deep square leg under scrutiny after replays suggested the ball may have touched the ground before Patidar was run out. Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, executed a near-perfect chase, scoring 158 for six in 15.5 overs. Shubman Gill was the standout performer, smashing 43 off 18 balls with a mix of powerful drives and boundaries. His aggressive innings, particularly against Josh Hazlewood, set the tone for the chase. Jos Buttler contributed 39 off 19 balls, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar's three-wicket haul and Romario Shepherd's double strike in the 11th over kept RCB under pressure. The Titans' bowling attack, led by Arshad Khan's three-wicket haul and Rashid Khan's disciplined spells, ensured RCB never recovered from their early setbacks. The match highlighted the Titans' depth, with Rahul Tewatia and Jason Holder forming a crucial 30-run partnership in the death overs.#shubman_gill #virat_kohli #royal_challengers_bengaluru #gujarat_titans #rajat_patidar
‘Today was my day’: Shubman Gill reveals ‘lucky break’ in GT win over RCB Captain Shubman Gill of Gujarat Titans described his match-winning innings against Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a combination of luck, timing, and confidence. Leading the chase with a composed yet aggressive approach, Gill scored 43 off just 18 balls to help his team secure a four-wicket victory in Ahmedabad. He credited an early slice of fortune for setting the tone of his performance, recalling how an inside edge off Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s delivery resulted in a boundary that gave him momentum. “First ball I got a bit lucky and then I thought today was my day,” Gill said, emphasizing his belief in his ability to take on the bowling attack. Gill’s innings was pivotal in shifting the momentum in Gujarat’s favor. After a strong start, he maintained a high tempo, pressuring RCB’s batting line-up with sharp deliveries. His aggressive approach in the powerplay phase, combined with contributions from Jos Buttler and late composure from Rahul Tewatia, ensured GT stayed ahead despite a brief middle-order wobble. Gill highlighted the importance of Tewatia’s role, noting that the all-rounder’s ability to rotate the strike and provide stability was crucial in maintaining the team’s momentum. RCB captain Rajat Patidar acknowledged that Gill’s performance in the powerplay was decisive in the match. “The way Shubman played, especially in the powerplay, he put us under pressure and took the game away,” Patidar admitted. Despite RCB’s total of 155, which Patidar described as “not good enough” on the wicket, he praised the team’s effort in stretching the contest to 15-16 overs. He attributed the outcome to Gujarat’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, which restricted RCB to a modest total.#jos_buttler #shubman_gill #royal_challengers_bengaluru #gujarat_titans #rajat_patidar
IPL 2026: Virat Kohli and Andy Flower Clash with Umpire Over Controversial Decision on Rajat Patidar's Catch On April 30, 2026, a heated controversy erupted during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Gujarat Titans match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The incident centered around a contentious decision by the third umpire regarding a catch taken by Gujarat bowler Jason Holder off Rajat Patidar. The moment sparked immediate backlash from RCB captain Virat Kohli and his coach Andy Flower, who confronted the match officials over what they deemed an incorrect call. The controversy unfolded during the eighth over of RCB’s innings. Patidar, in a confident display, faced a delivery from Holder and attempted a pull shot. The ball, however, did not clear the boundary and landed in the deep backward square leg region. Holder, positioned to take the catch, managed to gather the ball before it touched the ground. The third umpire, after reviewing the footage, ruled Patidar out. RCB’s players, including Patidar himself, strongly disputed the decision. They argued that the ball had touched the ground before Holder made the catch, which would render the dismissal invalid under cricketing rules. Patidar, visibly frustrated, approached the umpire to challenge the call, while Kohli and Flower joined the debate on the field. Kohli, known for his vocal stance on umpiring decisions, directly addressed the umpire, asserting that the ball had "rubbed the ground" and should not have been awarded as a catch. The dispute escalated further when Kohli and Flower engaged in a prolonged conversation with the match officials. They emphasized their belief that the catch was not legal, citing the ball’s contact with the ground as the key factor.#virat_kohli #royal_challengers_bengaluru #gujarat_titans #andy_flower #rajat_patidar
IPL 2026: Heinrich Klassen Overtakes Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli in Orange Cap Race; Anshul Kamboj Leads Purple Cap Tally Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals climbed to fourth in the IPL 2026 Orange Cap race, trailing leaders Heinrich Klassen of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Shubman Gill of Gujarat Titans, and Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Klassen leads the run-scorers with 283 runs in six matches, averaging 47.17 and striking at 144.38. Gill is second with 251 runs in four matches, averaging 62.75 and striking at 155.00. Kohli is third with 247 runs in six matches, averaging 49.40 and striking at 157.00. Sooryavanshi has 246 runs in six matches, averaging 41.00 and striking at 237.00. Rajat Patidar of RCB is fifth with 230 runs in six matches, averaging 46.00 and striking at 213.00. The Orange Cap standings show a tight competition among these players. Klassen’s consistent performances have kept him at the top, while Gill and Kohli remain strong contenders. Sooryavanshi’s high strike rate highlights his ability to score quickly, and Patidar’s explosive batting has made him a key player for his team. The race for the Orange Cap continues to intensify as the tournament progresses. In the Purple Cap race, Anshul Kamboj of Chennai Super Kings leads with 13 wickets in six matches, averaging 16.23 and bowling at an economy rate of 9.74. His best figures of 3 for 22 have been crucial for his team’s success. Prince Yadav of Lucknow Super Giants is second with 11 wickets in six matches, averaging 17.00 and bowling at an economy rate of 9.00. Prasidh Krishna of Gujarat Titans is third with 11 wickets in five matches, averaging 17.00 and bowling at an economy rate of 9.00. Bhuvneshwar Kumar of Royal Challengers Bengaluru is fourth with 10 wickets in six matches, averaging 20.#shubman_gill #virat_kohli #rajat_patidar #vaibhav_sooryavanshi #heinrich_klassen
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Triumph Over Mumbai Indians To Secure Third Place In IPL 2026 Points Table Royal Challengers Bengaluru surged to the third position in the IPL 2026 points table after a commanding 18-run victory over Mumbai Indians in a high-stakes clash at the Hyderabad venue on April 12, 2026. The match, which saw RCB post a formidable total of 240 for four, proved to be a masterclass in batting as the defending champions overwhelmed the Mumbai Indians with a combination of power hitting and disciplined execution. The RCB innings was anchored by a stellar half-century from skipper Rajat Patidar (53), alongside contributions from Phil Salt (78) and Virat Kohli (50). Salt and Kohli formed a formidable opening partnership, adding 120 runs for the first wicket, while Patidar and Tim David (34 off 16 balls) accelerated the scoring in the latter stages. The innings began with a breathtaking display from Kohli, who launched a spectacular flick off Trent Boult’s pads to send the ball soaring over deep square leg for a six. Salt, however, took charge of the acceleration, piercing the fast bowlers Boult and Hardik Pandya for boundaries. Boult was pulled into the stands for a six, while Mitchell Santner faced a barrage of three consecutive sixes from Salt. RCB’s explosive start, which saw 50 runs scored in just 4.2 overs, forced Mumbai Indians to bring back a wicketless Jasprit Bumrah for a second over in the powerplay, an unusual tactical decision. Salt continued his dominance by dismantling leg-spinner Mayank Markande with three consecutive fours in the eighth over, while Kohli targeted Santner’s next over for two more boundaries. Despite MI’s efforts to disrupt the rhythm, the RCB middle order remained unbroken.#virat_kohli #royal_challengers_bengaluru #mumbai_indians #rajat_patidar #phil_salt
RR vs RCB Live Score, IPL 2026 - Royals Look to Finish Guwahati Leg on a High The Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to face off in a crucial match of the Indian Premier League 2026, with both teams aiming to maintain their unbeaten records and secure a top position in the standings. The game, scheduled for April 10, 2026, in Guwahati, has faced delays due to heavy rainfall, which has forced the organizers to adjust the pitch conditions and start time. Despite the weather challenges, the match remains a highly anticipated encounter between two of the league’s most formidable teams. The match, originally planned for a later date, was postponed due to persistent rain in Guwahati, which led to the cancellation of the Rajasthan Royals’ previous game against Mumbai Indians. The delayed start has created uncertainty, but the teams have shown resilience in adapting to the conditions. The pitch, described as true and even, is expected to favor aggressive batting, with the same surface that saw Rajasthan Royals score 150 in a shortened innings against Mumbai Indians. The weather forecast has improved slightly, with the rain expected to ease by the time the match begins. Rajasthan Royals, led by captain Riyan Parag, have maintained their unbeaten streak in the tournament, with a lineup that includes young talent like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Dhruv Jurel. The team’s strategy revolves around explosive batting at the top of the order, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi forming a formidable opening partnership. Their bowling attack, featuring Ravindra Jadeja and Jofra Archer, has been a key factor in their success, with the latter’s pace and movement making him a standout performer.#rajasthan_royals #virat_kohli #royal_challengers_bengaluru #riyan_parag #rajat_patidar
David by name, Goliath by trade Tim David’s meteoric rise in the Indian Premier League 2026 has transformed him from a name on the radar into a force of nature, with his explosive batting style redefining the tournament’s power-hitting landscape. The 25-year-old Australian opener’s performance against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 11th match of the season marked a pivotal moment, as his 25-ball 70—studded with eight sixes—secured a crucial win for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The innings, which included a record-breaking six that cleared the stadium’s roof and landed outside the boundary, underscored his ability to dominate bowlers with precision and audacity. David’s dominance was not just a one-off. The article details his relentless practice sessions leading up to the match, where he and RCB’s Romario Shepherd routinely blasted sixes during pre-match drills. At the Chinnaswamy Stadium, their practice sessions drew crowds of onlookers, as the pair’s power-hitting spectacle turned empty stands into arenas of spectacle. The duo’s ability to clear the fence and smash balls beyond the stadium’s boundaries became a daily ritual, reflecting the meticulous training that has honed David’s technique. The match itself saw David’s impact extend beyond his personal tally. His partnership with skipper Rajat Patidar, who also struck six sixes in the final five overs, turned the tide in RCB’s favor. CSK’s captain and coach later acknowledged that this phase of the innings was the turning point, as RCB’s explosive batting dismantled the opposition’s resistance. David’s innings, while celebrated for its sheer power, also showcased his strategic adaptability.#chennai_super_kings #royal_challengers_bangalore #rajat_patidar #devdutt_padikkal #tim_david
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2025 Triumph: Rajat Patidar's Leadership Shines Rajat Patidar, the newly appointed captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, reflected on the team’s historic IPL 2025 victory, stating, “We have definitely done something.” The win marked the end of an 18-year wait for the franchise, as they defeated Punjab Kings in the final to claim their first-ever IPL title. Patidar’s leadership was instrumental in guiding the team to success, particularly after taking over from Faf du Plessis. Patidar’s transition into the captaincy was not without challenges. However, his experience as the coach of Madhya Pradesh, where he led the team to the final of the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, proved invaluable. That season, Patidar showcased his ability to inspire and strategize, qualities that translated seamlessly into his role as RCB’s captain. The 2025 campaign was a testament to the team’s collective effort. From the standout performances of key players to the strategic acumen of the coaching staff, every element came together to secure the title. The final against Punjab Kings was a culmination of months of preparation, with RCB’s resilience and adaptability proving decisive. As the IPL 2026 season approaches, RCB is already looking ahead. The team will kick off their campaign with a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening fixture, setting the stage for another ambitious season. Patidar’s vision for the franchise remains clear: to build on this success and continue competing at the highest level. The victory not only solidified Patidar’s reputation as a capable leader but also redefined RCB’s identity in the IPL. With a new chapter beginning, the team is poised to make its mark once again.#royal_challengers_bengaluru #ipl_2025 #punjab_kings #rajat_patidar #syed_mushtaq_ali_trophy
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Begin New Chapter After Season of Triumph and Tragedy For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the question is no longer "When are we going to win it?" but "Are we going to win it again?" Since the 2020 Indian Premier League, RCB have been one of the most consistent teams in the tournament, reaching the playoffs five times in six seasons and boasting the second-best win percentage in that span. Their journey to the 2025 title, however, was marked by both triumph and tragedy, setting the stage for a new era in IPL 2026. The franchise’s breakthrough came under the leadership of rookie captain Rajat Patidar, who led RCB to their first-ever IPL title in a season defined by unexpected challenges. For years, RCB had been shaped by superstar signings, contentious auction decisions, and heartbreaks, but the 2025 campaign marked a turning point. Escalating tensions between India and Pakistan led to a temporary suspension of the IPL, a disruption that inadvertently benefited RCB. The break allowed Patidar to recover from a wrist injury, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood to rehabilitate from a shoulder injury, and all-rounder Phil Salt to spend time with his pregnant wife. When the tournament resumed, RCB picked up where they left off, with Hazlewood starring in back-to-back playoff wins and Virat Kohli celebrating alongside AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, completing a rare reunion of the team’s all-time batting trinity. But the celebrations were short-lived. Just days after their historic victory, a tragedy unfolded outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, claiming 11 lives and plunging Bengaluru into grief. The incident overshadowed the team’s success, shifting focus to legal battles, finger-pointing, and attempts to address the crisis.#ipl_2026 #virat_kohli #royal_challengers_bengaluru #chinnaswamy_stadium #rajat_patidar
Virat Kohli Sends IPL Warning With 45 Off 19 in RCB Intra-Squad Game Virat Kohli showcased his intent for the upcoming IPL 2026 season with a standout performance in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s intra-squad match, scoring 45 off 19 balls. The display came as the team prepared for the tournament, which is set to begin on March 28, with the opening match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and RCB at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kohli’s aggressive approach highlighted his readiness to lead the defending champions in the competitive league. RCB’s intra-squad game saw several players deliver impressive performances. Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma scored an unbeaten 81 from 37 balls, while skipper Rajat Patidar smashed a blistering 74 off 25 deliveries. Kohli, though, stood out with his quick 29 off 12 balls, contributing to a team total of 234/7 in the first innings. In the second innings, the side led by Krunal Pandya posted 247, with Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, and Krunal Pandya delivering standout performances. Kohli’s performance was praised for its clarity of purpose, reflecting his determination to make an impact in the IPL. Karthik, a former teammate, highlighted Kohli’s ability to push boundaries and bring energy to the team, calling it a significant part of his personality. “He’s always trying to push his boundaries. And also what he brings in terms of energy to the crowd and the meetings, those are big things, and that’s a big part of Virat’s personality,” Karthik said. RCB’s preparations for IPL 2026 include new rules, a tribute to past players, and updates to the squad. The team’s upcoming matches include a clash against Chennai Super Kings on April 5 in Bengaluru, followed by games against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati and Mumbai Indians in Mumbai.#ipl_2026 #virat_kohli #royal_challengers_bengaluru #m_chinnaswamy_stadium #rajat_patidar
From Truck Driver's Sacrifice To Rs 5.2 Crore Glory: Mangesh Yadav's Inspiring Rise To RCB Mangesh Yadav, a 23-year-old fast bowler from Borgaon in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district, has transformed his life from humble beginnings to a lucrative cricket career with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). His journey, marked by his father's relentless sacrifices and his own determination, has culminated in a contract worth Rs 5.2 crore, a testament to his perseverance and the support of those who believed in him. Before stepping onto professional cricket fields, Mangesh's father, Ramavadh Yadav, worked as a truck driver, enduring grueling hours to fund his son's dreams. Ramavadh often stayed awake at night, grappling with the challenge of securing enough money for Mangesh's cricket training. "I had to struggle a lot for money. Sometimes I couldn't sleep at night, thinking about how I would raise funds for him. The life of a truck driver is no life at all," Ramavadh recalled. Despite the hardships, he poured every resource into his son's aspirations, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. Mangesh's cricketing journey began in a modest courtyard with his mother, where he honed his skills before his uncle recognized his talent at tennis-ball tournaments. Encouraged to pursue cricket seriously, he traveled to Delhi to train under coach Phool Chand Sharma, a pivotal figure in his development. "If I am playing cricket today, it is because of Phool Chand sir," Mangesh said. His father had given him Rs 24,000 with great difficulty, a sum that vanished within the first month of his training. Phool Chand, who noticed Mangesh's potential despite his financial struggles, invited him to stay at the hostel, marking the start of his professional journey. "I don't care if someone has money or not.#royal_challengers_bengaluru #mangesh_yadav #ramavadh_yadav #phool_chand_sharma #rajat_patidar
