Marcus Stoinis scored 37 off 25 balls, while Cooper Connolly also made 37 off 22 balls. Suryansh Shedge was another key contributor for Punjab, scoring 35 off 22 balls.

For RCB, Rasikh Salam was the star with the ball, picking up three wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar took two. With this win, RCB now has 18 points from 13 games, sealing their spot in the playoffs. On the other hand, Punjab, who lost six consecutive games after winning their first six, are in a tough spot.

They are currently in fourth place with 13 points from 13 matches, and their playoff chances are looking very slim. Even if they win their last match against Lucknow, they can only reach a maximum of 15 points.

Final Score: RCB 222-4 in 20 overs, Punjab Kings 199-8 in 20 overs.

#RCB breathing fire with the ball

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Rasikh Dar 

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/3u5qL0Zn75#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #PBKSvRCB | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/J7VZ6x37yv

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 17, 2026

Punjab's Chase Loses Steam After a Shaky Start

Chasing a huge target of 223, Punjab's innings got off to a terrible start. Bhuvneshwar Kumar shocked them in the very first over, dismissing the in-form Priyansh Arya for a duck. In his next over, Bhuvneshwar struck again, sending back Prabhsimran Singh for just 1 run.

Rasikh Salam then joined the party, getting rid of captain Shreyas Iyer (1), which left Punjab struggling at 19-3. After this early collapse, Punjab could only manage 49 runs in the powerplay.

Into the stands x 3⃣  

Shashank Singh keeping the fight on for #PBKS  

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/3u5qL0Zn75#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #PBKSvRCB pic.twitter.com/fOyfJWs1qq

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 17, 2026

Cooper Connolly and Suryansh Shedge tried to build a partnership, but Romario Shepherd broke their stand in the eighth over by dismissing Connolly (37 off 22). Suryansh Shedge continued to fight with some big hits, but Suyash Sharma sent him back in the eleventh over for 35 off 22 balls, putting RCB firmly in control.

Shashank Singh then launched a counter-attack, smashing three sixes in Suyash Sharma's 13th over to collect 20 runs. He followed it up with two boundaries against Krunal Pandya, scoring 12 more runs to keep Punjab's hopes alive. Between the 12th and 16th overs, Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh added a quick 58 runs.

Josh Hazlewood turns breakthrough provider

He traps Marcus Stoinis in front to break a dangerous stand ☝️

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/3u5qL0Zn75#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #PBKSvRCB pic.twitter.com/UfVpTB2Zv5

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 17, 2026

Punjab needed 63 runs from the last four overs. However, Josh Hazlewood trapped Stoinis (37 off 25) LBW with a full toss in the 17th over, which was a major blow. Despite losing Stoinis, Shashank continued his assault and reached his half-century in just 22 balls.

With 40 runs needed off the last two overs, the pressure was on. Hazlewood bowled a tight 19th over, giving away only 7 runs. In the final over, Rasikh Salam dismissed Shashank Singh (56 off 27), ending Punjab's fight.

The is ON!

Reigning champions @RCBTweets become the 1⃣st team to enter the #TATAIPL 2026 Playoffs ❤️

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/3u5qL0Zn75#KhelBindaas | #PBKSvRCB pic.twitter.com/1XAjPzeHnV

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 17, 2026

Earlier, after being put in to bat, RCB posted a massive total of 222 for 3 in 20 overs, thanks to explosive half-centuries from Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli. Venkatesh Iyer was the top scorer for RCB, remaining unbeaten on 73 off 40 balls.

Virat Kohli smashed 58 off 37 balls, while Devdutt Padikkal (45 off 25) and Tim David (28 off 12) also made valuable contributions.

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Punjab Kings, asked to bat first, posted a competitive total of 222 for four wickets. Their innings was powered by middle‑order resilience after early setbacks. Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and Shreyas Iyer fell cheaply, leaving the side struggling at 49 for three within the powerplay. Despite late efforts, Punjab finished at 199 for eight, with Azmatullah Omarzai dismissed on the final ball.

Tim David’s Dhawan‑Style Celebration

Tim David completed the catch to dismiss Omarzai and immediately broke into the famous ‘Thigh‑five’ celebration, popularised by Shikhar Dhawan. The gesture added humour and energy to the closing stages of the game, marking RCB’s qualification for the playoffs.

Defending Champions ಈಗ Playoffs ಗೆ Qualified ಗುರು! #TATAIPL #PBKSvRCB #ShashankSingh #VenkateshIyer #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/ZBzNFQJoKj

— Star Sports Kannada (@StarSportsKan) May 17, 2026

Earlier, RCB’s batting unit had set the tone. Virat Kohli struck his 67th IPL fifty, scoring 58 off 37 balls. Devdutt Padikkal contributed a brisk 45, while Venkatesh Iyer’s unbeaten 73 and Tim David’s 28‑run cameo lifted the defending champions to 222 for four.

Punjab’s chase faltered under disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. The early dismissals of their top order left them under pressure, and despite resistance from the middle and lower order, they fell short of the target.

RCB’s stand‑in captain Jitesh Sharma credited the batters for the victory. In the post‑match ceremony, he explained that the team had planned specifically for certain opponents, using feedback from their own batting experience on the wicket. The strategy paid off, ensuring their ninth win in 13 games and a tally of 18 points.

Kohli retired from T20Is and Tests within a span of almost a year, and solely focused on his ODIs, intending to extend his illustrious international career till the marquee event, which is likely to be his swansong on the global stage. Despite stepping away from other formats, the star batter continues to remain a force to be reckoned with in the 50-over format.

Virat Kohli is currently playing the ongoing IPL season for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, recently scoring a century against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur, a knock that further solidified his intent to continue dominating the sport on his own terms.

Also Read: Virat Kohli on his Test captaincy and the 'golden era' of Indian cricket

‘I Want To Be Part of a World Cup’

As Team India set their sights on the coveted ODI World Cup trophy following the T20 World Cup title defence success in March this year, the focus has naturally shifted toward the veterans who will form the backbone of the squad in South African conditions. With the tournament less than 18 months away, Virat Kohli’s participation becomes a key talking point.

Speaking on the latest RCB Podcast, Kohli emphasized that he wants to play in the marquee event, but only if he can genuinely add value to the team and environment, adding that his focus is on meaningful contribution rather than constantly proving his worth or seeking validation.

“As for all the 2027 World Cup talk, honestly, we are still in mid-2026. I have been asked many times, ‘Do you want to play in 2027?’ Why would I leave my home, bring all my stuff here, and not want to play? Of course, if I am playing, I want to play for India. I want to be part of a World Cup. But the value has to be clear. My perspective is that if I can add value to the environment, I am part of, and the environment feels I can add value, I will be seen,” the 37-year-old said.

“But if I am made to feel like I need to constantly prove my worth and value, then I am not in that space, because I am honest about my preparation and my approach to the game. I put my head down. I work hard.

“I am very thankful to God for everything I have been given in my cricketing career, and I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunities I have had,” he added.

Why did Virat retire from Test cricket, and will he play the 2027 World Cup or not?

Virat has answered everything: https://t.co/WshqgB7ita pic.twitter.com/WdSn1TMJk1

— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) May 15, 2026

Virat Kohli appeared to have indicated his participation in the ODI World Cup with his participation in the ODI series against Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. Across three series, Kohli has aggregated 616 runs, including 3 centuries and as many fifties, at an average of 88 in nine matches.

‘I’m Here to Give My Best, Not Prove Anyone Wrong’

Further speaking on his mindset and approach, Virat Kohli explained that every time he steps onto the field, his focus is on giving his best to the team rather than trying to satisfy external expectations or prove his worth.

“When I arrive to play, I give my absolute best. I work as hard, if not harder, than anyone else, and I play the game in the right way. If you want me to run boundary to boundary for 40 overs in an ODI, I will do that without complaint because I prepare for it. I prepare to face 50 overs as if every ball could be the last of my career, and I bat and run that way, doing everything possible for the team,” the former India captain said.

‘After operating like this, if I am in a place where I still have to prove my worth, then that place is not meant for me. I am very clear in my head about that. That is why when I went back to play, I was clear that I was not going out to prove anything to anyone. I was going to play because I love playing the game. I just love batting and wanted to focus on that,” he added.

The ongoing IPL season is a crucial platform for Virat Kohli to maintain his rhythm and consistency and solidify his spot in India’s long-term ODI plans in the build-up to the 2027 World Cup.

In IPL 2026, Virat Kohli has amassed 484 runs, including a century and 3 fifties, at an average of 53.77 and a strike rate of 165.75 in 12 matches.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Pressure is a privilege, says Virat Kohli after 105*

Krunal Pandya’s residence is in the upscale Khar West neighbourhood of Mumbai. The property sits inside the Rustomjee Paramount complex, a celebrity-favoured tower offering exclusivity and sea-facing luxury.

Purchased in 2021, the apartment is valued at nearly ₹30 crore. Spread across 3,838 sq ft, it reflects the Pandya brothers’ investment in premium real estate, combining lifestyle appeal with long-term value.

The flat is designed as a “4+4” configuration, essentially an eight-bedroom layout. It balances private zones with expansive family and entertainment areas, making it ideal for both personal comfort and gatherings.

The interiors feature premium marble finishes, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and designer touches. Natural light floods the rooms, while panoramic views of Mumbai’s western coastline add to the grandeur.

Khar West commands some of Mumbai’s highest property prices due to its sea-facing towers and celebrity appeal. The Pandya home fits into this trend of cricketers investing in exclusive addresses.

One of the standout features is the breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea. The large glass panels provide uninterrupted vistas of the skyline, enhancing the apartment’s appeal and value.

The residence reflects the Pandya brothers’ sporty lifestyle, with facilities including:

State-of-the-art gymnasium

Private theatre

Swimming pool

Spa facilities

Gaming zone

Garden spaces

Actress and singer Shehnaaz Gill has become the talk of social media after fresh dating rumours linked her with Indian cricketer Devdutt Padikkal. The buzz started after Shehnaaz was seen enjoying an IPL 2026 match and cheering for Royal Challengers Bengaluru from the stands. Clips from the stadium quickly went viral online, leading fans to speculate about a possible connection between the actress and the young cricketer. However, neither of them has addressed the rumours publicly.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Shehnaaz Gill (@shehnaazgill)

Devdutt Padikkal is a talented Indian cricketer who plays domestic cricket for Karnataka and represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League. Born on July 7, 2000, the left-handed batter rose to fame because of his elegant batting style and consistent performances in T20 cricket. He impressed fans during his early IPL seasons and gradually established himself as one of the promising young players in Indian cricket.

Over the years, Padikkal has delivered strong performances in several domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His fearless batting and ability to score quickly have made him an important player in the RCB squad. During IPL 2026, the youngster has once again attracted attention for his confident performances and growing impact in crucial matches.

Speculation about the two personalities started gaining momentum after Shehnaaz attended an RCB match and later shared related videos on social media. Fans quickly connected the dots and began discussing a possible relationship online. Several entertainment pages and fan accounts further fuelled the rumours, although there is no official confirmation from either side regarding the reports.

The dating buzz has now become a major discussion topic among cricket and entertainment fans. While some social media users are excited about the rumoured pairing, others believe the speculation is based only on viral videos and fan theories. For now, both Shehnaaz Gill and Devdutt Padikkal have remained silent, leaving fans curious about the truth behind the rumours.

Kohli became the first player to score 400 or more runs in 12 different IPL seasons, extending his lead over David Warner, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, and Rohit Sharma, who each have nine.

During his unbeaten 105 against KKR, Kohli reached 14,000 T20 runs in just 409 innings, the fastest ever. He surpassed Chris Gayle, David Warner, Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, and Kieron Pollard.

Kohli now tops the list of most IPL appearances with 279 matches, overtaking MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma (278 each). Ravindra Jadeja, Dinesh Karthik, and Shikhar Dhawan follow behind.

In the 57th match of IPL 2026, RCB defeated KKR by 6 wickets, causing a major shake-up in the points table. With this win, Bengaluru has jumped to the top spot with 16 points. At the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, Virat Kohli's batting was so dominant that the KKR bowlers were left with no answers.

Also Read: RCB vs KKR, IPL 2026: 5 Records Shattered by Virat Kohli With His 105-Run Knock in Raipur

RCB vs KKR: Who Won Yesterday's IPL Match?

In the 57th IPL 2026 match played on May 13, 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 6 wickets. KKR batted first and put up a strong total of 192/4 in their 20 overs. But thanks to Virat Kohli's century, RCB chased down the target in just 19.1 overs.

Match Scorecard

• KKR: 192/4 (20 overs)
• RCB: 194/4 (19.1 overs)

Result: RCB won by 6 wickets

Virat Kohli Plays a Captain's Innings

Chasing a big target, RCB started aggressively. Jacob Bethell got out early, but then Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal completely changed the game. Kohli scored a blistering 105 not out from just 60 balls, an innings that included 11 fours and 3 massive sixes. What stood out was his calm approach under pressure, staying till the very end to finish the match. This was Virat Kohli's 9th century in his IPL career. He reached his hundred in only 58 balls, proving once again why he's considered a big-match player.

Devdutt Padikkal's Crucial Support

Padikkal played a key role, building a vital 92-run partnership with Kohli for the second wicket. He scored a quick 39 off 27 balls, putting RCB in a commanding position. Although Kartik Tyagi dismissed him to give KKR a glimmer of hope, the match had already tilted heavily in RCB's favour by then.

Also Read: Dropped catches of Kohli, Padikkal cost us the match: Ajinkya Rahane

Angkrish Raghuvanshi Shines for KKR

Earlier, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, KKR's young batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi played a superb knock. He scored 71 runs, helping his team post a competitive total of 192/4 in 20 overs. However, their bowling attack just couldn't contain the RCB batsmen.

Who Bowled Well?

For KKR, Kartik Tyagi was the most successful bowler, picking up 3 wickets, while Sunil Narine got one. But KKR's fielding really let them down. They dropped crucial catches of both Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal, a mistake that ultimately cost them the match.

Virat Kohli Sets a New Record

During this match, Virat Kohli achieved another historic milestone. He became the fastest batsman to score 14,000 runs in T20 cricket.

Fastest to 14,000 T20 Runs (by innings)

• 409 innings – Virat Kohli
• 423 innings – Chris Gayle
• 431 innings – David Warner

Besides this, Virat also strengthened his record for scoring 400+ runs in the most IPL seasons.

Who Was the Player of the Match?

RCB's star batsman, Virat Kohli, was named the "Player of the Match" for his magnificent unbeaten 105. His innings wasn't just a century; it was a crucial win that has put RCB in a strong position in the race for the playoffs.

RCB Climbs to Number 1 on the Points Table

After this victory, RCB now has 16 points and has moved to the top of the points table due to a better net run rate. Gujarat Titans also have 16 points, but RCB is ahead. The IPL 2026 playoff race has just become even more exciting.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli delivered a match-winning performance in the IPL 2026 match against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur on Wednesday, May 13.

Kohli played an unbeaten knock of 105 off 60 balls, including 11 fours and 3 sixes, at a strike rate of 175 to help the defending champions chase down a 193-run target with 19.1 overs. The former captain’s knock not only helped RCB to seal a victory but also earned two crucial points, which saw them move to the top of the points table with 16 points, inching closer to playoff qualification.

On that note, let’s take a look at five major records shattered by Virat Kohli during his century knock in Raipur.

With his 105-run knock against the Kolkata Knight Riders, Virat Kohli became the first Indian batter to record 10 centuries in the history of T20 cricket. The veteran RCB batter was tied with SRH opener Abhishek Sharma at nine T20 centuries, but his clinical performance in Raipur allowed him to pull ahead and stand alone at the top of the mountain for India.

Overall, Kohli is the third batter after his former RCB teammate Chris Gayle (22) and Pakistan star Babar Azam (13) to record 10 or more centuries in the shortest format of the game across all levels.

In his IPL career, Virat Kohli has extended his all-time record to nine centuries, further solidifying his position as the leading centurion in the tournament's history.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Pressure is a privilege, says Virat Kohli after 105*

Virat Kohli has achieved another landmark in his illustrious T20 career, completing 14,000 runs across levels of the format. With this, Kohli became the first Indian batter and the sixth overall to accomplish this milestone in the history of T20 cricket.

Moreover, Kohli has surpassed Chris Gayle’s record for the fastest to complete 14,000 T20 runs. The star Indian batter achieved this historic feat in just 409 innings, eclipsing the former West Indies flamboyant batter’s record of 423 innings to reach the 14,000-run mark in the history of T20 cricket.

In his T20 career, Virat Kohli has aggregated 14,027 runs, including 10 centuries and 118 fifties, at an average of 42.25 and a strike rate of 134.55 in 409 innings.

Virat Kohli has scored his third century in an IPL run chase against the Kolkata Knight Riders, becoming the first Indian batter to achieve this milestone. With this, he equalled Jos Buttler’s record of three centuries in IPL run chases, the joint-most in history.

In fact, Kohli and Buttler hold the joint record of centuries in successful IPL run chases, with all three of Kohli’s hundreds coming in victories while chasing. With this, the RCB star batter further cements his reputation as one of the most reliable finishers in IPL run chases.

In successful IPL run chases, Virat Kohli leads the chart with 2784 runs, including 3 centuries and 20 fifties, at an average of 63.27 and a strike rate of 142.69 in 76 matches.

Also Read: Dropped catches of Kohli, Padikkal cost us the match: Ajinkya Rahane

With his unbeaten 105-run knock, Virat Kohli has completed 400 runs in the IPL 2026 and once again broke into the top 5 in the Orange Cap race. The veteran RCB batter has completed the 400-run mark for a record 12th different IPL season, extending his dominance as the player with the most 400-plus run campaigns in the history of the tournament.

Virat Kohli has aggregated a 400-run campaign for the fourth successive IPL season for the second time after previously achieving the feat between 2018 and 2021. His record of a 973-run season in IPL 2026 remains intact for a decade.

In IPL 2026, Virat Kohli has amassed 484 runs, including a century and 3 fifties, at an average of 53.77 and a strike rate of 165.75 in 12 matches.

Alongside becoming the first Indian batter and fastest globally to complete 14,000 runs in the history of T20 cricket, Virat Kohli also holds the distinction of possessing the highest batting average among all six players to have crossed the 14,000-run mark in the shortest format of the game.

With his career average standing at a remarkable 42.25, Kohli remains the only batter in this elite group to maintain an average above 40, surpassing legends like Chris Gayle, Shoaib Malik, Kieron Pollard, Alex Hales, and Jos Buttler, who are averaging well below the 40-mark, further emphasizing the gap between Kohli and his contemporaries.

In IPL, Virat Kohli averages 40.10, the third-highest by any batter with a minimum of 5,000 runs in the tournament, trailing only KL Rahul and David Warner in this elite bracket of consistency.

After being put to bat first by RCB captain Rajat Patidar following a long delay for the start of the match due to rain, KKR posted a respectable total of 192/4 in 20 overs. Young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi led the charge with an innings of 71 off 46 balls, including 7 fours and 3 sixes, at a strike rate of 154.35.

Raghuvanshi also formed a crucial 76-run stand for the fourth wicket with Rinku Singh, who played an unbeaten knock of 49 off 29 balls, including 3 fours and 2 sixes, at a strike rate of 168.97. Cameron Green also contributed to the KKR’s innings with 32 runs off 24 balls while stitching a vital 68-run stand for the third wicket with Raghuvanshi.

Also Read: IPL: PBKS focused on returning to winning ways against Mumbai Indians

Rinku’s Strike-Rotation in Final Over Under Spotlight

As Rinku Singh and Angkrish Raghuvanshi formed a blistering partnership at a strike rate of 165.21, the momentum seemed firmly in KKR's favor until a sequence of events in the final over, bowled by the veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, left the cricketing world scratching its head.

Rinku’s strike-rotation with Angkrish has come under heavy fire, as he was seemingly prioritizing completing his third fifty of the season over the team’s pursuit of a few extra runs in the final over. On the third ball of the final over, Rinku Singh managed to flick the ball of Bhuvneshwar towards deep mid-wicket, but surprisingly, he denied a single to in-form Raghuvanshi.

On the fourth ball, the left-handed middle-order batter managed to take a single after mistiming a slower delivery. As Rinku was looking to take a single to complete his fifty on the final ball, Angkrish Raghuvanshi found himself sacrificed in a run-out on the final ball of the innings as Rinku desperately tried to get back on strike to reach his milestone.

Rinku Singh absolutely smoked that one. #KKR finish with a commanding total on the board #TATAIPL Race To Playoffs 2026 ➡️ #RCBvKKR | LIVE NOW https://t.co/9SHVzm41aO pic.twitter.com/EzQvH7xTsy

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 13, 2026

Eventually, Rinku Singh was stranded on 49*, missing out on his third fifty of the season by just one run, while KKR finished their innings at 192/4. For the fourth consecutive match, Rinku has remained unbeaten, as previously he registered the scores 53*, 83*, and 22* against the Rajasthan Royals, Lucknow Super Giants, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

With four successive unbeaten outings, Rinku Singh has cemented his reputation as one of KKR’s most dependable finishers this season.

Fans Slam Rinku Singh’s Final-Over Decisions

Rinku Singh’s decision to deny a crucial single to Angkrish Raghuvanshi in the final over has sparked criticism on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts questioning his game awareness.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts slammed Rinku Singh’s decision to deny a single to the well-set Angkrish Raghuvanshi, calling it confusing, unnecessary, and counterproductive, with many pointing out that it defied basic strike-rotation logic, especially in the final over.

Rinku denies the single (19.3) just to take the single on very next ball (19.4) when the non striker is batting on 70*(45) lmao he thinks he's Krunal

— RCB Xtra (@Rcb_Xtra) May 13, 2026

Rinku tried everything to complete his fifty but still fell short

— AdityaRRaj (@RR_for_LIFE) May 13, 2026

Rinku refused the single on 19.3, then took one on 19.4.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi was batting on 70, what exactly was the thought process there? Makes no sense . Even Aaron Finch in the commentary box called out that decision

— Wickets Hitting (@offpacedelivery) May 13, 2026

Rinku didn't take a single when his partner is batting on 70

— Unpaired_electron (@i_m_mukul_sahu) May 13, 2026

Rinku Singh delined a single to Raghuwanshi who was batting on 70 and then took a single next ball ‍#RCBvKKR

— Devendra (@Devendra786s) May 13, 2026

Rinku, you’re not a superhuman. Always take the single unless it’s a tail-ender on the other side.

— FARHAN (@lamFarhan) May 13, 2026

What, Rinku didn’t take a single???? #RCBvKKR

— Ana de Armas stan (@abhithecomic) May 13, 2026

Shocking Rinku turned down single to Raghuvanshi

— Yuva (@Yuva_Sanchari) May 13, 2026

In the IPL 2026, Rinku Singh has aggregated 286 runs, including two fifties, at an impressive average of 71.50 and a strike rate of 148.95 in 11 matches.

Meanwhile, the Kolkata Knight Riders are currently in seventh place with 4 wins in 10 matches and have earned 9 points, including one point from a washed-out fixture, as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive in a highly competitive mid-table scramble.

Also Read: 5 Uncapped IPL 2026 Players Who Deserve India Call-Up After Breakout Performances

The RCB and KKR are locking horns for the first time in the ongoing IPL season. In the tournament's history, the two sides faced off 36 times, with the Kolkata Knight Riders emerging victorious on 20 occasions, while the Royal Challengers Bengaluru won 15 matches, and one was no result. Both have been dominant at different times, with KKR having a slight historical edge over RCB.

Their first clash of the season is far more crucial in the race to the playoffs, which is intensifying, and every single point could prove decisive in determining the final top-four standings.

Also Read: IPL 2026: SRH skipper Pat Cummins fined Rs 12 lakhs for slow over rate

Rain Delays RCB vs KKR Clash

As the spectators and fans at the stadium anticipated an electric contest between two of the league’s most popular franchises, the weather gods had other plans, forcing the toss to be delayed as the covers were brought on.

The toss, which was supposed to take place at 7 pm, has been pushed back indefinitely, with heavy covers shielding the entire square at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium. As per the reports, the inspection of the ground and pitch took place before the scheduled time of 8:15 pm, and the match will officially start at 8:45 pm.

The significant delay was due to a wet outfield caused by persistent rain, as massive waterlogging is visible on the covers, and ground stewards were working with extreme care to remove the water without letting it seep onto the playing surface.

Update from Raipur

Toss at 8.30 PM 

Play to start at 8.45 PM with no overs lost. #TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #RCBvKKR https://t.co/4aKQ8u16Vf

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 13, 2026

The match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Kolkata Knight Riders is set to be a full 20-over affair despite the initial weather concerns, providing a huge relief to the fans gathered in Raipur.

What if the RCB vs KKR Clash gets Washed Out?

Though the clash between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders is now on track for a prompt start, the unpredictability of the weather in Raipur means that a washout was a genuine concern, which would have left both camps with very different feelings about the split points.

The RCB are sitting at the second spot with seven wins from 11 matches and have accumulated 14 points. KKR, on the other hand, are at the seventh spot with four wins after 10 matches and has earned 9 points. Both teams are still in a race for the playoffs. 

In case the match gets washed out due to rain, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru would move to 15 points, further solidifying their hold on the second position and edging them closer to an official playoff qualification. And, Kolkata Knight Riders will move to 10 points after earning one point, which would keep them at the seventh spot but severely dent their chances of making it to the final four.

The ‘no result’ would favour RCB significantly more than KKR, as it would maintain their momentum and keep them safely within the qualifying bracket without the risk of a defeat.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Rabada on tough Indian pitches, grateful for GT success

The living room is filled with natural light and features dark‑coloured sofas, armchairs, and a wooden coffee table. Unique decor items and paintings add charm, with a large artwork above the sofa serving as the highlight.

The lounge is the couple’s favourite spot to relax. It has a beige sofa, a blue armchair, and circular tables. A large TV opposite the seating makes it perfect for binge‑watching after hectic practice sessions.

The bedroom features a king‑size bed, wardrobe, and cabinet. Large glass panes keep the room bright, while Dipika enjoys playing video games here on the TV installed opposite the bed.

The uncluttered kitchen is built around a long centre table and seats 8‑10 people. White cabinets complement black granite counters, while a wall‑mounted TV adds entertainment. Interestingly, the couple owns four fridges in the space.

The dining area has a granite‑topped table with cushioned chairs. Two paintings and unique ceiling lights enhance the aesthetic, while large glass windows bring in natural light, making it a welcoming space.

The house combines minimalistic interiors with traditional touches. From comfy furniture to attractive art pieces, every corner reflects careful design, making the Chennai residence both luxurious and homely.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has entered its most thrilling stage, where every match now carries playoff-level pressure. As the race for the top four heats up, all eyes will be on Wednesday’s blockbuster clash between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). With crucial points at stake, this contest could have a massive impact on the playoff standings.

RCB Still Needs That Winning Touch

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have enjoyed a strong campaign so far and spent a major part of the season at the top of the points table. However, despite looking almost certain to qualify for the playoffs, RCB still has work to do.

The Bengaluru-based franchise has three league matches remaining and needs at least two wins to seal qualification without depending on other results. While their position appears comfortable, the mathematical possibility of elimination still exists, meaning complacency is not an option.

KKR’s Confidence is Sky-High After Four Wins

Kolkata Knight Riders, meanwhile, have scripted an impressive turnaround after a slow start to the season. The two-time champions have now won four consecutive matches and are firmly back in the playoff race.

With four matches still left to play, KKR has eight valuable points available. Even the single point earned from the rain-affected clash against Punjab Kings could prove decisive later in the tournament. At the moment, KKR’s qualification hopes remain completely in their own hands.

Virat Kohli’s Form is a Worry for RCB

Despite their strong position on the table, RCB has a few concerns heading into this crucial encounter. Star batter Virat Kohli has struggled in his last two innings and is yet to rediscover his best touch.

Romario Shepherd, who impressed with explosive performances last season, has also failed to make a major impact this year. The absence of Phil Salt has further weakened RCB’s batting depth.

RCB did bounce back with a win over Mumbai Indians after suffering two straight defeats, but the victory largely came thanks to an outstanding knock from Krunal Pandya, who guided the side through a tense contest.

KKR Looking Unstoppable

In contrast, Kolkata Knight Riders are entering this game with tremendous momentum. Their last two victories came by commanding margins of eight wickets and seven wickets, underlining their growing dominance.

Sunil Narine has once again been exceptional with the ball, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.51. Finn Allen has finally started delivering at the top of the order, while Rinku Singh continues to shine with consistent performances. Cameron Green has also added stability to the middle order.

KKR’s batting unit now looks balanced and confident. Since the start of their winning streak, the team has lost an average of only 4.5 wickets per innings, highlighting the composure and depth in their line-up.

Question Mark Over Varun Chakravarthy’s Fitness

The only major concern for KKR ahead of the match is the fitness of Varun Chakravarthy. The mystery spinner has been one of the team’s biggest match-winners, claiming 10 wickets in his last five matches.

However, Varun reportedly injured his leg during the match in Delhi and was later seen walking with support at the team hotel. His availability against RCB remains uncertain, and KKR management will be closely monitoring his recovery ahead of the game.

First Face-Off of IPL 2026 for Both Teams

This will be the first meeting between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. While the result may not officially confirm a playoff berth or eliminate either side, the importance of these two points cannot be overstated.

With momentum, confidence, and qualification scenarios all on the line, fans can expect a high-intensity contest between two teams heading in completely different directions.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Probable Playing XI

Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Romario Shepherd/Jacob Duffy, Rasikh Salam, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Probable Playing XI

Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Kartik Tyagi, Vaibhav Arora, Prashant Solanki/Daksh Kamra.

The contest begins at 7:30 PM IST, with live coverage on Star Sports Network and streaming available on JioHotstar.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been in outstanding form this season, sitting at the top of the points table with seven wins from 11 matches.

In their previous encounter against Mumbai Indians, RCB secured a thrilling 2-wicket victory, chasing down 167 runs on the final ball. Krunal Pandya’s match-winning 73 and Jacob Bethell’s 27 proved crucial, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar starred with four wickets.

Kolkata Knight Riders also head into this clash with confidence after a dominant 8-wicket win over Delhi Capitals. Chasing 142, KKR finished the job in just 14.2 overs.

Finn Allen smashed a brilliant century off 47 balls, supported by Cameron Green’s 33. With the ball, Kartik Tyagi and Anukul Roy picked up two wickets each.

Pitch Report At Raipur

The surface at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium offers a balanced contest. Fast bowlers enjoy bounce and movement early, while spinners come into play as the pitch slows down.

Batting becomes easier once set, though the large boundaries demand precise shot placement. The average first innings score here is around 172.

RCB vs. KKR Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 36
• KKR Wins: 20
• RCB Wins: 15
• No Result: 1

RCB vs. KKR Probable Playing XIs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (capt), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam.

Bench: Phil Salt, Jordan Cox, Swapnil Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, K Chouhan, Vihaan Malhotra, Mangesh Yadav, S Deswal, A Singh, N Thushara, Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal, JA Duffy, Vicky Ostwal.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Ajinkya Rahane (capt), Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Sunil Narine, Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Cameron Green, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy, Kartik Tyagi.

Bench: Tejasvi Dahiya, Tim Seifert, Manish Pandey, Rahul Tripathi, S Ranjan, D Kamra, Ramandeep Singh, Rachin Ravindra, Umran Malik, Prashant Solanki, Matheesha Pathirana, Blessing Muzarabani, SS Dubey, NA Saini.

RCB vs. KKR Key Players To Watch

Virat Kohli (RCB): Kohli has scored 310 runs at a strike rate of 159 in his last 10 games. His consistency and ability to anchor innings make him a vital player for RCB.

Finn Allen (KKR): Allen’s explosive century against Delhi showcased his destructive potential. His aggressive batting at the top order makes him a strong candidate for captaincy in fantasy teams. Predicted Winner

With RCB leading the table and KKR showing strong form, this clash promises fireworks. Historically, KKR have the upper hand in head-to-head battles, and their batting depth could prove decisive.

Prediction: Kolkata Knight Riders to win the match.

In the RCB’s two-wicket win over the Mumbai Indians, Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked four wickets while conceding just 23 runs at an economy rate of 5.80 in his spell of four overs. The left-arm pacer dismantled the MI’s batting line-up by removing Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav, effectively setting the stage for RCB’s thrilling last-ball victory in Raipur.

With his maiden four-wicket haul in the IPL 2026, Bhuvneshwar Kumar became the first to take 20 wickets and is currently leading the Purple Cap race with 21 scalps to his name in 11 matches.

Also Read: PBKS vs DC, IPL 2026: Who Won Yesterday’s Match? Results, Highlights, and Key Performances

‘Not Thinking About India Comeback’

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to his vintage bowling since the last IPL season, where he played a pivotal role in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden title triumph, has sparked intense debate among fans and experts alike regarding his return to the Indian national team.

Despite the growing call for his inclusion in the squad for the upcoming T20I assignments, the veteran pacer emphasizes a mindful, short-term approach, prioritizing current performance over hopes of making a national comeback. He views his career milestones as rewards for past perseverance rather than a path to selection.

“I am not thinking about India’s comeback. It has been many years since I stopped keeping or making long-term goals, because whenever I did that, it never worked for me. I am happy that I have played 200 matches and taken so many wickets, in the powerplay and at the death. I think it is all a reward for what I have done over the years,” Bhuvneshwar said in a video posted by RCB.

“There have been good years and bad years. Honestly, at this point in time, I am not feeling anything special. Of course, I would be lying if I said that I would not feel it later on. Once I stop playing, I think these will be memories that will come in handy later. But at this point in time, for me, I think it is very normal," he added.

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Close to two decades of discipline, progress, and even in the era of the Impact Player rule where bowlers are taken for runs, what makes Bhuvi one of the toughest bowlers to face -… pic.twitter.com/9ING9Ugae7

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 12, 2026

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been out of the national setup since 2022, and his return to the national setup seemingly looks narrow, as the selectors are currently backing the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh as the pace battery across formats.

Bhuvneshwar Credits Familiar Routines for Recent Success

Further speaking on his current purple patch, the veteran seamer noted that while his output has improved, his fundamental preparation remains constant, adding that his absence from international cricket has worked in his favour, allowing for more rigorous training sessions and recovery periods that were difficult to maintain.

“I know 2026 is going well. I’m getting wickets, but I’m doing all the same things I was doing earlier as well. Of course, I can say the training has been a bit more, or maybe some things have improved since I haven’t been playing for the country,” the veteran Indian pacer said.

“One of the best things is that I get quite a long break after the IPL. I think I play so much cricket that I stay in touch, and I also get enough of a break that I have time to do other things," he added.

In his IPL career, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the second-leading wicket-taker with 219 wickets, including 3 four-wicket hauls and 2 fifers, at an average of 26.17 and an economy rate of 7.67 in 201 matches.

Also Read: IPL: RCB's Tim David fined 30% of match fee for obscene gesture

RCB secured a two-wicket win in a last-ball thriller, knocking MI out of the playoff race. Pandya’s crucial 73 off 46 balls guided RCB to victory despite battling severe leg cramps under Raipur’s humidity. Sportsmanship Displayed On Field

At one point, Krunal Pandya collapsed in pain on the crease. MI wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton immediately checked on his rival, showing genuine concern and sportsmanship.

However, Badrinath’s alleged comment, suggesting Ryan Rickelton should not help Pandya and “let him die there” so MI would lose, drew sharp criticism.

I understand Tamil, you said it in a mocking way.. As if you're cheekily laughing.. Utterly disgusting behavior.. Don't try to cover up what you said.
You must accept the consequences, what action will be taken against him?@startupindia @StarSportsTamil @BCCI @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/p2h0RX0dku

— Manoj Lad (@BeardedRedDevil) May 11, 2026

The remark quickly went viral, with fans condemning Badrinath for violating the spirit of cricket.

Social media was flooded with reactions

• “Disgraceful comment. Cricket is about respect, not mocking pain.”
• “Rickelton showed true sportsmanship, Badrinath showed none.”
• “Insensitive jokes have no place in commentary.”
• “Krunal fought through pain, deserves applause.”
• “This is why players need empathy, not cheap laughs.”

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been in strong form, playing like true defending champions. With ten matches completed, RCB have secured six wins and sit fourth on the points table with 12 points. A victory in Raipur would further solidify their playoff position and potentially push them higher up the standings.

Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, face a critical juncture in their campaign. With four matches left in the league stage, they cannot afford defeats if they wish to secure a playoff berth. Every game from here on is a must-win scenario for the five-time champions.

Pitch Report At Raipur

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium returns to IPL action after nearly a decade. Historically, six IPL matches have been played here, with chasing sides enjoying more success. The pitch tends to ease for batting as the match progresses, while spinners are expected to find assistance from the surface.

RCB vs MI Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 35
• RCB Wins: 16
• MI Wins: 19
• Tied/No Result: 0
• First Fixture: April 20, 2008
• Most Recent Fixture: April 12, 2026

Probable Playing XIs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (capt), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar, Impact Player: Jacob Bethell

Mumbai Indians (MI): Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Raj Bawa, Hardik Pandya (capt), Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, AM Ghazanfar, Raghu Sharma, Impact Player: Rohit Sharma

Key Players To Watch

Probable Best Batter: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has been in superb touch this season, scoring 379 runs at a strike rate of 164.06. His ability to dominate attacks and maintain consistency makes him the key batter for RCB in this clash.

Probable Best Bowler: AM Ghazanfar

The Raipur pitch is expected to favor spinners, bringing AM Ghazanfar into focus for MI. Despite a higher economy rate of 9.92, the Afghanistan spinner has delivered crucial breakthroughs and remains a vital asset against RCB’s strong batting lineup.

Predicted Winner

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with their current form and balanced squad, appear better placed to secure victory. However, Mumbai Indians’ desperation to stay alive in the playoff race could inspire a spirited performance, making this a tightly contested encounter.

Prince might have picked three wickets in LSG’s nine-run win over RCB, but he stole the spotlight with an outswing delivery that nipped back sharper to breach Kohli's defense and uproot the off-stump. As the young LSG pacer celebrated ecstatically by pumping his fist in the air, Kohli stood there at the crease like a statue, staring at the pitch for a few seconds before walking back to the pavilion.

The RCB star batter was visibly stunned by Prince’s unplayable delivery that nipped back sharply to pierce between the bat and pad at a pace of 140.4 kph.

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An absolute peach of a delivery from the young fast bowler to rattle the stumps

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/W0eDq9aWb7#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #LSGvRCB | @LucknowIPL pic.twitter.com/YlxbQO9Oma

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 7, 2026

Prince Yadav’s dismissal of Virat Kohli was one of the biggest talking points from the match, as it ended Kohli's 1,110-day streak without an IPL duck, and the young LSG pacer’s deadly 140.4 kph nip-backer left the RCB star completely puzzled over the unpredictability of the seam movement.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma set for television debut; teaser featuring 'Hitman' out

The ‘Sachin-esque’ Reaction

When Virat Kohli was bowled out by Prince Yadav, the RCB star batter was spotted briefly looking at the pitch, seemingly analysing how the ball behaved and why it managed to beat him. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar provided an interesting perspective on the dismissal, drawing a direct parallel between Kohli’s reaction and that of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

“Virat Kohli getting clean bowled by Prince Yadav gives me a great insight into a champion batter's mind. It was the same with Tendulkar. It's not so much about how we got out. Look at Virat's reaction when he gets out. The moment he gets out, he looks down at the pitch as if something untoward has happened. The pitch has played some trick on him,” Manjrekar said in a video posted on his Instagram handle.

“Tendulkar did that too, more so towards the end of his career; he would look down at the pitch and would think that the ball had kept low. And, you know, something wrong happened there. So what is happening here? The moment there is a little setback like that, they aren't immediately looking within or being self-critical.

“They're looking at other reasons apart from themselves. for what happened. And that, interestingly, is the trait of a great batter, because they've had such tremendous success over the years, their self-confidence is very high. So when they have a moment like this, that self-confidence doesn't dip quickly,” he added.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaysphotos)

During his playing days, Sachin Tendulkar would often look down at the pitch and tap it with his bat to investigate the hidden crack or a patch of uneven bounce that might have caused the ball to behave unexpectedly. Oftentimes, many batters would look at the pitch and try to find a fault in it to convince themselves that it wasn’t their mistake but the pitch’s.

Confidence Separates the Great from the Good

Further speaking on Virat Kohli’s reaction to Prince Yadav’s delivery, Manjrekar explained that such a reaction often separates a great batter from an ordinary one, as it highlights a level of self-confidence that "lesser mortals" simply do not possess.

“With lesser mortals, when something like this happens, the self-confidence gets shattered. They think, oh, dear, too slow and not a good enough player to defend that ball. Great batters will instinctively find another reason because their faith in their own ability is so high,” the former India batter said.

“And that is one reason why great batters are great as opposed to lesser mortals, who lose their confidence easily. So one big difference between a great player and a not-so-great player is that the great players handle their failures a lot better than the lesser player.

“And we saw in that reaction of Virat, and Sachin Tendulkar’s reaction in the past, that instinct is an important trait to be great,” he concluded.

Virat Kohli’s dismissal to Prince Yadav was not just a momentary shock for the star batter, but also a reminder of the fine margins in cricket, where even the best can be undone by pace, seam, and precision.

Also Read: India T20I Leadership Change: Why Suryakumar Yadav May Lose Captaincy to Shreyas Iyer?

Prince Yadav played a key role in the LSG’s crucial nine-run win over the RCB, picking three wickets to restrict the visitors to 203/6 in their pursuit of the revised 213-run target in a rain-shortened thriller. The standout moment of his spell of 3/33 was the dismissal of Virat Kohli for a two-ball duck, breaking the RCB stalwart's momentum early in the innings.

Yadav bowled a peach of a delivery, which nipped back sharply to shatter Kohli’s off-stump. The unplayable delivery has visibly left the RCB star batter stunned, as he stood frozen for a moment before making the long walk back to the pavilion.

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An absolute peach of a delivery from the young fast bowler to rattle the stumps

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/W0eDq9aWb7#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #LSGvRCB | @LucknowIPL pic.twitter.com/YlxbQO9Oma

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 7, 2026

Prince Yadav might have taken three wickets in LSG’s win over RCB, but the scalp of Virat Kohli is more than just a personal milestone; it is a dream moment that will be remembered in his career for years to come.

Also Read: IPL 2026: McClenaghan hails Prince Yadav's 'divine delivery' to Kohli

Prince Meets King after Dream Wicket

Taking a wicket of Virat Kohli, who is often considered one of the greatest batters in modern-era cricket, must be a prized possession for any young bowler, but what happened after the match truly epitomized the spirit of the game.

In a video posted by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on its official X handle (formerly Twitter), Price Yadav and Virat Kohli can be seen sharing a heartwarming conversation, alongside the team’s bowling coach Bharat Arun and veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, after the match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.

Kohli was seemingly talking about Prince’s outswing delivery and the subtle moment that caught him off guard. Despite being on the receiving end of LSG pacer’s brilliance, the former RCB captain was smiling and seemingly using hand gestures to demonstrate the trajectory of the ball, turning the post-match interaction into a masterclass for the youngster.

Imagine dismissing Virat Kohli and then having a chat with him about it pic.twitter.com/fBXDs9SfBL

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) May 8, 2026

The other two wickets Prince Yadav took were Devdutt Padikkal (34) and Jitesh Sharma (1), effectively dismantling the middle order and ensuring RCB stayed behind the required run rate. With three wickets, Prince’s tally of wickets in the ongoing IPL 2026 reached 16, making him one of the most promising young talents of the season.

Prince Used Kohli’s to Dismiss RCB Stalwart

Prince Yadav couldn’t have asked for a better delivery than the one that sent Virat Kohli back to the pavilion. What made the dismissal even more remarkable was the LSG pacer’s post-match admission, wherein he revealed the RCB star batter’s advice.

Speaking at the post-match interview, Prince revealed that Kohli had actually utilized a technical tip shared by the batting legend himself during their previous encounter.

“After the last match I was talking to Virat bhaiya, and he only told me - as long as it's moving around off a length, stick to that length,” the 24-year-old said.

Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants kept their hopes alive for the playoffs with the third win of the season and are currently sitting at the bottom of the points table with six points and having a net run rate (NRR) of -0.934.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the other hand, are at the third position with six wins in 10 outings, earning 12 points and having a NRR of +1.234, keeping them firmly in contention for a playoff spot despite the loss to LSG.

Also Read: Inside IPL Star Prince Yadav’s Village Residence With Minimal Comforts & His Only Luxury Car Purchase [PHOTOS]

Chasing a daunting 213, RCB’s hopes of a strong start were shattered almost immediately. Jacob Bethell attempted to loft Mohammad Shami’s delivery over mid-on, only to slice the ball high into the night sky. Prince Yadav, who had misfielded earlier in the over, redeemed himself with a superb catch that silenced the Bengaluru supporters. The dismissal left RCB reeling at 9/2 after Kohli’s stumps were uprooted by Prince Yadav’s peach of a delivery.

Partnership Brings Temporary Relief

With the openers gone, Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar steadied the innings. The duo stitched together a 95-run stand, keeping RCB in contention. Patidar’s fifty came off just 26 balls, showcasing his aggressive intent. However, the momentum faltered when Jitesh Sharma fell cheaply, followed by the skipper’s dismissal for 61 off 31 balls.

Tim David and Krunal Pandya attempted to revive the chase with a brisk 46-run partnership. David smashed 34 off 14 balls before departing for 40 off 17, leaving RCB at 158/6. Krunal then joined Romario Shepherd, and the pair kept hopes alive as the equation narrowed to 20 runs required off the final over.

Final Over Drama

With the game hanging in the balance, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant handed the ball to spinner Digvesh Rathi. Despite conceding a boundary and a wide, Rathi held his nerve to defend the target. RCB finished at 203/6, falling short by 10 runs.

Earlier, LSG had set the tone with Mitchell Marsh’s century and Rishabh Pant’s late blitz, piling up 213. Their bowlers then executed plans to perfection, exploiting conditions under lights and dismantling RCB’s top order.

The turning point remained Prince Yadav’s catch in the opening over, which not only dismissed Bethell but also set the tone for Kohli’s early exit. That moment defined the contest, ensuring RCB were always chasing the game.

The victory keeps Lucknow Super Giants’ playoff hopes alive, while RCB are left to rue missed opportunities and a lack of composure in the chase.

After Lucknow Super Giants posted a solid total of 209/3 in 19 overs, thanks to Mitchell Marsh’s 111-run knock, Royal Challengers Bengaluru were set a 210-run target to chase. However, the visitors had a poor start to their run chase, as both openers, Jacob Bethell (4) and Virat Kohli (0) were dismissed cheaply and were reeling at 9/2.

Amid RCB’s shaky start, Prince Yadav’s brilliant bowling left Virat Kohli stunned, as LSG pacer picked a dream wicket of his picked a dream wicket of his career by clean-bowling the veteran batsman, sending the stumps flying and putting Bengaluru under immediate pressure.

Also Read: IPL 2024: David Miller calls struggling Kuldeep Yadav a 'match-winner'

Kohli’s Reaction to Prince’s Unplayable Delivery Goes Viral

Taking a wicket of Virat Kohli, who is often regarded as one of the greatest batters in modern-era cricket, is a dream of any bowler, be it a young talent or a seasoned pacer. The 24-year-old Prince Yadav etched his name in the spotlight, claiming one of the most memorable wickets of his career by dismissing the RCB stalwart.

The dismissal took place on the second ball of the second over when Prince bowled a peach of a delivery on a good length and nipped back sharply at a pace of 140.4kph, which jagged back significantly to catch Kohli off-guard.

The RCB star batter was looking to play a defensive stroke against an outswinging delivery, but the ball deviated inward after pitching, finding the gap between bat and pad to uproot the off-stump. Kohli, who had anticipated the ball to move away, was completely stunned as he stood at the crease for a brief moment before going back to the dugout.

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An absolute peach of a delivery from the young fast bowler to rattle the stumps

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/W0eDq9aWb7#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #LSGvRCB | @LucknowIPL pic.twitter.com/YlxbQO9Oma

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 7, 2026

After bowling out Virat Kohli by uprooting the off-stump with an unplayable outswinging delivery, Prince Yadav couldn’t contain his excitement as he joyfully celebrated the wicket with his teammates, as the LSG pacer ran toward the square-leg region, pumping his fists in the air.

Kohli’s dismissal had left the RCB fans at the Ekana Cricket Stadium completely silent, as the early loss of their former captain put the defending champions on the back foot and shifted momentum decisively in favor of the Lucknow Super Giants.

‘Prince Got The King’

Prince Yadav’s unplayable screamer to dismiss Virat Kohli instantly became the talk of social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts applauding the young LSG pacer for his stunning performance, as the clip of Kohli’s stumps flying off went viral within minutes.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts reacted in awe and excitement, with many dubbing it a ‘once-in-a-lifetime delivery’ and ‘Prince gets the King’ and praising Prince Yadav’s composure and skill to produce such a flawless, unplayable delivery.

Others called it a ‘dream ball’, ‘statement delivery’, and even compared it to legendary dismissals, while others humorously remarked on Kohli’s rare misjudgment. The moment quickly went viral, cementing Prince Yadav’s name in IPL 2026 highlights.

Prince got the King… cricket scripts itself sometimes

— Sonu Jaat • Cricket (@TheSonuJaat) May 7, 2026

What a peach of a delivery — young blood making a big statement

— Kiyara Botanics (@kiyarabotanics) May 7, 2026

Absolute Carnage to watch 
Dream Ball for bowlers hitting off stump was https://t.co/hbzhZtLnC7

— PAVAN DINESH (@pavandinesh96) May 7, 2026

This is not an ordinary delivery..!!

Once in a Lifetime ball from Prince Yadav pic.twitter.com/Kdk1tmOn9b

— Yuvraj Singh Fans (@Yuvifansclub) May 7, 2026

Not many get chance to do what Prince did today, dismissed Virat Kohli on absolutely cracker

— Pallavi Tiwari (@dahi_kachorie) May 7, 2026

Prince Yadav didn’t just bowl a delivery, he delivered a statement

— Sonu Jaat • Cricket (@TheSonuJaat) May 7, 2026

Amazing delivery by Prince Yadav. This was unplayable ball. Even Bevan would have got out on this ball

— EverydayHustler (@charts_xpert) May 7, 2026

Landmark wicket of Prince Yadav's overall career. He will cherish it forecer.

— ArthVishwa (@Arth_Vishwa) May 7, 2026

Give prince yadav a trophy for that delivery, absolute peach man .

— Stumper (@TheStumpStory) May 7, 2026

Just a normal inswing delivery, nothing special about it. Kohli made it look special by batting terribly

— Wickets Hitting (@offpacedelivery) May 7, 2026

Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants secured their third win of the season following a nine-run win over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and kept their hopes alive for the playoffs. Despite Rajat Patidar’s 61-run knock and a late surge by Tim David (40), Krunal Pandya (28), and Romario Shepherd (23), the hosts managed to restrict the visitors to 203/6 in 19 overs,

Prince Yadav led the bowling attack with figures of 3/33 at an economy rate of 8.20 in four overs. Shahbaz Ahmed picked up two wickets while conceding 33 runs at an economy rate of 11.00 in 3 overs.

Also Read: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Smash Records, Top StockGo Valuation List As Richest IPL Franchise With ₹16,706 Crore

After being put into bat first by RCB captain Rajat Patidar, LSG raced to 95 in 9.2 overs, with Mitchell Marsh dominating the 95-run opening stand with Arshin Kulkarni (17), playing a blistering knock of 76 off 32 balls at a strike rate of 237.50, powering the hosts into a commanding position and putting pressure on the visitors’ bowling attack.

Following Arshin's dismissal at 95/1, Marsh was joined by Nicholas Pooran at the crease, and the pair pushed LSG close to the 150-run mark by the end of the 14th over, before the match was halted for the second time due to rain in Lucknow.

Also Read: IPL 2026 final moved from Bengaluru for commercial reasons: Minister

Pooran and Krunal’s Verbal Exchange Sparks Tension on the Field

As the Lucknow Super Giants looked set to dominate, Nicholas Pooran and Krunal Pandya sparked a brief on-field tension when the two exchanged a few words at the crease amid the high-intensity batting showdown, catching the attention of teammates and fans alike.

The incident took place in the 10th over of the LSG’s innings, when Nicholas Pooran faced two fiery bouncers off Krunal Pandya. On the fourth ball, Pooran played Krunal’s bouncer towards the long-on and took a quick single. After the LSG batter reached the non-striker’s end, the RCB all-rounder walked up to him and exchanged a few words.

However, it cannot be confirmed what was said during the exchange, as both players quickly returned to the game, and play continued without interruption. The video went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter).

Things are heating up in this Revenge Week clash!

A contest within the contest is brewing between #NicholasPooran and #KrunalPandya! #TATAIPL Revenge Week 2026 ➡️ #LSGvRCB | LIVE NOW https://t.co/gEprGnf2A7 pic.twitter.com/C2oqmrYF0X

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 7, 2026

Interestingly, Krunal Pandya and Nicholas Pooran played together for the Lucknow Super Giants for two seasons between 2023 and 2024. During that period, Krunal served as the vice-captain of the franchise before being replaced by Pooran ahead of the 2024 season.

After 2024, Pooran continues to play for Lucknow Super Giants, while Pandya moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and played a crucial role in the team’s maiden IPL triumph in the last season of the tournament.

LSG Fight to Keep their Playoff Hopes Alive

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are currently at the third spot on the points table with six wins in 10 outings, accumulating 12 points and having a net run rate (NRR) of +1.420. RCB need just two more victories to confirm their spot in the playoffs.

Lucknow Super Giants, on the other hand, are in a situation where they have to win the remaining five matches, including the ongoing clash against the RCB, in order to have a realistic chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

The Rishabh Pant-led side are currently on a five-match losing streak and sitting at the bottom of the points table with just two wins in nine matches, making their clash against RCB a must-win encounter to keep their playoff hopes alive.

It remains to be seen how Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants perform in the remainder of the match, with both sides fighting hard to secure crucial points in the IPL 2026 playoffs race.

Also Read: Ex-Punjab pacer Amanpreet Gill passes away at 36, Kohli pays tribute

Two Australian stars collide in the powerplay. Marsh thrives on scoring quickly and putting bowlers under pressure early. Hazlewood, despite joining late, has already delivered a match‑winning spell in Delhi. Knowing each other’s strengths well, this duel could set the tone for the game’s opening overs.

Lucknow pacer Prince Yadav has been a standout with 13 wickets this season, impressing with accuracy and control. Padikkal has shown adaptability, capable of steadying the innings or attacking when needed. Their contest will be crucial in determining which side gains momentum through the middle overs.

The marquee battle pits two of India’s finest. Kohli has amassed 379 runs this season, continuing his consistent form. Shami has bowled well in the powerplay but without much reward. Importantly, Shami has dismissed Kohli five times in IPL history, making this duel one of the most anticipated of the night.

The figures underline how the IPL has grown into one of the richest sporting competitions globally, with franchises scaling unprecedented commercial heights. Bengaluru’s rise to the top reflects both their strong brand presence and loyal fan base, which have consistently driven their market appeal.

Closely behind them are Rajasthan Royals, valued at ₹15,300 crore. The Royals’ commercial growth has propelled them past traditional heavyweights, showcasing how newer strategies and market expansion have reshaped the financial landscape of the league. Mumbai Indians, historically the most successful IPL team, occupy third place with a valuation of ₹13,500 crore. Chennai Super Kings, five-time champions and one of the oldest franchises, stand fourth at ₹11,300 crore.

New Teams Make Strides

Beyond the established giants, newer franchises have also made significant progress. Lucknow Super Giants have crossed the ₹10,000 crore mark, while Gujarat Titans are valued at ₹9,600 crore. Their rapid rise highlights how fresh entrants have quickly built strong commercial foundations.

Kolkata Knight Riders, despite their legacy, are seventh in the standings at ₹9,500 crore. SunRisers Hyderabad follow at ₹8,800 crore, while Delhi Capitals are placed at ₹8,600 crore. Punjab Kings remain at the bottom of the list with a valuation of ₹8,000 crore, continuing to struggle despite consistent efforts to build both on and off the field.

StockGo’s estimates also highlight the broader financial strength of the league, with every team valued in thousands of crore. The figures reinforce the IPL’s position as a global sporting powerhouse, combining entertainment, business, and cricketing excellence.

On Wednesday, the BCCI officially announced the venues for the playoffs, with Dharamshala’s HPCA Stadium hosting Qualifier 1, Eliminator, and Qualifier 2 taking place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, on May 27 and 29, respectively. The summit clash will be held at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on May 31.

The Final was supposed to be hosted by M Chinnaswamy Stadium as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru were the previous season's IPL champions, but the venue was later shifted to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad due to operational and logistical considerations.

Also Read: IPL 2026: KSCA denies role in RCB ticket black-marketing probe

KSCA ‘Disappointed’ over Chinnaswamy Playoff Snub

Hours after the BCCI officially announced the venues for the IPL 2026 playoffs, including the final, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) reiterated its disappointment over Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium being left out of the knockout schedule despite its readiness to host the matches and earlier communications expressing interest to the board.

“At the outset, KSCA expresses its disappointment that the IPL Playoff matches have been allotted to other centres,” the KSCA said in its statement.

“Most of the arrangements and protocols have been consistently followed since the inception of the IPL in 2008 and were implemented uniformly during the current season as well, including during earlier playoff matches hosted at Bengaluru.

“The IPL matches conducted in Bengaluru during the current season were widely appreciated for their smooth execution, crowd management, operational efficiency, and overall spectator experience, reaffirming KSCA’s capability to successfully host marquee fixtures of such scale and importance,” the statement added.

KSCA DISAPPOINTED WITH THE BCCI.

- KSCA disappointed that IPL 2026 Playoffs have been allotted to other centres and not to Bengaluru.

Venkatesh Prasad was in touch with the BCCI and also formally conveyed KSCA’s preparedness to host the playoffs. (Cricbuzz). pic.twitter.com/o2UNghnAts

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 6, 2026

The RCB played five home matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium after Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), despite concerns following the 2025 victory parade stampede outside the venue, completed the required permissions and operational arrangements for hosting IPL fixtures during the season.

KSCA Highlights Bengaluru’s Hosting Record

Further, on the non-allocation of M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the IPL 2026 playoffs, the association reiterated that the venue has a proven track record of successfully hosting high-profile matches and continues to meet all required operational and logistical standards for marquee fixtures.

“The IPL matches conducted in Bengaluru during the current season were widely appreciated for their smooth execution, crowd management, operational efficiency, and overall spectator experience, reaffirming KSCA’s capability to successfully host marquee fixtures of such scale and importance,” KSCA added.

“Despite our preparedness and willingness to host the Playoffs, we understand that the BCCI has taken a decision to allot these matches to other venues.

“While the specific reasons for the same have not been formally communicated to KSCA, we fully respect the prerogative and decision-making authority of the BCCI in this regard,” the statement concluded.

Before the BCCI officially announced the venues for the IPL 2026 playoffs, it was reported that Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium would miss out on the opportunity to host the final, citing ongoing controversy over MLA ticket distribution demands and related administrative concerns involving the Karnataka State Cricket Association.

Also Read: MLA accuses KSCA of selling IPL tickets in black market for high price

After being put into bat first by GT captain Shubman Gill, RCB were bundled out for 155 in 19.2 overs. Devdutt Padikkal led the batting with an innings of 40 off 24 balls, while Virat Kohli (28), Rajat Patidar (19), Shepherd (17), Venkatesh Iyer (12), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (15) contributed in patches, but failed to post a challenge total.

For GT, Arshad Khan led the batting with figures of 3/22 at an economy rate of 6.60 in 6.2 overs. Jason Holder (2/29) and Rashid Khan (2/19) also chipped in with two wickets each, as the hosts tightened their grip on the contest with a disciplined bowling effort.

Also Read: IPL 2026: RCB collapse to 155 all out despite Kohli's quick start

Jitesh Sharma’s Batting Struggles Continue

Jason Holder’s controversial catch of Rajat Patidar might have grabbed attention, but the continued batting struggles of Jitesh Sharma once again came under the scanner, with the wicketkeeper-batter failing to deliver a meaningful contribution in another disappointing outing for RCB in IPL 2026.

Jitesh featured in all nine matches, including the clash against the Gujarat Titans, as a designated wicketkeeper-batter, but failed to make any significant impact with his batting. In the first four outings, the 32-year-old registered the scores of 0, 5, 10, and 23 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively.

In the next three outings, Jitesh scored 14, 10, and 1 against Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans, respectively. He didn’t get to bat in the matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals. In seven matches where he got a chance to bat, Jitesh managed just 63 runs in total at an average of 9.

JITESH SHARMA DEPARTS FOR 1 FROM 3 BALLS.

Butler takes good catch..!!! pic.twitter.com/Wh9d22cym3

— Mohd Faizy (@ansarifaizy08) April 30, 2026

The pattern of inconsistent batting by Jitesh Sharma has apparently been concerning, as the responsibility of finishing innings has repeatedly slipped away from him. Jitesh has often been tasked with a finisher role in the middle order, but his inability to accelerate or convert starts into impactful cameos has added to RCB’s concerns over their lower-order reliability in IPL 2026.

‘Jitesh Is Responsible for Today’s Loss’

Jitesh Sharma’s persistent batting failures once again drew heavy criticism on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts blaming his poor form in the middle order and labelling his returns as disappointing and costly for RCB in IPL 2026.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts slammed Jitesh’s poor form, with many criticising his ‘big talk, no performance’ attitude, referencing his conversation on AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, where he spoke about hoping for top-order collapses so he could get a chance to bat, which further fuelled his backlash over repeated failures.

Others called for his exclusion from the playing XI, stating that his batting has been a liability for RCB this IPL season, while many labelled his performance as one of the key reasons behind the team’s middle-order struggles in IPL 2026.

People really need to think before they speak, especially when they’re in the public eye. Jitesh Sharma is a perfect example of this. On podcasts, he often makes careless remarks, whether it’s taking digs at Punjab Kings or openly saying he prays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru… pic.twitter.com/qv0R6e58id

— Soman. (@Shreyasian96) April 30, 2026

Jitesh Sharma in podcast was saying, he prays for collapse when actually RCB's collapse happens, he is the quickest to go back to dressing room. You shouldn't pray for collapse in no situation, it is not something you pray for in a team sport!

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) April 30, 2026

Jitesh Sharma was brilliant before this season,he played vital role for rcb win.

But the way things are folding,We might see him for the last time in an rcb jersey.pic.twitter.com/y8FlHUS8gd

— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) April 30, 2026

PODCAST Performance✅
Actual Performance

Jitesh Sharma has mastered the art of the 'big talk,' but when an actual opportunity knocks, the performance is nowhere to be found.

There’s a massive difference between sounding like a visionary on a podcast and actually… pic.twitter.com/zl34mR3xch

— AkCricTalks (@AKCricTalks) April 30, 2026

Jitesh is responsible for today’s loss. He couldn’t contribute anything in batting and dropped an easy catch of Josh Buttler.

— Oxygen (@Oxygen18_) April 30, 2026

Jitesh Sharma knows just two things.

1) Give adda tedha podcasts
2) Pray for top order to collapse so he can also collapse 

With these two things he plays international cricket pic.twitter.com/2Wa8FMXwZ5

— Venky Mama (@venkymama100) April 30, 2026

Jitesh go back and pray the top order never fails brother. We had enough of your batting this season. Just terrible.

— arfan (@Im__Arfan) April 30, 2026

When Jitesh Sharma wasn’t selected for the T20 World Cup team, RCB fans created a lot of uproar here . They were even wishing for Team India to lose. But in this IPL, what has Jitesh Sharma actually done so far?

— Surbhi (@SurrbhiM) April 30, 2026

Can't defend this string of low scores of Jitesh, man. 

Yes, his wicket-keeping has been excellent but it's about time he performs with the bat.

— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) April 30, 2026

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru lost to Gujarat Titans by four wickets after the hosts chased down a 156-run target in 15.5 overs. GT skipper Shubman Gill led the run chase with a knock of 43 off 18 balls, while Jos Buttler played an innings of 39 off 19 balls, both batting at a strike rate of over 200.

Rahul Tewatia guided the middle order with an unbeaten innings of 27 off 17 balls to help the Gujarat Titans chase down the target with 25 balls to spare. For RCB, Bhuvneshwar Kumar led the bowling attack with a spell of 3/28 at an economy rate of 7.00 in his quota of four overs.

Also Read: ‘Is He AI?': RR Sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Unreal Batting Leaves Jos Buttler Amazed (WATCH)

After being put into bat first by GT captain Shubman Gill, RCB openers Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell provided a quick start to the innings, with Kohli smashing 21 runs off Kagiso Rabada in a single over. The hosts struck a key breakthrough as Mohammed Siraj dismissed Bethell for 5, before Rabada had the last laugh by removing Kohli for 28, reducing RCB to 35/2.

Thereafter, Devdutt Padikkal was joined by Rajat Patidar at the crease, and the pair formed a 44-run stand for the third wicket before Arshad Khan dismissed the RCB skipper after Jason Holder took a controversial catch near the boundary line, providing another breakthrough for the GT.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Munaf Patel calls for '100 per cent' from DC in do or die games

Holder’s Controversial Catch Leaves Kohli in Disbelief

Rajat Patidar’s dismissal has sparked controversy after Jason Holder’s catch near the boundary line raised doubts over whether the ball was cleanly taken or had touched the ground. The incident took place in the 8th over when Patidar attempted a pull shot but got a top edge off Arshad Khan’s delivery, which went deep towards deep backward square leg.

Holder, who was positioned at deep backward square leg, sprinted across and dived to complete a low catch. The West Indies all-rounder narrowly escaped a collision with Kagiso Rabada, who was also charging in from the infield in an attempt to take the same catch.

It’s heating up in Ahmedabad! #JasonHolder caught #RajatPatidar at the boundary, but the #RCB camp wasn’t convinced with the decision! #TATAIPL 2026 ➡️ #GTvRCB | LIVE NOW https://t.co/K8vuSzrZ1d pic.twitter.com/GwfAoIelDj

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 30, 2026

The third umpire reviewed the catch by Jason Holder and upheld the on-field decision, confirming Rajat Patidar’s dismissal as out. However, Virat Kohli, who was in the dugout, was not convinced that the catch was clean and argued with the fourth umpire, as he appeared to tell that the ball touched the ground.

Even RCB head Andy Flower was also seen arguing with the fourth umpire over it, suggesting that the ball may have touched the ground before the catch was completed.

Virat Kohli is unhappy with the decision by the third umpire on the catch of Rajat Patidar ❌ pic.twitter.com/ddDDJSIYZS

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 30, 2026

Rajat Patidar waited with a hope of overturning the decision, as the replays were closely examined by the third umpire, but the third umpire eventually stuck with the original call, ruling him out despite the ongoing on-field debate and visible disagreement from the RCB camp.

‘Out or Not Out?’ - Third Umpire’s Decision Sparks Controversy

Jason Holder’s controversial catch of Rajat Patidar, which was upheld by the third umpire, sparked a debate on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts questioning whether the ball was cleanly taken or had touched the ground before the dismissal was confirmed.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts questioned the third umpire’s decision, with many insisting the ball had touched the ground and calling for clearer camera evidence in such tight boundary-line catches.

Irrespective of the teams the game should be played in a fair way 

- This isn’t fair the ball is clearly touching the ground, and Jason Holder isn’t fully in control of the catch , it should’ve been not out pic.twitter.com/AkqZp1rDbh

— DB (@Im_Kushall) April 30, 2026

Rajat Patidar WASN’T OUT :

- Jason Holder took the catch while still in the air.
- Control didn’t look clean.
- Then ball touched the ground. 
- For a “clean catch,” control has to be clear. 
- Umpires rushed for decision instead of being 100% sure. This was clearly blind… pic.twitter.com/5a9Bg1cIBV

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) April 30, 2026

That should be not out. Great bit of fielding by Jason Holder to get there, but he clearly rubbed the ball along the ground before he had full control of it.

I don't understand in what universe Rajat Patidar can be given out. #GTvsRCB

— Saurabh Somani (@saurabh_42) April 30, 2026

The ball was clearly touching the grass, it wasn’t out, yet the umpire gave Patidar out. Even Kohli didn’t look convinced. This is so unfair to RCB. Is this really the only way to stop this peak RCB? pic.twitter.com/51Nsqyprko

— Suprvirat (@Mostlykohli) April 30, 2026

Totally biased decision from umpire because match is playing at Home ground of Gujarat Titans 

Jason holder not complete the rajat Patidar's catch and clearly ball touch on the ground, how umpire decide to out

Virat Kohli not happy and whole RCB not happy pic.twitter.com/wiR17OeV46

— VK (@Aur_vicky) April 30, 2026

That Jason Holder catch is just not out, it is the same as the Starc one at Lords, you need to be in control of the ball and your body

— CharlieCooke_ (@CookeeCharlie) April 30, 2026

That’s never out.
Brilliant effort by Jason Holder to get there, but the ball clearly brushes the ground before he had full control.
No way Rajat Patidar should be walking back for that.
Absolutely baffling decision #GTvsRCB #RajatPatidar #JasonHolder pic.twitter.com/M5XY08yYBi

— PRAVEEN SRIVASTAVA (@pkspks2911) April 30, 2026

The whole match turned after that Jason Holder catch of Rajat Patidar, which was clearly not out. The spirit of the game is missing from GT!#gtvsrcb #rcb

— stocklifters (@stocklifters) April 30, 2026

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru were bundled out for 155 in 19.2 overs. Devdutt Padikkal led the batting with an innings of 40 off 24 balls, while Romario Shepherd (17), Venkatesh Iyer (12), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar made useful contributions in the lower order but failed to take the team to a competitive finish.

For the Gujarat Titans, Arshad Khan led the batting with figures of 3/22 at an economy rate of 6.60 in 6.2 overs. Jason Holder (2/29) and Rashid Khan (2/19) also chipped in with two wickets each, as GT tightened their grip on the contest with a disciplined bowling effort.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Time Running Out for Skipper Hardik Pandya at Mumbai Indians Amid Poor Run?

Devdutt Padikkal has been Bengaluru’s batting lynchpin, scoring 242 runs across seven innings at a strike rate of 192.06. His adaptability at No. 3 has been crucial. Gujarat may rely on Rashid Khan to stop him early. The Afghan spinner has dismissed Padikkal four times in seven innings, conceding just 36 runs off 36 balls. Rashid’s economy of 8.79 this season makes him a key weapon.

Sai Sudharsan enters this clash with confidence after scoring a century against RCB in their previous meeting. His battle with Josh Hazlewood in the powerplay could be decisive. Hazlewood recently dismantled Delhi Capitals with a four‑wicket haul. Sudharsan has faced him twice in IPL, losing his wicket both times. He has scored 28 runs off 21 balls at a strike rate of 133.33 against the Australian pacer.

Virat Kohli leads RCB’s run charts with 351 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 162.50. His dismissal against Holder last week highlighted the West Indian’s knack for breakthroughs. Holder has removed Kohli three times in five IPL innings, conceding 29 runs off 21 balls at a strike rate of 138.09. This duel could determine whether Bengaluru’s batting momentum continues or stalls.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli recently achieved a milestone of becoming the first player to complete 9000 runs in IPL during the 2026 clash against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Monday, April 27.

With his unbeaten 23-run innings in RCB’s successful 76-run chase, Kohli’s IPL run tally went up to 9,012 runs, including 8 centuries and 66 fifties, at an average of 40.05 and a strike rate of 133.80 in 275 matches. The veteran batter remains the only batter to date to complete 8000 and 9000 runs in the history of IPL.

As Virat Kohli achieved two unprecedented milestones in IPL, the RCB star batter has now moved within striking distance of another historic landmark, with a 10,000-run feat emerging as the next big target in his illustrious IPL career, depending on his continued form and longevity in the tournament.

At the end of the IPL 2022 season, Virat Kohli aggregated 6624 runs, including 5 centuries and 44 fifties, at an average of 36.19 and a strike rate of 129.14 in 223 matches. From 2023 to 2025, the star batter has scored 639, 741, and 657 at strikes of 139.82, 154.70, and 144.71, respectively, in three successive seasons.

Across three seasons, Kohli has aggregated 2037 runs, including 3 centuries and 19 fifties, at an average of 56.58 and a strike rate of 146.54 in 44 matches. His three-season aggregation saw his total IPL runs go up to 8,661 runs, while also reinforcing his consistency at the top level with improved strike rates and sustained high averages across seasons.

Kohli has recorded his best three-season aggregates, crossing the 2000-run mark for the first time in his IPL career, highlighting a late-career surge in consistency and impact with the bat across multiple seasons.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Young Virat Kohli Fan Breaks Down After Autograph Attempt Fails, Video Goes Viral (WATCH)

Virat Kohli has continued his fine form in the ongoing IPL season, carrying on his rhythm and momentum from the previous three editions of the tournament, while consistently contributing valuable runs at the top of the order for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

In 8 matches so far, Kohli has registered the scores of 69, 28, 32, 50, 49, 19, 81, and 23, aggregating 351 runs, including three fifties, at an average of 58.50 and a strike rate of 162.50. The consistency has been intact since IPL 2023, highlighting Kohli’s strong late-career form with sustained high scoring and improved strike rate for RCB in the ongoing season.

As Virat Kohli crossed the 350-run mark in the IPL 2026 and the 9000-run milestone in the league, he is expected to continue playing a key role for RCB, maintaining his form as one of the most consistent batters in the tournament this season.

With six league matches left and averaging 43.88 after 8 games, Kohli would roughly be between 264 and 270 runs, taking his total season tally to around 610–620 runs if he maintains consistency. If RCB qualifies for the playoffs, three additional matches, including the final, could take him to around 700–740 runs for the season

At the end of the IPL 2026, Kohli’s overall IPL tally could be around 9,380 to 9,400 runs, depending on how many runs he adds in the remaining matches. Which means Virat Kohli is unlikely to complete 10,000 IPL runs in the ongoing season.

Also Read: McClenaghan hails 'most consistent' Kohli after 9000 IPL runs feat

As Virat Kohli is unlikely to complete the 10,000-run mark in the ongoing IPL season, the milestone will depend on his continuation in the league and sustained performance across the next edition.

Assuming that Kohli aggregates 9,400 IPL runs at the 2026 edition of the tournament, the star batter would require around 600 more runs to reach the 10,000-run milestone, which is achievable in a full IPL season if he maintains his form and fitness. However, the age factor is likely to play a role in determining his workload, match involvement, and overall output across the season.

Since Kohli will be 38 in IPL 2027, workload and form will decide if he can push past the 10,000-run mark. It remains to be seen whether Virat Kohli can push himself to achieve an elusive record in IPL history.

Kohli was in his hometown, Delhi, for the RCB’s clash against the Delhi Capitals, which the Bengaluru team won by nine wickets, with the star batter scoring 23 off 15 balls while forming an unbeaten 51-run stand for the second wicket with Devdutt Padikkal, who played an innings of 34 off 13 balls, to chase down a paltry 76-run target in just 6.3 overs or with 81 balls to spare.

The night after RCB’s victory over DC, and completing 9000 IPL runs, becoming the first batter to achieve this milestone, Virat Kohli made a special appearance for an event at the school, where he interacted with young cricketers during the inauguration of the West Delhi Cricket Academy branch.

Also Read: New cricket academy at DPS RK Puram to nurture talent like Kohli

Kohli ‘Awkward’ While Addressing School Kids

Virat Kohli inaugurated his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma’s WACA Academy Branch at Delhi Public School in RK Puram, but what grabbed the attention of the event was Team India’s former captain and star batter’s speech, wherein he admitted he felt ‘awkward’ while addressing the students as he is no longer used to speaking in such etups anymore after moving away from the school environment early to focus on cricket.

“Thank you for having me. I'm not used to speaking in schools, so this is going to be a bit awkward for me because I moved away from the school setup long ago for cricket, and that's what I'm going to talk about,” Kohli said.

“I understand the environment of a school. I've been through the same process and stage that all you kids are a part of right now. And I can just share from my own experience how my focus and priority changed very early on in my life," he added.

Virat Kohli Giving A Speech At The Inauguration Ceremony Of West Delhi Cricket Academy’s New Branch. pic.twitter.com/ra0XDoFxoR

— virat_kohli_18_club (@KohliSensation) April 28, 2026

Virat Kohli completed his formal education till the 12th at Saviour Convent School in Paschim Vihar, Delhi, having transferred there during his ninth grade to focus on his cricket career. After 12th grade, Kohli moved on from formal education and dedicated himself fully to cricket, becoming India’s U19 World Cup-winning captain in 2008 before going on to represent India at the senior level later the same year.

From thereon, Kohli quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket, rapidly rising through the ranks with consistent performances for the national team and eventually going on to become one of the modern greats of the game across all formats.

Kohli’s Advice to Students on Focus and Respect

Virat Kohli, who has remained grounded and stuck to his roots even after becoming a successful batter, used the occasion to share an important message with students about discipline, honesty, and respect.

“Have respect and regard for that environment first. For your teachers, for the people who are teaching you. They are giving you a part of their lives. It's very important to give them that respect and the focus and attention that's required,” the former India captain said.

“I chose sport very early on in my life, but that came from a very honest place. I was very sure that I wanted to go ahead and pursue cricket, and I had to be honest with myself, my family, and also my teachers to convey to them that this is the path I want to take,” he added.

Virat Kohli and his childhood coach inaugurated an academy in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/2r11EXJI3g

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 28, 2026

Virat Kohli is currently one of the leading batters for Team India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, amassing over 28,000 runs in international cricket and 9,000 runs in the Indian Premier League, making him one of the most prolific run-scorers in the history of the game across formats.

Also Read: Virat Kohli's message to students: Pursue dreams with honesty

The Delhi Capitals witnessed a dramatic batting collapse, reducing to 13/6 in the powerplay before eventually being bundled out for 75 in 16.3 overs. The DC lost the match by nine wickets after RCB chased down a paltry 76-run target in 6.3 overs or 81 balls to spare, with Devdutt Padikkal (34*) and Virat Kohli (23*) forming an unbeaten 51-run stand for the second wicket.

In DC’s batting, Abhishek Porel (30), David Miller (19), and Kyle Jamieson (12) only managed to register double-digit scores, as the rest of the batting line-up failed to show any resistance against RCB’s bowling attack.

Also Read: Fans at Arun Jaitley Stadium Troll RCB With Wild “49” Chants After DC Crosses Historic Low Figure (Watch)

Hemang Badani’s Old Video Goes Viral

As Hemang Badani was left facing heavy criticism following Delhi Capitals’ dismal batting display, an old video of him taking a dig at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach resurfaced on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), quickly going viral.

Two years ago, in an interview with Yo Mahesh, Badani took a potshot at Fleming, discrediting his achievements by claiming that CSK’s success was largely due to MS Dhoni rather than the coach’s influence.

“Stephen Fleming is being called a great coach, but he hasn’t won anywhere outside the IPL, not in SA20, The Hundred, Big Bash, or even as New Zealand’s assistant coach. If someone says he’s a great coach, I won’t agree.” Badani said.

“MS Dhoni is winning. He is creating a stir and is the kingpin of that team — the king. He knows how to handle players, bring out the best in them, and get the job done, whether by being strict or by speaking politely,” he added.

The day Hemang Badani questioned Stephen Fleming’s role in CSK’s 5 titles… I knew what kind of coach he’d turn out to be for DC pic.twitter.com/FbPJFWwTmN

— Jyotirmay Das (@dasjy0tirmay) April 26, 2026

Stephen Fleming has been serving as the head coach of Chennai Super Kings since 2009, playing a key role in building one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, with five title-winning campaigns under his tenure alongside MS Dhoni.

Srikkanth Recalls Badani’s Dig

Hemang Badani’s old video of taking a dig at Stephen Fleming was recalled by former India opener and BCCI selector Kris Srikkanth, who slammed the DC coach for his earlier remarks and urged him to focus on his own team’s performance instead of commenting on others.

“On top of all this, Hemang Badani went after Stephen Fleming. Hey Hemang. First, take care of yourself before talking about others. I have always said this: 'in life, don't talk too much’. He spoke too much. Now, he has to shut up and watch stuff happening," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

“Everybody is bringing this up and slamming him. Why talk about others? You should have been mindful of your job. Who are you to say Stephen Fleming won only because of MS Dhoni? What have you done? Anything special? Nothing,” he added.

KRIS SRIKKANTH BRUTALLY ROASTED DC'S COACH HEMANG BADANI

Kris Srikkanth said ️,

"Look at yourself first before commenting on others. This is why you should never loud mouth in life. He did, and now he has been shut up. Now everyone is criticizing him, and he has no… pic.twitter.com/8gvh1dq8jR

— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) April 28, 2026

After a defeat to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the Delhi Capitals slipped to seventh spot on the points table with three wins and five losses, accumulating just six points and having an NRR of -1.060 after 8 matches.

The DC are currently in a situation where they must win at least five of their remaining matches to keep their playoff hopes alive in the IPL 2026.

Also Read: IPL 2026: DC Enter Unwanted Record Territory after Heavy Batting Collapse against RCB

RCB secured a dominant nine-wicket win over DC, registering their sixth win of the season. With a paltry 76-run target, Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased it down in 6.3 overs or 81 balls to spare. Devdutt Padikkal (34*) and Virat Kohli (23*) formed an unbeaten 51-run stand for the second wicket, as RCB cruised to victory with 81 balls to spare.

RCB’s bowling attack, including the likes of Josh Hazlewood (4/12), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/5), Suyash Sharma (1/7), Krunal Pandya (1/9), and Rasikh Salam Dar (1/21) dismantled the DC’s batting line-up, folding up their innings iup their innings for just 75 in 16.3 overs.

Also Read: Virat Kohli's message to students: Pursue dreams with honesty

Kohli Fan Left in Tears After Autograph Snub

Though the Royal Challengers Bengaluru dominated the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026 clash, the emotional moment involving a young Virat Kohli fan stole the spotlight.

In a video that went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), a young kid with a bat in his hand was seen approaching Kohli, who was with heavy security, at the team’s hotel, but was stopped by the security officials.

However, the young fan tried his best to get the RCB star batter’s autograph by going after him inside the hotel lobby, but was repeatedly held back by security despite onlookers urging them to let the child through. The young fan was visibly disappointed as he broke down in tears and threw the bat on the floor in anger and frustration.

Wholesome: Little fan waits excitedly with bat for Virat Kohli’s autograph in hotel lobby, but gets ignored  

Kid throws bat down in heartbreak ” pic.twitter.com/QVyUPEh86F

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) April 27, 2026

Virat Kohli’s fan following continues to remain unmatched, with the RCB batter often going out of his way to interact with the supporters, sign autographs, and pose for pictures, making the recent incident a rare and widely discussed moment among fans online.

The young kid’s urge to get an autograph from his favourite cricketer highlighted the emotional connection fans share with their idols, turning the moment into a widely discussed incident across social media platforms.

‘There Is Nothing Funny About This’

A viral video of a young Virat Kohli fan seeking an autograph from a star batter sparked reactions on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts sharing their thoughts on the incident, as opinions remained divided over the handling of the situation and the fan’s emotional reaction.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts largely criticised the child’s reaction after failing to get an autograph from Kohli, calling it ‘poor parenting’, ‘entitled behaviour’ and ‘unnecessary tantrum’, while others stressed that one can’t get everything in life and urged respect for players’ space, with a few also backing the player’s perspective in such situations.

Parents must teach Kids, you don't get everything in life. 
These pampered kids are results of ignorant parenting becauses parents just want kids to remain quiet and away busy with their stuff.

— Kushagra (@BabaKushagra) April 27, 2026

This is stupidity 
Star worship 
His parents should be hold responsible for this 
He was angry because he couldn’t get his video with @imVkohli smiling n giving him autograph, which he n his parents would have uploaded and boasted about it ..

— Amol (@amol_kop) April 28, 2026

Never meet your heroes got very real very fast.

This should be a lesson for the kid to never indulge in fanboi behavior in a country of over a billion people and zero civic sense.

— conqueror (@ConquerorDGAF) April 28, 2026

There is nothing funny about this. It's a display of poor parenting. 

Crying is a child's reaction to disappointment; getting angry and throwing a bat is a brat's reaction to not getting their way. Parents who encourage this aren't raising a fan; they're raising a menace.

— Bowled By Banter (@HypocritePointr) April 28, 2026

This entitled kid is used to getting everything in life. But you can't get everything. It starts here.

— Nitin Sinha (@NsNitinsinha) April 28, 2026

Why don't you teach your son about self-aware and respect. What that 1 sign will change.

— Rahul (@rahulkaushik204) April 28, 2026

Maybe that kid should learn some manners 

You don’t get everything in life and respect what you have
Virat’s stature is not bigger than your parents

— Mute hindu (@Mute_hindu) April 27, 2026

It's funny stans and hero worshippers are calling this a kid for worshipping a player ..when the same people will abuse you left right and centre if you make a joke on their fav player

— Archer (@poserarcher) April 28, 2026

It's okay kid, you will learn hardways of life but let's understand players prospective too. It happens sometimes.

— Sudheer Kumar (@sudheerrkumarp) April 28, 2026

Putting on camera, that a kid gets a autograph when crying.
Would unnecessarily sign to others and they'll all try the same again and again.

— Kunal (@p4kunal) April 28, 2026

Virat Kohli has recently completed 9000 runs in IPL, becoming the first-ever player to achieve this milestone in the history of the tournament. The star is currently the leading run-getter for the RCB in the IPL 2026, amassing 351 runs, including 3 fifties, at an average of 58.50 and a strike rate of 162.50 in 8 matches.

Virat Kohli will return to action when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, April 30.

Also Read: IPL: Virat Kohli makes history, becomes first to score 9,000 runs

FIR Filed After Cameras Go Offline

An FIR has been registered against two individuals — Manjunath (37) and Abdul Kalam (19) — for allegedly tampering with the stadium’s CCTV system on April 24, the day Royal Challengers Bengaluru faced Gujarat Titans.

According to the complaint filed by Aditya Bhat of Staqu Technologies Pvt Ltd, more than 240 cameras went offline on the morning of the match after critical infrastructure, including Network Video Recorder (NVR) systems and optical fibre lines, was damaged.

Police say the accused, linked to subcontractor IVS Digital Solutions, entered restricted areas using a deactivated access card, accessed the CCTV room, and later cut fibre connections near a junction box in the parking area.

Commissioner’s Office: ‘Incident Linked to Pending Payments’

In its official press note, the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, placed the spotlight squarely on a financial dispute behind the act.

“It was revealed that the CCTV installation work had been subcontracted to IVS Digital Solutions by STAQU. Due to pending payment of bills, the incident occurred.”

The statement further added: “During the preliminary investigation, it has come to light that two contract workers of IVS Digital Solutions had intentionally cut the CCTV camera wires.”

The server room, police clarified, was under the custody of the subcontractor, and the act was carried out by its own workers.

Fixed Before Gates Opened

Despite the scale of the outage, officials said the issue was resolved well in time.

“The issue was promptly attended and rectified before the opening of the stadium gates. As a result, there was no disruption in crowd management or any lapse in security.”

A senior officer added that the damage was detected around 11:30 am and rectified quickly, ensuring that match-day operations continued without disruption.

“Both accused have been identified, and further action will be taken soon. All CCTVs were restored within an hour, and the disruption did not impact match proceedings.”

‘No Bearing on Match Management’

Speaking to Asianet Newsable English, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Division) Akshay Hakay dismissed suggestions that the incident compromised safety.

“The incident had no bearing on match management or crowd control. The issue was resolved well before the gates were opened.”

The DCP reiterated that the episode was an internal fallout within the vendor ecosystem rather than a policing failure.

He further emphasised that this was not a case of external intrusion, but an act carried out by insiders linked to the subcontractor.

“Server room comes under the purview of the event organiser and their vendor and is manned and managed by them. We have one representative who is there to check live inputs from the ground. It is their own employees who have gone and cut the wires. How is it then the police’s fault?”

“The match was conducted successfully without any untoward incidents. Further investigation in this case is in progress.”

A Close Call That Was Contained

While the visuals of hundreds of cameras going dark may raise eyebrows, the police narrative is firm — systems were restored before fans arrived, on-ground deployment remained intact, and the larger security grid was never compromised.

For now, the focus shifts to accountability within the vendor chain, as investigators continue to piece together the exact sequence of events behind the sabotage.

The Capitals had been in danger of breaking the unwanted record set by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2017, when they were bowled out for 49 against Kolkata Knight Riders. On Saturday, Delhi collapsed to 13 for six inside four overs, with Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismantling the top order. At one stage, even reaching 49 looked unlikely.

Fans inside the stadium, aware of the looming embarrassment, began counting every run nervously. When Jamieson’s six carried Delhi past the dreaded mark, the crowd rose to its feet in unison. The chants of “49, 49” were not just celebratory but also mocking, aimed at Bengaluru, whose record remains intact. Social media quickly echoed the stadium atmosphere, with supporters posting memes and messages of relief.

The entire Delhi crowd erupted with chants of 49, Comedians @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/NkKcJJKKt9

— AdityaVarma (@AdityaVarma45_) April 28, 2026

Ruthless Bowling Display

RCB’s bowlers had reduced Delhi to their lowest-ever powerplay score, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar setting the tone in the opening over. His inswinging yorker bowled debutant Sahil Parakh, and Hazlewood followed by removing KL Rahul and Sameer Rizvi in consecutive deliveries. The Capitals were left reeling at 8 for six in under four overs, flirting dangerously with history.

Bhuvneshwar continued his devastating spell, dismissing Tristan Stubbs and Axar Patel, while Hazlewood returned later to complete a four-wicket haul. His pinpoint yorker to clean up Abishek Porel, who had fought hard for 30 runs, summed up the dominance. Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya tightened the grip in the middle overs, ensuring Delhi never recovered.

Fans’ Emotional Release

For Delhi supporters, the relief of crossing 49 overshadowed the eventual collapse to 75 all out in 16.3 overs. The chants inside the stadium reflected both joy and trolling, as fans celebrated avoiding the humiliation of owning the IPL’s lowest score. The moment became the highlight of the evening, despite the heavy defeat.

Delhi Capitals (DC) suffered a stunning batting collapse in the IPL 2026 clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Monday, April 27. The DC registered their fifth defeat of the season following a nine-wicket loss to the defending champions, RCB.

After being bundled out for 75 in 16.3 overs, Delhi Capitals didn’t have enough total on the board to defend it as Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down a 76-run target in 6.3 overs. Devdutt Padikkal (34*) and Virat Kohli (23*) formed an unbeaten 51-run stand for the second wicket, as RCB cruised to victory with 81 balls to spare.

RCB got the job done in less than 40 balls & 40 minutes!

This is now the second-fastest run chase in TATA IPL history (6.3 overs) ⚡#TATAIPL 2026 #DCvsRCB #DelhiCapitals #BhuvneshwarKumar #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/hPCXCoXyFL

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 27, 2026

In DC’s batting, Abhishek Porel (30), David Miller (19), and Kyle Jamieson (12) only managed to register double-digit scores, as the rest of the batting line-up failed to show any resistance against RCB’s bowling attack.

On that note, let’s take a look at unwanted milestones achieved by the Delhi Capitals after a heavy batting collapse against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The Delhi Capitals’ batting collapse was so rapid and severe that they lost half of their side for just seven runs in 2.4 overs, making it the fastest five-wicket collapse in the history of the Indian Premier League.

Josh Hazlewood (4/12) picked three wickets of KL Rahul, Nitish Rana, and Sameer Rizvi, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/5) dismissed Tristan Stubbs and Axar Patel, as DC’s top order completely crumbled under sustained pressure.

The Capitals lost five wickets in just 16 balls, surpassing the Rajasthan Royals’ 18-ball record to lose five wickets against the Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier in the ongoing IPL season, making it the quickest five-wicket collapse in the IPL and highlighting DC’s extreme top-order failure against high-quality new-ball bowling.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Axar Patel urges DC to stay positive after brutal RCB loss

The DC achieved another unwanted milestone by recording the lowest total after the fall of six wickets. The Delhi Capitals lost 6 runs for just 8 runs in 3.5 overs, becoming the first team to lose six wickets before reaching 10 runs, underlining a complete top-order failure as RCB’s bowling attack maintained relentless pressure and left DC with no recovery after the early collapse.

With 6/8 in 3.5 overs, the DC overtook Kochi Tuskers Kerala’s previous unwanted record of 6/19 against Deccan Chargers in April 2011, marking one of the most dramatic early-innings collapses in IPL history.

Since no team has lost six wickets under 10 runs, the Delhi Capitals now stand at the bottom of this unwanted statistical category, as their innings became a reference point for one of the most extreme batting failures in IPL history.

Apart from losing six wickets ide by under 10 runs before completing the powerplay, the Delhi Capitals recorded the lowest-ever powerplay in the history of IPL. At the end of the first six overs, DC posted a total of 13/6, with RCB’s bowlers completely dominating the phase and setting the tone for the one-sided contest.

The Capitals became the first team to lose six wickets in the powerplay, as their innings completely collapsed early, leaving them with no recovery and effectively sealing the match within the first six overs.

The loss of six wickets while posting a total below 20 runs is a rare, unwanted feat for the Delhi Capitals, highlighting the bowling attack's complete dominance and one of the most disastrous powerplay performances in IPL history.

With a dramatic collapse in the batting line-up in the powerplay, the Delhi Capitals saw six of their top-order batters fall for single-digit scores, marking one of the highest counts of early dismissals in a powerplay in IPL history.

Previously, Kochi Tuskers Kerala and Rajasthan Royals held the joint unwanted record of five batters falling for single-digit scores in a single powerplay. But,, DC’s collapse went one step further, setting a new low with six such dismissals inside the first six overs, underlining a complete top-order failure under intense pressure.

Also Read: RCB thrash DC; Patidar hails 'domineering' Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar

Delhi Capitals might have escaped from registering a lower score, but a 75-ball still one of the worst performances by a team against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the history of IPL, falling well short of RCB’s historic 49 all-out record.

The Rajasthan Royals hold the record for the lowest against RCB, having been bowled out for 58 in 2009, while DC’s 75 remains among the lowest totals recorded against them in IPL history. The Delhi Capitals also recorded their third-lowest total in the league, further underlining the severity of their batting collapse.

Overall, the Delhi Capitals endured one of the most forgettable outings in IPL history, marked by multiple unwanted records, a dramatic batting collapse, and a performance that exposed serious top-order vulnerabilities under pressure.

After being put to bat first by RCB captain Rajat Patidar, DC were bundled out for a mere 75 in 16.3 overs, recording their third-lowest in the history of IPL. Abhishek Porel was the top scorer for the hosts with 30 off 33 balls, while David Miller contributed with an innings of 19 off 18 balls, as the rest of the batting line-up failed to offer resistance against RCB bowlers.

For RCB, Josh Hazlewood led the bowling attack with figures of 4/12 at an economy rate of 3.40 in his spell of 3.3 overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up three wickets while conceding just five runs at an economy rate of 1.70 in three overs. Suyash Sharma (1/7), Krunal Pandya (1/9), and Rasikh Salam Dar (1/21) chipped in with crucial wickets.

Also Read: IPL: Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar demolish DC, bundle them out for 75

A Night Forget for Delhi Capitals

Just a couple of days ago, Delhi Capitals posted their highest total of 264/2 in the history of the Indian Premier League, making this collapse even more shocking. In the match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the hosts’ fate was already sealed in the powerplay, where they were reduced to 6/13 in the first six overs of the innings.

The Delhi Capitals recorded the lowest ever total in IPL history, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood were instrumental in dismantling the top order with early breakthroughs. However, Abhishek Porel and David Miller tried to revive the DC’s innings with a 35-run stand for the seventh wicket before the former’s dismissal.

Absolute chaos in the powerplay #RCB have ripped through #DC's batting order, leaving them struggling at 9/6.#TATAIPL 2026 ➡️ #DCvRCB | LIVE NOW https://t.co/X3thbSdHkS pic.twitter.com/mqxsfd46QP

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 27, 2026

Despite the batting collapse, the DC managed to go past RCB’s unwanted 49-run total, as Abhishek and Kyle Jamieson shared a brief 19-run stand for the eighth wicket before the latter’s dismissal at 62/8, before DC were eventually bundled out for 75.

#KyleJamieson goes big!

A much-needed maximum for #DelhiCapitals. #TATAIPL 2026 ➡️ #DCvRCB | LIVE NOW https://t.co/X3thbSdHkS pic.twitter.com/QcWSGQL9Jp

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 27, 2026

Kuldeep Yadav (3) and Dushmantha Chameera (0) were the final two wickets to fall as DC’s innings ended dramatically, with RCB completing a dominant bowling display. Delhi Capitals lost five wickets in just 2.4 overs, the fastest collapse of their innings, as RCB’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure to wrap up a dominant performance.

From 8/6 in 3.5 overs to 75 all-out in 16.3 overs, Delhi Capitals’ scoring rate Delhi Capitals’ scoring rate dropped to around 4.5 runs per over under relentless RCB pressure, as they added just 67 runs in the remaining 13 overs without ever recovering momentum.

Fans Hail ‘Record Escape’ After DC’s Low Total

Delhi Capitals’ unexpected and stunning batting collapse just a couple of days after they recorded their highest ever total in IPL history has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, especially with fans and cricket enthusiasts sharing memes, jokes, and posts celebrating that the infamous 49-run record remained untouched.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts reacted with memes and humorous posts, with many celebrating that DC crossed 49 and ‘saved humanity,’ while others joked about a ‘record escape,’ mocked the batting collapse, and others reminded that RCB’s infamous 49-run total remains untouched despite DC’s horror innings.

I'm not a Delhi Capitals fan but felt unreal satisfaction after they crossed 49 Runs against RCB today

Thanks Miller and Porel for saving humanity #DCvsRCBpic.twitter.com/kTTaegx08v

— Ironix (@IronixSays) April 27, 2026

DELHI CAPITALS have started their innings like delhi capitals.

— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) April 27, 2026

Humanity Saved By Delhi Capitals By Scoring 49+ Runs#DCvsRCB pic.twitter.com/LpAkm2GN79

— SenTamil Selvan (@ISenTamil) April 27, 2026

Delhi Capitals showed how Test T20 will appear in future.. always ahead of the time.. #DCvsRCB #delhi #ipl

— Cricket Everywhere✍ (@Subhamk79241601) April 27, 2026

Delhi Capitals fans are celebrating all over Arun Jaitley Stadium. They know the 49 record is safe now pic.twitter.com/fnUDeImpBg

— Sourabh Meena (@sourabhhh_meena) April 27, 2026

DELHI CAPITALS SUCCESSFULLY ESCAPED 49 ALLOUT pic.twitter.com/HRWmgy2pdn

— TheHaterCentral(Cricket) (@HateCentralCrik) April 27, 2026

DC fans right now: 'Ye dukh khatam kahe nahi hota?' 75 runs toh gully cricket mein ban jate hain yaar. Delhi Capitals ne toh entertainment ki jagah comedy show chala diya! #IPL2026

— TAPS (@tapstruth) April 27, 2026

Delhi capitals manage to save themselves from that unwanted record of lowest total!! 

RCB is still crowned with that total of mammoth 49 !! pic.twitter.com/CuN45e6Kum

— Aryavarta (@aryavarta009) April 27, 2026

Delhi Capitals escape!

49 still belongs to Royal Challengers Bengaluru #DCvsRCB https://t.co/fizkUEvsjN

— Aman Sharma (@amancrick_news) April 27, 2026

Delhi Capitals crossed iconic RCB's 49 all out IPL record ❤️

RCB fans right now #DCvsRCB#ipl2026

— Hemanth (@Hemanth0304) April 27, 2026

Thank you Delhi Capitals for saving humanity

— Sahil Chhabria (@sahilChhabria16) April 27, 2026

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down a paltry 76-run target in 6.3 overs, with Devdutt Padikkal (34*) and Virat Kohli (23*) forming an unbeaten 51-run stand for the second wicket, sealing a comprehensive win after their bowlers’ dominant performance earlier in the match.

Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, suffered their fifth defeat in eight outings of the season and slipped further in the points table, with their playoff hopes taking a serious hit after yet another dramatic batting collapse.

Also Read: PBKS vs RR: Archer, Burger aim to halt Iyer-Ponting's juggernaut

On the morning of the big IPL match, a routine check showed more than 240 cameras were not working. This affected key areas like entry gates where tickets are scanned, outer boundaries, the D Corporate Stand full of important spectators, and walking paths inside the stadium. These are busy spots during any packed match. Imagine crowds moving around with weak security eyes – it raises serious safety questions for ordinary people who just want to enjoy the game without fear.

Aditya Bhat, who works at Staqu Technologies Pvt Ltd in Gurugram, filed the complaint. He said two men entered the restricted CCTV control room without permission and damaged the equipment. The suspects named are Manjunath, 37, from Hiriyur, and Abdul Kalam, 19, from Uttar Pradesh. Both worked for a sub-contractor of IVS Digital Solutions, the firm responsible for digital and CCTV systems at the stadium.

Akshay M Hakay, the DCP of Central Bengaluru, confirmed the details. He explained that around 11:30 am on April 24, the two workers from the sub-contractor entered the stadium. They damaged CCTV fibre lines and the recording system. Luckily, the issue was noticed and fixed fast within one hour. All cameras were back working before the IPL match started, and it did not disturb the game at all. Police also have footage showing the men entering sensitive areas like the control room and connection boxes near the parking.

Payment Dispute Behind the Act?

Early investigation points to a personal grudge. The two men were upset because their payments of around ₹10 lakh were not cleared despite many reminders. In simple words, they acted out of frustration and saw this as a way to protest against the company. They told police the same. A case has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 324(4) for deliberately damaging property. Investigation continues and further action will follow.

This whole incident sadly shows how poorly Karnataka police are trained to face upcoming challenges like this. IPL matches are huge events with massive crowds, big money, and national attention. Yet, workers from a sub-contractor could easily reach control rooms and cut important lines. It points to weak checks and supervision. Leaders lack proper vision. They seem more focused on giving postings or get influenced by money and caste factors. Before conducting such big programmes, all jurisdictional matters should be thoroughly checked. Authorities must ensure every person and agency involved is truly capable to handle these high-pressure events without any weak links.

For common people in Bengaluru and across Karnataka, this feels scary. We trust the police to protect us during festivals and big cricket matches. But when simple unpaid workers can tamper with security systems so easily, it highlights big holes in training and planning. Quick repair on match day is fine, but preventing such problems from happening is what real security means.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have finished all their matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the IPL 2026 season. Their last two home games are now shifted to Raipur due to earlier logistical plans. Fans understand the change, but many hope strong lessons are learned from this tampering case.

Wake-Up Call for Authorities and Organisers

This is not just about two frustrated men. It is a clear warning bell. Karnataka police and event organisers must improve training, tighten access to sensitive zones, and remove weak points in the security chain. Ordinary citizens expect professional and strong handling of such important IPL events. People hope authorities wake up soon and make every stadium truly safe so that families can enjoy cricket matches with full peace of mind.

(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany.)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views or stance of the organization. The organization assumes no responsibility for the content shared.

KL Rahul enters the contest after a record-breaking 152* against Punjab Kings, the highest score by an Indian in IPL. He averages nearly 70 against RCB, but Krunal Pandya has kept him quiet. Though dismissed only once in 11 innings, Rahul’s strike rate against Krunal is just 105.1. With Krunal in fine form, this duel could be pivotal.

Pathum Nissanka is under pressure after three consecutive failures. His record against Bhuvneshwar Kumar adds to the challenge, having been dismissed three times in four T20 innings. With just 22 runs off 24 balls at a strike rate of 91.66 against the veteran pacer, Nissanka’s battle in the powerplay could determine RCB’s early momentum. Bhuvneshwar, RCB’s leading wicket-taker, will look to strike early.

Jitesh Sharma’s form has been a concern for RCB, with just 62 runs across six innings. His struggles against Axar Patel make this matchup crucial. The DC skipper has dismissed him twice while conceding only 15 runs off 19 balls. With a strike rate of 78.98 against Axar, Jitesh will need to find answers in the middle overs.

The defending champions recorded their fifth win of the season following a five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans. With a 206-run target, the RCB chased it down in 18.5 overs or seven balls to spare. Virat Kohli led the run chase with a knock of 81 off 44 balls at a strike rate of 184 and formed a crucial 115-run stand for the second with Devdutt Padikkal, who played a fiery innings of 55 off 27 balls at a strike rate of 203.

Krunal Pandya (23*) and Tim David (10*) shared an unbeaten 33-run stand for the sixth wicket to take the team past the finishing line, sealing a comfortable five-wicket win for RCB with seven balls to spare.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Virat Kohli hits 800 fours, smashes 300 sixes in history

Kohli Capitalized on GT’s Blunder

Virat Kohli stole the spotlight with his aggressive and elegant strokeplay at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, the veteran RCB batter had almost left the home crowd disappointed early on after being dropped on zero by Washington Sundar off Mohammed Siraj on the first ball of his innings.

Kohli was on the verge of getting dismissed for a golden duck before he dropped the catch, which ignited his innings. The dropped catch didn’t deter his confidence as he dominated the powerplay alongside Devdutt Padikkal, racing RCB to 58/1 in six overs. The 37-year-old continued his aggressive batting and completed his third fifty of the season in 30 balls at a strike rate of 167.

Chased, in King Fashion #ViratKohli brought up yet another classy fifty: control, composure, and pure chase mastery on display ✨

When the pressure peaked, the King delivered #TATAIPL 2026 | #RCBvGT | LIVE NOW https://t.co/1jQMWSlWnX pic.twitter.com/QXbRddhZn2

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 24, 2026

Virat Kohli accelerated the innings in the middle overs, scoring 48 off 24 balls at a strike rate of 200 to take the RCB past the 150-run mark. Compared to powerplay, the star batter scored 33 off 20 balls at a strike rate of 165.00, an increase of 35 runs per 100 balls in the middle overs phase, showcasing his improved acceleration.

The veteran batter specifically targeted key bowlers like Kagiso Rabada (23), Jason Holder (18), Rashid Khan (15), and Prasidh Krishna (14), taking 70 runs off them collectively to power RCB’s chase. Mohammed Siraj conceded the fewest runs against Kohli, giving away 11 runs off his spell against the RCB batter during the chase.

CHASE ROYALE

Virat Kohli stitched together a masterful knock at Chinnaswamy - calm under fire, ruthless in pursuit ✨

Big chase, big stage… and the King answered the call #TATAIPL | #RCBvGT | #DevduttPadikkal, #ViratKohli , #SaiSudharsan, #WashingtonSundar pic.twitter.com/hE0q5qJwFV

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 24, 2026

In the 14th over, Virat Kohli smashed two consecutive sixes off Jason Holder, up from 69 off 41 off 81 off 43 balls, and was in great touch to complete his first century of the season. However, the former RCB captain fell short of the milestone, as he was bowled by Holder, against whom he had earlier struck a fluent 18 runs in the same phase.

The pattern in which Virat Kohli shifted gears after the early reprieve, building momentum steadily before unleashing aggressive strokeplay in the middle overs, defined his match-winning 81 and anchored RCB’s successful chase.

Kohli’s Knock Earns Praise

From almost a golden duck to delivering a match-winning performance, Virat Kohli has literally taken the game away from the Gujarat Titans.

His composed innings after an early drop, and explosive middle-overs acceleration not only stole the spotlight at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, but also sealed a statement knock that powered RCB’s successful chase and earned Kohli widespread praise for his match-winning impact.

Taking to their X handles (formerly Twitter), fans and cricket enthusiasts credited Kohli’s early reprieve as the turning point, hailing his 81-run knock as a ruthless reminder of his chasing mastery, while also praising his hunger, consistency, and ability to single-handedly tilt matches in RCB’s favour even after nearly being dismissed for a golden duck.

That dropped catch at 0… and the game completely flipped.

Washington Sundar misses a sitter off Mohammed Siraj’s bowling… and gives Virat Kohli a lifeline.

What happens next?

81 runs. Match gone.

At this level, you don’t get second chances, and if you give one to a player… https://t.co/R3CBSPJmR1

— Captain Rohit Sharma Fan (@TheCaptainR45) April 24, 2026

WELL PLAYED, VIRAT KOHLI

- 81 runs from just 44 balls, he has won the game for RCB, incredible innings while chasing 206 runs, The Greatness at Chinnaswamy. pic.twitter.com/r7OWCEdizs

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 24, 2026

Kohli was so livid with himself for getting dismissed like that. He really wanted to finish off this run chase by staying till the end today. You could see his frustration.

— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) April 24, 2026

Death, taxes, and Virat Kohli’s runs in a chase are all permanent. Insane consistency man pic.twitter.com/Yp6BKJGmmH

— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) April 24, 2026

Is there anything better than watching Virat Kohli in full flow

— Sam Billings (@sambillings) April 24, 2026

Virat Kohli is looking frustrated and disappointed even after scoring 81 runs. He's not safisfied with his knock, going back to dressing room in anger as he couldn't finish the chase. His hunger and passion to win the game is unreal even after playing for almost two decades. pic.twitter.com/k2J39mGc7g

— Suprvirat (@Mostlykohli) April 24, 2026

Jo baaki players ka peak hota hai woh Virat Kohli ka downfall hai

The best cricketer India ever got

— desi mojito (@desimojito) April 24, 2026

something so scary and endearing about an older virat kohli still trying to refine himself in a space he’s already outgrown, and yet dominating it. 2 consecutive years, still* in the orange cap race... the old man's tale was right, you can never ever unlearn greatness

— s (@_sectumsempra18) April 24, 2026

King energy from Virat Kohli

Chased it down like a boss 81 off just 44, pure class and control! While Devdutt Padikkal played a fiery cameo, this was Kohli’s game all the way

GT had no answers when the King is in this mood ❤️#ViratKohli #RCB #IPL #RCBvsGT pic.twitter.com/d7TV7m19RU

— нαүαᥫ᭡ (@Haya_fangirl) April 24, 2026

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli completed 800 fours, making him the first player to do so in the history of the IPL, and also achieved the landmark of 300 IPL sixes, becoming the third player to join an elite list alongside Chris Gayle and Rohit Sharma.

Kohli is currently the Orange Cap holder of the IPL 2026, amassing 328 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 54.66 and a strike rate of 163.18 in seven matches.

Also Read: IPL 2026: When Will MS Dhoni Return to Action? CSK Batting Coach DROPS Big Hint

Sai Sudharsan led the visitors’ innings with a brilliant knock of 100 off 58 balls, including 11 fours and 5 sixes, at a strike rate of 172.41, accounting for nearly 50% of GT’s total runs, dominating the powerplay as well as the middle overs. Shubman Gill (32), Jos Buttler (25), Washington Sundar (19*), and Jason Holder (23*) made steady contributions around Sudharsan’s century, helping GT build a strong total above 200.

For RCB. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/31), Suyash Sharma (1/36), and Josh Hazlewood (1/40) picked a wicket each, while the rest of the bowling line-up went wicketless as GT’s top order controlled the innings through key partnerships.

Also Read: IPL: Sai Sudharsan's majestic ton powers Gujarat Titans to 205 vs RCB

Gill’s Slow Innings Under Scrutiny

As Gujarat Titans set a 206-run target for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to chase, thanks to Sai Sudharsan’s century knock, Shubman Gill’s 24-ball 32 drew attention for its relatively measured pace, as the innings was largely driven by y Sudharsan’s dominant strike rate at the top.

In the powerplay, i.e., first six overs of the innings, Gill faced only seven deliveries and scored 8 runs, while Sudharsan dominated with a knock of 49 off 26 balls, as the GT skipper struggled for strike and remained largely at the non-striker’s end during Sudharsan’s aggressive start. After the powerplay, Shubman Gill continued to play as a second fiddle to the left-handed opener, who continued to anchor the innings.

Though he received the strike regularly compared to his limited opportunity in the powerplay, the GT captain struggled to get into his rhythm, as he scored 24 off 17 balls at a strike rate of I41.17 before being dismissed after a brief stay at the crease.

Shubman Gill dismissed for 32 from 24 balls. pic.twitter.com/5ln79oTv66

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 24, 2026

Fascinating. GT have batted for 5 overs, and Shubman has so far faced 3 of the 30 balls!

— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) April 24, 2026

In his 128-run stand for the opening wicket with Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill contributed only 25% of the partnership runs, playing a supporting role as Sudharsan dominated the innings with a fluent century and aggressive stroke play.

Despite the Chinnaswamy pitch offering good conditions for batting, Gill’s innings remained controlled rather than explosive, as GT’s scoring momentum was largely built through Sudharsan’s fluent century and strong support from the middle order.

Shubman Gill’s Innings Sparks Intent Debate

Understandably, Shubman Gill didn’t get the strike as Sai Sudharsan was in full flow and dominated the innings, but the GT captain had limited impact in terms of acceleration, as his innings remained steady rather than impactful in the middle overs.

Taking to their X handles (formerly Twitter), fans and cricket enthusiasts were split over Shubman Gill’s slow innings, with some criticising his slow strike rate and intent, while others defended him for playing the anchor role alongside Sudharsan’s century.

A section questioned his T20 approach, while supporters said he batted as per the match situation and team plan, with Gill struggling for a strike as Sudharsan dominated the innings.

Shubman Gill creating pressure on Sai Sudharshan by playing with 120 strike rate, when all ten wickets are left and GT can easily score 260-270. 

Believe me, Shubhman Gill is washed in T20 cricket, and shouldn't play T20 for India anymore but his PR hypes him as the next Indian… pic.twitter.com/UAbgNdvFU5

— Soman. (@Shreyasian96) April 24, 2026

People are criticising Shubman Gill unnecessarily tonight, he was playing anchor to Sai Sudarshan tonight as Sai went all gun blazing & Gill did his job well as parter & given Sai the strike regularly.

& the kind of middle order Nehra has built, Gill knows that he can't throw… pic.twitter.com/UqtUVoDAxB

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) April 24, 2026

I don't think Shubman Gill will get back into India's T20I side. Neither he should. I believe Gill and Kuldeep's T20 action should be limited to the IPL. Let them maximise their ceilings and approach greatness in Tests and ODIs.

— KASHISH (@crickashish217) April 24, 2026

Leave it to Shubman Gill to make a highway pitch look like a Test match. 

A true masterclass: 32 off 24 on a completely flat track. pic.twitter.com/POimtFQnBp

— Pratika's Poetry (@RRoyal_Reaper) April 24, 2026

Average innings for Shubman Gill, but he didn't got much time to settle as today is Sai Sudharshan's day so it's okay! https://t.co/GhtEkTLggC

— STEVE_7 (@ZyedSafwan13550) April 24, 2026

Wrong shot by Shubman Gill at the wrong time,

With Sai Sudharsan playing aggressively at the other end, there was absolutely no need to take that risk.

GT don’t have that much batting depth.
so this wicket could hurt them badly

it may be momentum for RCB .#RCBvsGT pic.twitter.com/fNwQ5RhFyq

— Bijendra B Rajput (@brajput868) April 24, 2026

Shubman Gill anchored innings can cost GT this game. #gtvsrcb #rcbvsgt

— Heman (@airuhd) April 24, 2026

Shubman Gill knew that once he got out, the team lacked strength. So he tried to stay till the end, but after his dismissal, the run rate dropped and Gujarat’s batting collapsed#ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/BvMrMQ3OGV

— KAKA NATION (@AbhijitMote9) April 24, 2026

Jos Buttler is a proper opener and not Shubman Gill. Buttler should open with Sai Sudarshan. GT messing it up badly. #IPL

— Jainam Mehta (@Jainam09) April 24, 2026

I never understood why Shubman Gill bats ahead of Jos Buttler pic.twitter.com/0HOR53UX4h

— TEJASH (@LoyleRohitFan) April 24, 2026

In the IPL 2026, Shubman Gill has aggregated 297 runs, including 3 fifties, at an average of 49.50 and a strike rate of 149.24 in six matches. The strike rate remains consistent with his strong season so far.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Ponting's culture, Iyer's captaincy hailed for PBKS run

Phil Salt’s explosive batting has been a revelation for RCB, with 202 runs at a strike rate of 168.33. His 63-run blitz against Delhi Capitals highlighted his ability to dominate attacks.

However, Rashid Khan has historically had the upper hand against Salt. The Afghan spinner has dismissed him twice in just eight balls, conceding only seven runs. With six wickets this season at an economy of 7.70, Rashid remains GT’s trump card. Expect Shubman Gill to deploy him early to counter Salt’s aggression.

Few contests in the IPL carry as much weight as Virat Kohli versus Kagiso Rabada. The South African speedster has consistently troubled Kohli, dismissing him three times while conceding just 36 runs off 32 balls. Rabada’s ability to strike in the powerplay is crucial, with seven of his 10 wickets this season coming during the first six overs.

Kohli, however, remains RCB’s batting pillar, leading the charts with 247 runs at a strike rate of 157.32. His form ensures this battle will be a defining one, as GT will look to Rabada to neutralize RCB’s biggest threat early.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing and control with the new ball make him RCB’s go-to weapon in the powerplay. With 10 wickets in six matches at an economy of 8.33, he has been Bengaluru’s most reliable bowler this season.

Jos Buttler, GT’s batting lynchpin, has scored 206 runs at a strike rate of 156.06. Yet, history suggests he struggles against Bhuvneshwar. The veteran pacer has dismissed Buttler seven times in T20s, restricting him to a strike rate of just 110.41. If Bhuvneshwar can replicate past success, GT’s top order could be under serious pressure.

The conversation began with Krunal reflecting on family life, noting that sometimes in a crowded household, one can miss someone. Mr. Nags interjected with a pointed remark—“like your brother?!”- prompting Krunal to laugh before acknowledging the ongoing rift. Mr. Nags compared the situation to the famous sibling rivalry of WWE’s Kane and Undertaker, underscoring the seriousness behind the humor.

+ : . ✌️

Krunal’s hairstyles, business ventures, on field tactics & antics, and some personal life secrets - Mr. Nags bowls bouncers to Krunal Pandya on this latest episode of @bigbasket_com presents RCB Insider.… pic.twitter.com/iI4U3KofMI

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) April 22, 2026

While the family angle dominated headlines, Krunal also used the platform to reaffirm his professional priorities. He emphasized that representing India remains his ultimate goal, even as he continues to focus on delivering strong performances in domestic and franchise cricket. “The ultimate goal is to represent the country, and I don’t dwell too much on it,” he said. “I want to keep doing what I have in my hand, which is to go out there and perform and win games.”

Focus On India Return Despite Rift

Pandya last represented India during the July 2021 tour of Sri Lanka, featuring in the third ODI on July 20 and the second T20I on July 25 at Colombo (RPS). Since then, he has not made an international appearance. Reflecting on his past contributions, he noted: “Whatever opportunity I got playing for the country in white ball, I did a pretty decent job at that time. It’s just I want to do my thing, and the rest of the things, I leave it to God.”

His record includes five ODIs and 19 T20Is, with 254 runs across formats and 17 wickets. Though his international career has stalled, his Indian Premier League (IPL) journey remains prolific. Pandya has amassed 1757 runs in 146 fixtures at an average of 21.96, alongside 98 wickets at an economy rate of 7.51.

Krunal’s IPL story began in 2016 when Mumbai Indians secured him for Rs 2 crore. He quickly became a vital cog in the lower-middle order, complementing Hardik and Kieron Pollard. His debut season saw him score 237 runs at a strike rate of 191.12 and claim six wickets. In the 2017 final, he earned Player of the Match honors for a composed 47 off 38 balls, helping MI clinch the title.

Mumbai retained him in 2018 for Rs 8.80 crore, and he played key roles in their 2019 and 2020 title runs, including hitting the winning runs in the 2020 final against Delhi Capitals. With the league expanding in 2022, Krunal joined Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 8.25 crore, contributing to consecutive playoff appearances.

In 2025, he was picked up for Rs 5.75 crore at the Jeddah auction, playing a crucial role in his side’s maiden IPL triumph. His consistency across franchises has reinforced his reputation as a dependable all-rounder, even as his India ambitions remain unfulfilled.

Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala played under par rounds to finish in the top 25 at the RBC Heritage on the PGA TOUR. While Bhatia moved up to T-16, nine places from his overnight position T-25, Theegala moved to T-25, up from overnight T-41. Another Indian origin player, Sudarshan Yellamaraju (68), finished T-53.

Fitzpatrick Stuns Scheffler in Playoff

Matt Fitzpatrick (70) held off World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (67) in regulation play as the latter rallied from his three-shot deficit to force a playoff at Harbour Town Links. Both finished at 18-under. In the play-off, Fitzpatrick, 31, stunned the pro-Scheffler crowd with a 4-iron from 204 yards, a little more left than he intended but very good. It rolled past the pin and stopped 13 feet away for a birdie. Fitzpatrick holed it to beat Scheffler and win the RBC Heritage for the second time.

Fourth PGA TOUR Title for Fitzpatrick

The victory, his fourth on the PGA TOUR and 13th worldwide, moves him to a career-high No. 3 in the world ranking. Fitzpatrick won for the second time in the last month. After his runner-up finish at THE PLAYERS, he won the Valspar Championship. He has won nearly USD 8.3 million in his last four tournaments.

The playoff was almost a repeat from the previous time when Fitzpatrick defeated another American favourite, Jordan Spieth, in a playoff at the RBC Heritage three years ago. This time the closing hole was a brute, the toughest at Harbour Town.

Dramatic Finish Forces Playoff

Scheffler, trailing by three shots with four holes to play, forced a playoff with a pair of late birdies for a 4-under 67 and some help from Fitzpatrick, who hit a poor chip from right of the green and missed a 20-foot par putt for his only bogey of the day and a 70.

Scheffler followed with his worst swing of the day, a 6-iron that came up 37 yards short of the hole. He hit a superb pitch to 8 feet, but never had to putt when Fitzpatrick made the winning putt.

Second Straight Runner-Up for Scheffler

It was the second straight runner-up finish for Scheffler, who came from 12 shots behind going into the weekend to finish one back of Rory McIlroy at the Masters. This time, he was seven behind Fitzpatrick through 36 holes and finished 64-67.

As both finished at 18-under 268, Kim closed with a 68 to finish alone in third, his fourth top 10 of the year.

"When I came on to bowl, I got a cramp, something I had never experienced before," Rasikh said, as per a press release from RCB. "After almost every ball, I was cramping. I was falling over while delivering, and I couldn't even bend properly." Despite the pain, he pushed through. "My only thought was that I had to complete the over. If I could do that, the team would be in a better position." In the very next game, he built on that effort with a four-wicket haul against Lucknow Super Giants.

From Jammu & Kashmir to the IPL

"There is a character in him," said Omkar Salvi, Assistant Coach, RCB. "Staying in the hills of Jammu and Kashmir, that hard life, travelling long hours to go and play cricket, you can see the way he has grown as a player." When Rasikh first began taking cricket seriously, belief around him was limited.

"When I started playing professionally, my family and relatives used to say that no one can take cricket as a profession because very few people were playing from our region," he recalled. "But my mother always believed in me. Since childhood, she used to say that my son would become a cricketer." His early steps into cricket came with challenges. Living nearly 70 to 80 kilometres away from Srinagar, even reaching trials was an effort.

"When I first went for the Under-19 trials, I didn't even know the process properly. I wasn't selected that year. The next year, when I went again, Irfan Pathan was there. After watching me bowl a few deliveries, he stopped me and started guiding me. That's when I felt that maybe he saw something in me."

A Career Derailed and Revived

While playing for his state, Salvi quickly noticed what set Rasikh apart. "The first thing I saw was that he was competitive. At the same time, he was creative in his approach. Apart from swinging the ball both ways, he had a slower one and a different perspective on how to approach T20 cricket." But just as his career began to move forward, it came to a halt. Rasikh spent nearly two years away from competitive cricket between 2019 and 2021.

When he returned, more challenges followed. After being picked by the Kolkata Knight Riders, injuries disrupted his progress once again. "I got a back injury after playing two matches. Then I got injured again during recovery. At that time, I realised I shouldn't rush. I had to follow the process, no matter how long it took." At the 2024 mega-auction, Royal Challengers Bengaluru showed faith in Rasikh's potential, securing his services for Rs 6 crore.

The Learning Never Stops

Rasikh said that joining the side was a huge opportunity to learn. "Working with players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, I used to ask a lot of questions, why he bowled a certain delivery at a certain time. I just wanted to learn."

The effort behind the scenes was evident to those around him. "He always kept working hard for himself. He was always trying to learn from every game he watched while sitting out. And then he had his own opinions, which we used to discuss later after the game during practice. With Rasikh, he has the ability to move the ball both ways," said Omkar Salvi.

Ultimate Goal: Playing for India

For Rasikh, the journey is far from complete. "I didn't start playing cricket thinking about the IPL or India. I had no idea where this journey would take me. But now, my goal is to play for India across formats, in any format." (ANI)

RCB posted a competitive total on a challenging surface, with Phil Salt (63 off 38) leading the charge through a composed half-century, his second of the season and sixth overall for the franchise. But a quieter final five overs meant the hosts finished slightly below what looked possible at one stage.

Karthik Reflects on Performance

Batting Coach Dinesh Karthik reflected on the team's effort and said the team performed well on a difficult batting pitch for most of the innings, but fell short of runs in the final five overs. He praised their strong bowling, committed fielding, and overall effort, noting that despite their performance, two quality opposition batters finished the game strongly. "It was a tough pitch to bat and we played quite well for about 75% of the innings. But yes, in the last five overs we probably didn't get as many runs as we wanted, but we bowled so well. We fielded our skin out. We did everything possible and showed the kind of commitment that players have toward the team. But towards the end, we got two great batters who came in and absolutely smashed it. And that happens in a T20 game," he said as per a release.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was once again the standout performer, delivering his best figures for the franchise with 3/26, surpassing his effort from the previous match. It also marked his third three-wicket haul of the season, underlining his consistency with the ball.

Tight spells from the rest of the attack ensured the game was pushed deep, with RCB keeping the pressure on well into the final overs. "Bhuvi and Hoffs' (Josh Hazelwood) overs were so good and Rasikh as well. The 19th over was on point and obviously we tried to take it as deep as possible. Then Shepherd had a couple of good balls and a couple of rubbly shots from David Miller as well. So overall, happy with the bowling effort. Could we have done a little better? Definitely. In a game like this, that's what you're always thinking, where could we have done a little better 10% here and there. Credit to Delhi Capitals as well, I thought they played very nicely," Karthik highlighted the execution in key moments with the ball.

All-rounder Krunal Pandya emphasised the learnings from a narrow defeat saying, "Slightly gutted that today we didn't get the desired result. I always believe that either there is winning or learning, there's no losing. So we have learned a lot today and we'll rectify the minor things which we can do better as a team and we'll come back stronger."

'Fighting Spirit Was Fulfilling'

Head Coach Andy Flower backed the players in the closing stages, adding, "Shepherd, we are 100% behind you. Those are two world-class finishers and we've got to give them credit as well."

Karthik further underlined the team's mindset saying, "Understanding where we could have done a little better is number one, and you want them to have that fighting spirit, the belief that we can take the game deep. At no point did we feel that we were a few runs short. We also had some lovely catches, great stops, we made 175 feel like 190, which is all you can do. And probably towards the back end, if it got a little lucky for a couple more balls, you never know. But overall, the fighting spirit and the attitude shown by the 12 that took the field was very fulfilling in terms of heart and the mindset they went in with. That's encouraging for us as a team."

Chinnaswamy's Historic Milestone

The match also marked a historic milestone, becoming the 100th IPL game hosted at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the most for any venue in the tournament, with RCB the only team to have played all 100 matches at a single venue. Adding to the occasion's significance, it was on this very date and ground that the first-ever IPL match was played back in 2008. (ANI)

Rajasthan Royals (RR) won the toss and opted to bat first against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match on Sunday at the Eden Gardens. After winning the toss, RR captain Riyan Parag said they will bat first on what to him looks like a dry pitch that may offer some turn initially and stay similar throughout the match. He emphasised setting the tone early, learning from their previous game, and improving performance. He also confirmed that Shimron Hetmyer and Brijesh Sharma have returned to the playing 11. "We're batting first. Looks like a pretty dry wicket; the grass was cut yesterday. It could turn in the first innings and remain the same later on. Let's set the tone at the start: our focus is on doing better, last match was a learning phase, we need to take it into the games. hetmyer and Brijesh are back."

The Knights are still in search of their first win in IPL 2026 and are the only team yet to register a victory this season. They have lost five of their six matches, with one game ending in a no-result due to rain. They head into this fixture after a five-wicket loss to the Gujarat Titans.

The Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, will be aiming to bounce back after their first defeat of the season, which came against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their previous match. They are currently placed third in the standings, with four wins and one loss so far.

RR vs KKR IPL 2026 playing 11s

Rajasthan Royals

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel(w), Riyan Parag(c), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi.

Rajasthan Royals Impact Subs: Sandeep Sharma, Shubham Dubey, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, Yash Punja

Kolkata Knight Riders

Ajinkya Rahane(c), Tim Seifert(w), Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Kolkata Knight Riders Impact Subs: Manish Pandey, Finn Allen, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Tejasvi Singh, Navdeep Saini. (ANI)

Delhi Capitals (DC) ace batter David Miller reflected on his crucial performance against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in his side's six-wicket win in Bengaluru, saying the victory felt especially satisfying after a disappointing outing in the previous game against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

Speaking after DC's six-wicket win on Saturday, Miller admitted that finishing the chase under pressure was a relief for the team, particularly given the mental challenge of bouncing back from a setback against Gujarat. "Feels really good. After that game the other night, it was a disappointing game, but to get it done today feels good. It's always going to be at the back of the mind till you win another game," Miller said.

'Staying in the moment'

The veteran added that his focus was on staying present and adapting to the situation during the chase, especially after struggling initially against disciplined bowling. "Mentally just trying to stay in the moment and do what I can. They bowled six yorkers to me, and I couldn't really get going, but chuffed it came off in the last six overs," he said.

'Tactical approach in the final phase'

Miller also explained the tactical approach in the final phase of the innings, where DC needed to balance risk and control. "We wanted to try and finish it in the second-to-last over always, but with as many runs needed, we knew we needed 1-2 sixes. So we just tried to limit the dot balls and take the boundary balls," he noted.

'Partnership with Stubbs'

The veteran DC batter also highlighted the importance of communication with Tristan Stubbs during the chase, crediting their partnership for keeping the momentum steady. "There were a lot of breaks in the game, so our minds were a bit all over the place. When I walked out, Stubbo said to me to keep the intensity really hard, and that helped," Miller said.

"Always good finishing off games with Stubbo, and he just said 'thank you so much, you saved me there'. For him, being there was massive for us," he added.

DC vs RCB Match Summary

Delhi pulled off a thrilling last-ball chase to defeat Bengaluru by four wickets in an IPL encounter at Bengaluru on Saturday.

Batting first, RCB were restricted to 175/8 despite a solid 63 off 38 balls from Phil Salt, as DC bowlers Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel picked up two wickets each to keep the scoring in check. In reply, DC were rocked early at 18/3, but KL Rahul (57 off 34) and Tristan Stubbs (60* off 47) rebuilt the innings with crucial half-centuries. David Miller then delivered a blistering unbeaten 22 off 10 balls, finishing the chase dramatically with two sixes and a four off the final over, taking DC to 179/4 in 19.5 overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar starred for RCB with 3/26, including a triple strike in the powerplay, but the team failed to defend their total as DC climbed to fourth place with the win. (ANI)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar admitted that his side fell short by 15-20 runs as it suffered six-wicket defeat against Delhi Capitals (DC). He also talked of middle-overs collapse as a key turning point in the match.

Speaking during the post-match presentation, Patidar acknowledged the strong start provided by Virat Kohli and Phil Salt but said the team failed to capitalise in the middle phase. "That was very close, but I feel that we were 15-20 runs short. The way we started initially, especially Virat bhai and Salt, they have given a good start, but from there, after 12-13 overs, we lost wickets in a couple of overs and that put us on the back foot," Patidar said.

He also noted that the pitch played slightly differently early on, making batting challenging at the start of the innings. "I think in the first inning, it was a bit tacky, I would say," he added.

Despite the loss, Patidar highlighted a positive finish with the bat, saying the team managed to add valuable runs in the final overs. "But I think the way we stretched in the last over, I think that's a positive sign for us," he said.

The RCB skipper also stressed the importance of clarity in execution and said the team would look to rectify mistakes going forward in the long tournament. "I was just discussing with the bowlers that be clear whatever you do. It's a long tournament, but I think we will go back and introspect where we made the errors and we'll rectify them," he concluded.

DC clinch last-ball thriller

Delhi pulled off a thrilling last-ball chase to defeat Bengaluru by four wickets in an IPL encounter at Bengaluru on Saturday. Batting first, RCB were restricted to 175/8 despite a solid 63 off 38 balls from Phil Salt, as DC bowlers Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel picked up two wickets each to keep the scoring in check. In reply, DC were rocked early at 18/3, but KL Rahul (57 off 34) and Tristan Stubbs (60* off 47) rebuilt the innings with crucial half-centuries. David Miller then delivered a blistering unbeaten 22 off 10 balls, finishing the chase dramatically with two sixes and a four off the final over, taking DC to 179/4 in 19.5 overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar starred for RCB with 3/26, including a triple strike in the powerplay, but the team failed to defend their total as DC climbed to fourth place with the win.

Brief Score

Brief Score: RCB - 175/8 (Phil Salt - 63 off 38 balls, Tim David - 26 off 17 balls, Axar Patel 18/2) lost to DC: 179/4 in 19.5 overs (Tristan Stubbs 60*, KL Rahul 57, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3/26) by six wickets. (ANI)

DC secured its third win of the season with a six-wicket victory over the RCB. With a 176-run target, the Capitals chased it down with a ball to spare in the final over of the match. KL Rahul led the visitors’ batting as an opener, playing a knock of 57 off 34 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes, at a strike rate of 167.65. Tristan Stubbs guided the middle order with an unbeaten innings of 60 off 47 balls, 4 fours and a six.

David Miller significantly contributed with an unbeaten innings of 22 off 10 balls, including 2 sixes and a six, at a strike rate of 220.00, as he finished the chase in style to take DC home with a ball to spare in a tense finish.

Also Read: KL Rahul continues fine run vs RCB with match-winning fifty for DC

Miller’s Match-Winning Finish Steals Spotlight

KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs might have laid the foundation with their crucial knocks, but it was David Miller’s explosive finishing that ultimately stole the spotlight and sealed the result for the Delhi Capitals. DC were reeling at 87/4 after Rahul’s dismissal before Stubbs, and skipper Axar Patel revived the run chase with a crucial 47-run stand for the fifth wicket.

However, Axar appeared to be struggling with cramps and retired hurt while batting on 26 off 18 balls, and David Miller joined Stubbs at the crease to carry on DC’s run chase. At one stage, Delhi Capitals needed 41 off 24 balls to win before the equation was brought down to 15 off 6 balls to win, thanks to a blistering late assault from Tristan Stubbs and David Miller’s finishing surge.

When DC needed 13 off 4 balls, Miller smashed two consecutive sixes and a four off Romario Shepherd to take the visitors past the finish line, sealing a six-wicket victory with a ball to spare and completing a memorable finish in Bengaluru.

, ’ .

The pressure was mounting, but David Miller doesn’t do "nerves" - he just does boundaries.  
DC wins a last over thriller at Chinnaswamy! #TATAIPL [#DavidMiller, #DelhiCapitals, #RCB, #Chinnaswamy] pic.twitter.com/6Cb7AT4FET

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 18, 2026

Tristan Stubbs and David Miller shared an unbeaten 45-run partnership, guiding DC through the tense final overs as they absorbed pressure, rotated strike smartly, and unleashed crucial boundaries to take the team over the line in a thrilling chase.

David Miller Buries GT Nightmare

David Miller’s match-winning finish against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru wasn’t just a display of composure under pressure, but a powerful response to his earlier heartbreak against the Gujarat Titans, where he refused to give a strike to Kuldeep Yadav when the Delhi Capitals needed 2 runs off 2 balls.

Chasing a 211-run target, the Capitals were restricted to 209/8 in 20 overs, falling just two runs short of the target. The match was not remembered for the DC’s loss, but Miller’s blunder in the final over, where his decision-making under pressure proved costly and became the defining moment of the game.

On the penultimate ball of the match, Miller refused to give a single to Kuldeep, as he apparently wanted to score a winning boundary. Eventually, the plan backfired, as the South African batter couldn’t clear the boundary and Kuldeep Yadav was run out on the final ball, handing the Gujarat Titans a dramatic one-run victory.

ONE RUN. ONE HEART-STOPPING FINISH. Prasidh trumps Miller in a last-ball thriller!

David Miller had it all going… until a cruel run-out twist at the very end #TATAIPL 2026 | #KKRvLSG | THU, 9 APR, 6:30 PM pic.twitter.com/moX1d2y0Qq

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 8, 2026

Miller’s heartbreak against the Gujarat Titans was eventually avenged in style as he produced a composed, ice-cold finishing effort against RCB, shutting out past criticism and guiding the Delhi Capitals to a crucial six-wicket victory with his calm presence at the crease in a high-pressure chase.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Sunil Gavaskar Defends David Miller's Mindset After DC’s One-Run Heartbreak vs GT

‘Redemption for David Miller’

David Miller’s redemption was fully on display as he overcame the lingering GT heartbreak narrative, as fans and cricket enthusiasts on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), hailed his composed finishing under pressure and praised him for bouncing back strongly with a match-winning knock for the Delhi Capitals against RCB.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts hailed his earlier ‘brainfade’ moment against the GT to a ‘finisher’s masterclass’ against RCB, alling it a perfect redemption story as he silenced critics with his late explosive cameo to take the DC past the finishing line with a ball to spare in the final over.

A redemption for David Miller. pic.twitter.com/pIz9huXcwY

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 18, 2026

From "Brain Fade" vs GT to "Finishing King" vs RCB! David Miller learns his lesson and gets DC over the line today. Killer Miller is back! #IPL2026 #DCvRCB #davidmiller pic.twitter.com/VRU0B50st8

— WorldTESTCricketHQ (@WorldCricketMW) April 18, 2026

This is redemption at its finest

People were calling him a choker and all that… just because he flopped in one game pic.twitter.com/PiQtDUOy6a

— chettan (@RamSrivs) April 18, 2026

Pure Redemption from Miller 6,6,4 in the last over

— yashdev (@byash_87) April 18, 2026

FAILED TO CHASE 2 FROM 2 TO WINNING 13 FROM 4

- THIS IS DAVID MILLER..!!!! pic.twitter.com/M0boen8QeC

— Hitman (@Vijay456V60026) April 18, 2026

David Miller waited for this moment… and delivered when it mattered the most.

22 off 10. Pressure. Redemption. Finisher mode ON.

— Ravi Raj (@Ravii0639) April 18, 2026

He doesn’t need redemption—just steady confidence.

— Imkakkar (@k74079) April 18, 2026

Miller achieved what he had come close to many times but couldn't. Today, his biggest dream has come true. 22 runs off 10 balls won the match for Delhi Capitals. pic.twitter.com/3LmeA8wFPX

— Cricket Hindustan (@goldensports98) April 18, 2026

David Miller the finisher is here. 
He cried that night and today you can see smile in his face. pic.twitter.com/ZarGH6zo6U

— VIRAT FAN (@pabitamallick90) April 18, 2026

With three wins and two losses, Delhi Capitals has moved to the fourth spot with six points and has a net run rate (NRR) of +0.310 after five matches. The DC will next face the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday, April 21.

After being put into bat first by DC captain Axar Patel, RCB posted a respectable total of 175/8 in 20 overs. Opener Phil Salt led the batting with a knock of 63 off 38 balls, including 4 fours and 3 sixes, at a strike rate of 165.79. Tim David (26), Virat Kohli (19), and Devdutt Padikkal (18) made starts but couldn’t convert into big scores.

For DC, skipper Axar Patel (2/18), Kuldeep Yadav (2/32), and Lungi Ngidi (2/39) picked up two wickets each to keep RCB from finishing with a bigger total and applied pressure in the middle and death overs. Mukesh Kumar (1/32) chipped in with a crucial breakthrough to further restrict RCB’s momentum at the back end of the innings.

Also Read: Virat Kohli's massive jump in attacking shots in IPL since 2021

Jitesh’s Slow Innings in Spotlight

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru managed to post a respectable total on the board, despite a strong start from Phil Salt and useful contributions from the middle order, Jitesh Sharma’s slow innings in the middle order has become a talking point of the innings, as the wicketkeeper-batter didn’t accelerate the innings.

Walking in to bat after Rajat Patidar’s dismissal at 131/4, Jitesh’s stay at the crease failed to provide the late push RCB needed in the death over. Though the wicketkeeper-batter built partnerships with Tim David, Romario Shepherd, and Krunal Pandya, his contribution to the scoring rate remained limited.

Jitesh Sharma’s collective partnership with David, Shepherd, and Krunal was 67 runs, but he contributed just 14 off 20 balls, meaning he accounted for only around 21% of the partnership runs while consuming a large number of deliveries, which significantly impacted RCB’s late-innings acceleration.

MASSIVE STATEMENT BY JITESH SHARMA ON RCB TOP ORDER BATTERS  

Jitesh Sharma said️- "I wish my team top order collapse so I come early, save collapse & become hero."

Jitesh Sharma in IPL 2026: 

- 0(1) vs SRH
- 5(8) vs RR
- 10(9) vs MI
- 23(9) vs LSG
- 14(20) vs DC . pic.twitter.com/f4K7KpnPOz

— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) April 18, 2026

Jitesh walked in to bat in the 13th over, and he stayed at the crease till the penultimate ball of the final over, but his inability to shift gears during the death overs meant RCB managed only a modest finish, with the scoring rate dipping at a crucial stage despite set batters around him.

Jitesh Sharma’s ‘Hero’ Mindset Backfires

As Jitesh Sharma played a slow innings against the Delhi Capitals, a video of his conversation with former RCB batter AB de Villiers went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), wherein he spoke about his aggressive mindset of wanting to become the “hero” in pressure situations.

Speaking on AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, Jitesh stated that he thrives in pressure situations and even visualises match-winning performances where he becomes the “hero” for his team, adding that he prefers to bat when the top order collapses, as it allows him to take responsibility.

“You won’t believe, I always pray to God, let my top order get collapsed, and I can bat and score. I see it as an opportunity to become a hero. I always visualise such innings in my life. I am such a person; I have always wanted to do something magical,” RCB wicketkeeper-batter said.

“Being in the present, focus on your breathing, seeing the scoreboard, what’s required, what’s not required, calculating such things, being yourself, I think, helps me to handle that pressure. Be yourself, focus on your own assets. What shot should be required now, which bowler is bowling, focusing on such things, so automatically your pressure just goes away," he added.

Jitesh Sharma prays for the top order collapse so he can bat and when the chance comes he himself collapses. Collapso king jitesh pic.twitter.com/MRXjAX1mFm

— Venky Mama (@venkymama100) April 18, 2026

In the ongoing IPL season, Jitesh Sharma registered the scores of 0, 5, 10, 23, and 14, aggregating 52 runs in 5 matches at an average of 10.40, struggling to convert starts into impactful finishing knocks for RCB in IPL 2026. 

Also Read: Tim David becomes second-fastest batter to score 1,000 runs in IPL

RCB are playing its 100th home match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, becoming the first-ever IPL team to reach this milestone at a single venue. The defending champions have played three matches in the ongoing IPL season, winning all three encounters so far and are now aiming for a fourth successive win to maintain their unbeaten run.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals have locked horns for the first time in the ongoing IPL season. The two sides have previously faced off against each other 33 times in IPL history, with RCB leading 20-12 in head-to-head record.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Parthiv Patel on why Washington Sundar is not bowling for GT

RCB Wear Green Jersey for DC Clash

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Delhi Capitals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the home side opted for their iconic green jersey as part of their annual “Go Green” initiative. The RCB were the first franchise in the history of IPL to swap their traditional red and gold kit for a green jersey to promote environmental awareness.

The special kit, which was first donned during the IPL 2011 match against the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, is worn to raise awareness about environmental sustainability nd encourage fans to adopt eco-friendly practices. The initiative focuses on reducing carbon footprint, promoting waste management, and supporting renewable energy, reflecting Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s commitment to a greener future.

Speaking on the initiative, RCB CEO Rajesh Menon said,

“Achieving carbon-neutral status as a T20 franchise is the result of years of dedicated work. The green jerseys reflect this commitment, and we hope this initiative inspires our fans and stakeholders to embrace more responsible and sustainable practices.”

Special game. Special initiative.

We’re glad to have you be a part of this day, Baapu & @DelhiCapitals. #PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2026 #RCBvDC pic.twitter.com/fv9YEd9CsL

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) April 18, 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have donned the green jersey for the 16th time in IPL history, 12th for a home match, continuing their long-standing tradition of using cricket as a platform to spread awareness about environmental sustainability and climate responsibility.

What Is RCB's IPL Record in Jersey?

Before the match against the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru had donned the special green kit in 15 matches, registering a poor record over the past seasons in the tournament.

Out of 15 matches, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won only five, lost nine, while one match ended in a no result, highlighting their struggles while playing in the green jersey despite the significance of the initiative. The defending champions' win percentage in the Green Jersey stands at 33.33%.

The last time RCB wore a green jersey was against the Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur in IPL 2025, and they won the match by nine wickets, chasing down a 174-run target with 15 balls to spare, marking the fifth win in a special kit.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will look to continue their winning momentum in the green jersey and maintain their unbeaten run at home in IPL 2026 as they aim to secure a fifth victory of the season against Delhi Capitals.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Rinku Singh’s Lean Run Puts KKR’s Batting Order Under Scanner After Defeat to GT

Bengaluru’s iconic cricket stadium has hosted three home matches of the RCB so far, with the defending champions winning all three games against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants, which also led to extremely high demand for tickets throughout the season.

Ahead of the RCB’s fourth home game against the Delhi Capitals at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, a major scam involving the illegal resale of IPL tickets at inflated prices, which led to the arrest of the canteen staff at the venue.

Also Read: RCB Star Virat Kohli’s Old Stance Revisited After Impact Player Role in IPL 2026 Clash vs LSG

How did the Chinnaswamy Ticket Scam happen?

The Bengaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) investigated the matter after receiving specific inputs about bulk booking of IPL tickets through online platforms and their subsequent diversion to the black market, wherein the tickets were sold at inflated prices through intermediaries linked to insiders at the stadium.

According to the report by NDTV, the accused, Chandrashekhar, an employee of the Sri Lakshmi Canteen inside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, was arrested by the CCB officials after he was caught selling over 180 tickets at a price between INR 15,000 and INR 19,000, amounting to a total racket worth approximately ₹17.5 lakh, according to police officials.

It was reported that the black tickets were sold for the high-stakes IPL 2026 match between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants in Bengaluru, which was held on April 15, and later resold illegally at inflated prices through intermediaries linked to insiders.

Chinnaswamy Stadium canteen staff was arrested for illegally selling tickets for RCB match, He sold 181 tickets in black with each price ranging from 15,000 to 19,000. pic.twitter.com/G7uTSx5HG6

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) April 17, 2026

The M Chinnaswamy Ticket Scam case came to notice after officials of the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch received credible intelligence about irregular bulk ticket purchases and their suspected diversion into the black market, prompting a targeted investigation that eventually led to the arrest of the canteen worker involved.

Bigger Network Under Scanner in Ticket Scam Probe

The canteen worker, Chandrashekhar, was not only involved in the Chinnaswamy Ticket Scam but also allegedly part of a larger network suspected of coordinating bulk ticket purchases and illegal resale operations.

As per the report by NDTV, the tickets were purchased under the names of Swastik Heavy Engineering and Industrial Automation Consultant Company, alongside 50 tickets under the name of Dharani Computers Company. As per the findings by the police, these tickets were later diverted to the black market and sold at inflated prices.

The CCB stated that a similar pattern of the ticket scam also took place during the clash between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings on March 28.

It was reported that 81 tickets were sold at a rate of around ₹6.6 lakh in that earlier match, with the same companies allegedly using the bulk booking before the tickets were later diverted and resold in the black market at inflated prices.

With 181 tickets sold, the prices were significantly increased and inflated during resale, taking the overall estimated value of the illegal transactions to around INR 17.5 lakh, according to police officials involved in the investigation.

Also Read: RCB to wear green jerseys vs DC, promoting sustainability initiative

KSCA Member Absconding

The canteen worker, Chandrashekhar, was just one part of the operation; the Kerala State Cricket Association (KSCA) member Ganesh Pareekshit is also suspected to be involved in the scam, which saw the tickets allegedly procured in bulk and later diverted to the black market for resale at inflated prices.

According to the police officials, Chandrashekar stated that Ganesh reportedly instructed him to sell the tickets at higher rates. A KSCA member is currently absconding after allegedly playing a key role in the distribution and coordination of the illegal sale of IPL tickets for RCB’s home matches.

Moreover, the police have registered a case against the private companies for their alleged role in the illegal sale of IPL 2026 tickets at the M Chinnaswamy.

It remains to be seen whether further arrests will be made as the CCB continues its investigation to uncover the full extent of the ticket black-marketing network linked to IPL 2026 matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

#RCBEverywhere: A New Movement for Fans

Global Stars Join the Fandom

A Symbol of Identity

'Take It Everywhere': A Call from RCB Stars

Current Standings and Next Match

Championing Sustainability

Royal Challengers Bengaluru is the only carbon-neutral T20 franchise in the world, as per a release from RCB. With the initiative launched in 2011, RCB continues to embed sustainability across its operations, with a structured focus on measurement, accountability, and fan participation, as it works towards becoming carbon positive. Speaking on the initiative, Rajesh Menon, CEO, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said, "Achieving carbon-neutral status as a T20 franchise is the result of years of dedicated work. The green jerseys reflect this commitment, and we hope this initiative inspires our fans and stakeholders to embrace more responsible and sustainable practices."

Engaging Fans and Enhancing Stadium Operations

A key component of RCB's sustainability efforts is a comprehensive assessment of fan behaviour on matchdays. Through stadium-wide surveys conducted across all stands, the franchise is studying commute patterns, ride-sharing behaviour, and estimating carbon emissions per spectator, enabling a clearer understanding of the environmental impact of fan travel.

Fans are also encouraged to use public transport to attend matches, with match tickets enabling access to the Bengaluru Metro. At the stadium level, RCB continues to strengthen its waste management systems, with detailed monitoring and audits of segregation practices.

Measuring and Mitigating Carbon Footprint

RCB deploys a series of measures to reduce and offset their carbon emissions, including waste segregation and management at the stadium, the use of renewable energy sources such as solar-powered lighting, and other initiatives, including voluntary fan pledges to reduce dependency on conventional resources.

The franchise also maintains a detailed assessment of its operational footprint, including emissions linked to team travel, accommodation, and energy consumption. This includes analysis of travel distances and fuel usage, accommodation-related emissions through room-night data, and verification of stadium energy usage through diesel generator audits and electricity consumption records.

In addition, matchday sustainability audits will be conducted during the course of the season, further strengthening on-ground accountability. These efforts will be consolidated into a comprehensive sustainability report, followed by an independent assurance process. (ANI)

Kohli, who is representing the RCB for the 19th successive IPL season, was caught in social media chatter after the Instagram users noticed his alleged interaction with LizLaz’s post, with the screenshots of the activity circulating widely on social media and quickly turning the incident into a viral talking point across platforms.

The Instagram users noticed that Kohli’s username, ‘virat.kohli,’ was among the accounts that allegedly liked LizLaz’s post, with screenshots have sparked resh speculation and meme reactions among fans.

Kohli liked this post on Instagram. Another paragraph loading on algorithm pic.twitter.com/PWB9aFlY87

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) April 16, 2026

This episode is similar to that of Avneet Kaur’s incident, where Virat Kohli’s alleged ‘like’ on an actor’s Instagram post had sparked similar speculation, prompting widespread discussion and meme reactions across social media platforms. However, the veteran Indian batter clarified that such interactions may occur unintentionally due to algorithmic or feed-related actions.

Also Read: ‘Another Algorithm Glitch?’: Virat Kohli’s Alleged 'Like' on LizLaz Post Sparks Online Frenzy

Kohli is LizLaz’s Favourite Cricketer

Amid the viral buzz around Virat Kohli’s alleged ‘like’ on LizLaz’s Instagram post, a recent interview of the German influencer resurfaced on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), where he revealed that Kohli is her favourite cricketer.

In a recent interview with FilmyMantara, LizLaz was asked about her favourite cricketer, to which she responded, saying Virat Kohli, adding that she was first introduced to cricket during her time in India during the IPL and got addicted to the ‘hype’ around the tournament.

“Well, I only actually got introduced to it when I was in India, and I was doing IPL. So I really got addicted to that hype because everybody was watching it all the time. And I just liked the energy around it, and then I started also watching it,” LizLaz said in an interview.

During a recent interview with FilmyMantara, Lizlaz opened up about her admiration for Virat Kohli, revealing how much she adores him and proudly considers herself a devoted fan.

- Kohli liked one of his Insta post too pic.twitter.com/NH3ZLy3VaF

— Fan RCBians (@RcbianOfficial) April 17, 2026

Virat Kohli has a huge fanbase not just in India but across the world, with millions of followers who admire his consistency, aggressive batting style, and leadership qualities, making him one of the most popular and influential cricketers globally.

With nearly 280 million followers on Instagram, Virat Kohli remains one of the most followed and influential athletes in the world, reflecting his massive global popularity both on and off the field.

Who Is LizLaz?

LizLaz, aka Jennifer, is a South African-German vlogger, singer, and social media influencer. She is based in Germany but holds South African roots. She has gained a massive following and popularity in India for her respectful and authentic on-ground videos exploring Indian culture.

Jennifer reportedly attended IPL matches, which can be evidenced by her statement, where she praised the hype around the tournament. LizLaz holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Psychology. She runs a YouTube channel, ‘LizLaz TV’, where she shares experience-based content, including travel vlogs, lifestyle videos, and personal updates from her life as a social media creator.

LizLaz’s frequent visits to India have often been linked to growing engagement with Indian culture by creating relatable videos like Bengaluru traffic and interacting with street vendors.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by LizLaz (@lizlaz_tv)

The recent episode of Virat Kohli’s alleged Instagram ‘like’ on LizLaz’s post further became popular after social media users amplified the screenshots, turning it into a trending topic across platforms with memes and widespread discussions.

Also Read: IPL: Virat Kohli stamps authority, continues excellent run-chase record

Kohli is currently part of the ongoing IPL season, representing RCB, and is the leading run-scorer with 228 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 57.00 and a strike rate of 158.33 in five matches. The veteran Indian batter also sustained an ankle injury, which prevented him from fielding in the clash against Lucknow Super Giants and saw him come out to bat as an Impact Player.

As an impact substitute, Kohli played a match-winning knock of 49 off 34 balls to help RCB chase down a 147-run target with 29 balls or 15.1 overs, securing their third successive win at home in the ongoing IPL season.

Also Read: IPL: Virat Kohli stamps authority, continues excellent run-chase record

Kohli ‘Likes’ LizLaz’s Instagram Post

As Virat Kohli continues to dominate the headlines on the field with consistent performances in the ongoing IPL season, the veteran Indian batter has also found himself in the midst of social media chatter over an alleged interaction with German influencer LizLaz’s Instagram post.

Kohli hasn’t been frequently using Instagram of late, other than occasional interactions and updates, which has further added intrigue to the latest episode. A few Instagram users noticed that Kohli’s username, ‘virat.kohli’, was among the accounts that had allegedly liked the bold picture of LizLaz on the platform.

Soon, the screenshots of the alleged interaction began circulating widely across social media platforms, quickly turning the incident into a trending topic.

This episode is similar to that of Avneet Kaur’s incident, where Virat Kohli’s alleged ‘like’ on an actor’s Instagram post had sparked similar speculation, prompting widespread discussion and meme reactions across social media platforms.

However, the RCB star batter issued a clarification on the Avneet Kaur incident, stating that such interactions may occur unintentionally due to algorithmic or feed-related actions.

Kohli’s ‘Like’ on LizLaz’s Post Sparks ‘Algorithm’ Jokes

Virat Kohli’s alleged like on German influencer LizLaz’s Instagram post has triggered massive reactions on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts reviving the ‘algorithm’ narrative. The minor incident quickly snowballed into a meme fest, with users sharing humorous takes and drawing comparisons with earlier similar episodes involving the Indian batter.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts flooded the platform with reactions, ranging from sarcasm to humour, with many reviving the familiar “algorithm glitch” narrative around Kohli’s alleged Instagram activity.

Several joked about the accidental likes and feed-based interactions, while others shared memes and screenshots, turning the incident into a full-blown social media talking point.

Virat Kohli Liked a Model photo on Instagram .
another Algorithm Glitch ? pic.twitter.com/vRHVsXOuMj

— Jeet (@JeetN25) April 16, 2026

What is this behaviour Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/wpmjJqrlFh

— Kartik Sharma (@KartikSharmaFC) April 16, 2026

Kohli liked this post on Instagram. Another paragraph loading on algorithm pic.twitter.com/PWB9aFlY87

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) April 16, 2026

Virat Kohli has once again liked the post of an Insta female model. Now we know why he was dealing with a headache from the past 2 matches. pic.twitter.com/pSTD5McLbh

— Homie (@homelander_yyy) April 16, 2026

WTF Virat Kohli who pretends to be Cultural by visiting our temples is now liking the post of adult content creators ???

Are u serious Virat ? pic.twitter.com/tigZJDGaq5

— Courageous (@CourageousRo) April 16, 2026

Virat Kohli Liked German Social media Influencer lizlaz _tv ‍♂️

Bro literally proved he is also a man pic.twitter.com/zIkBT0GkvX

— Shailu (@Shailu_15Jul) April 17, 2026

Here we go again! Virat kohli just liked a post by German influencer LizLaz and the algorithm memes are back. pic.twitter.com/MW9KZwC3ly

— Shariq (@CricBhakt7380) April 17, 2026

Virat Kohli liked South Africa influencer Lizlaz’s insta photo…

Anushka will be Upset pic.twitter.com/xn8ZDFBm2C

— Mannuuu (@Manogna_me) April 17, 2026

Virat Kohli's manager sometimes forget that he is using VK's Insta not his own

— Chai_Sutta (@Chai_SuttaGuy) April 16, 2026

Virat Kohli has liked a picture of a South African model on Instagram.

Looks like it’s another algorithm mistake… Kohli saab will probably post a story about it tomorrow pic.twitter.com/o4JaFYzsdu

— TEJASH (@Tejashyyyyy) April 16, 2026

Meanwhile, the alleged ‘like’ by Virat Kohli appeared to have disappeared from the post after the incident caught the attention of social media users, though no official confirmation has been provided regarding the interaction.

It remains to be seen whether the latest episode will fade as another social media rumour or continue to gain traction among fans, as discussions on Virat Kohli’s alleged Instagram activity show no signs of slowing down amid the ongoing IPL season.

Also Read: RCB Star Virat Kohli’s Old Stance Revisited After Impact Player Role in IPL 2026 Clash vs LSG

Kohli was exempted from fielding against the LSG, but returned to bat as an Impact Player in the second inning, opening the chase and playing a fluent knock of 49 off 34 balls, 6 balls and a six, at a strike rate of 144.12, guiding the team to a five-wicket win while chasing down a 147-run target.

Kohli’s ankle injury from the previous match against the Mumbai Indians meant he was not fit enough to take the field, prompting the team management to use him as an Impact Player for the clash against the Lucknow Super Giants.

Also Read: IPL: Why Delhi picked Sangwan over a young Virat Kohli, Sehwag reveals

Did Kohli’s Old Stance Take a U-Turn?

Virat Kohli has been one of the vocal critics of the Impact Player rule, having previously expressed his desire to play full cricket rather than playing as a substitute, even stating that he would rather “quit cricket” than feature in that role. The statement was not made by him, but by his former RCB teammate Swastik Chikara.

In an old interview with RevzSports, Chikara revealed Kohli’s firm stance on the Impact Player rule, stating that the RCB stalwart had made it clear that he would only play if fully fit and contribute in all aspects, adding that Kohli had remarked he would rather quit cricket than be used purely as an Impact Player.

“Virat bhaiya said, ‘As long as I play cricket, and as long as I’m fully fit, I won’t play as an Impact Player. I will play like a lion. I will field for the full 20 overs and then bat. The day I have to play as an Impact Player, I will quit cricket.’” Swastik Chikkara told RevzSports last year.

Absolute Class

Virat Kohli wasting no time in the chase  

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/UztAZM9l0q#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #RCBvLSG | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/MvHysjL3IV

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 15, 2026

Now, Kohli’s old stance has come into focus after he featured in RCB’s five-wicket win as an impact player against Lucknow Super Giants, though the move was driven by his injury situation rather than a deliberate change in his views on the rule.

In the match against the Mumbai Indians, Virat Kohli scored 50 but conceded 38 balls at a strike rate of 131.57 as he was seemingly getting going due to an ankle injury, which prevented him from fielding in the second innings.

Impact Player Rule Explained

The Impact Player was first introduced during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021/22 before it was implemented by the BCCI in the IPL 2023. Tushar Deshpande was the first player to be used as an Impact Player in the IPL, featuring for Chennai Super Kings during the 2023 season after the rule was officially introduced in the tournament.

The rule allows the teams to bring in a substitute during the match, enabling them to bring in a specialist batter or bowler based on match situations. Though it was brought to add tactical flexibility, the Impact Rule has often been debated, questioning its impact on the traditional all-round nature of the game.

The likes of Shubman Gill, Axar Patel. Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler, Shane Watson, Keiron Pollard, and Kyle Jamieson have also expressed their views on the rule, with several players questioning its impact on all-rounders and the overall balance of the game.

Despite the criticism of Impact Player, the BCCI has continued with its implementation, viewing it as a move that enhances strategic depth and adds a new tactical dimension to the T20 format.

Also Read: 'Lot of soul searching needed': Sidhu slams Pant, LSG's poor show

The RCB, the defending champions, secured their third successive home win and the fourth overall in the ongoing season with a five-wicket win over the LSG. With a 147-run target, the hosts chased it down with 29 balls to spare or in 15.1 overs. Virat Kohli led the run chase with a knock of 49 off 34 balls, while skipper Rajat Patidar (27) and Jitesh Sharma (23) provided crucial support as RCB comfortably overhauled the target before the death overs.

For LSG, Prince Yadav led the bowling attack with figures of 3/32 at an economy rate of 10.70 in his 4 overs. Avesh Khan picked up two wickets while conceding 23 runs at an economy rate of 5.2 in his spell of 4 overs. However, their effort wasn’t enough as RCB comfortably chased down the target.

Also Read: IPL: Kohli hails RCB's professional approach in commanding win vs LSG

LSG Player Touches Kohli’s Feet

As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru move to the top of the points table with their fourth win of the season following a victory over the Lucknow Super Giants, a heartwarming moment unfolded when LSG bowler Naman Tiwari tried to touch the feet of Virat Kohli, who himself declined politely.

In a video that went viral on social media, Kohli can be seen having a conversation with Mukul Choudhary and Naman Tiwari when the latter suddenly bends down to touch his feet, prompting Kohli to quickly stop him and respond with laughter, appearing slightly embarrassed while gesturing for him not to do so

Virat Kohli’s reaction when he tried to touch his feet is absolutely priceless

Bro was NOT ready for that moment

Pure Kohli expressions = instant viral content #ViratKohli #IPL #Cricket #ViralMoment #FunnyReaction pic.twitter.com/ROMJvUw4Av

— Brajendra kumar (@SportsPuls90816) April 16, 2026

Virat Kohli was the top scorer for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the clash against the Lucknow Super Giants, but he missed his third fifty of the season by just one run. For the first time in his IPL career, Kohli was dismissed for 49, falling just one run short of a half-century, adding a rare statistical footnote to an otherwise composed knock.

However, the former RCB captain’s innings laid the foundation for the chase, ensuring his side stayed in control before finishing the job comfortably.

Kohli Not 100% Fit

Following the RCB’s victory over the LSG, Virat Kohli revealed that he wasn’t 100% fit due to a sore knee in the last match against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, adding that he was happy to contribute despite the discomfort and focus on helping the team maintain momentum.

“Much better than the last game. I'm still not 100%. My knee was a bit sore last game. Even health-wise, I've been under the weather for four or five days now. So, just getting back up to my best,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation.

“I started off well today, so I was happy with my intensity. Again, would have liked to carry on and finish the game off. Sometimes you have to take the conditions into account as well. The pitch slowed down considerably, and I just wanted to keep going in the same manner. But yeah, in the end, I should have probably finished that one off as well,” he added.

The Orange Cap suits well on you, KING! #RCBvsLSG | #TATAIPL | [Lucknow Super Giants, Virat Kohli, Chinnaswamy, Josh Hazlewood, Rishabh Pant] pic.twitter.com/8o7cAF9uXG

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 15, 2026

Virat Kohli is currently the Orange Cap Holder for the most runs in the IPL 2026 so far. In five matches, Kohli has aggregated 228 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 57.00 and a strike rate of 158.33.

Also Read: IPL 2026: CSK Lodges Complaint Against RCB Over ‘Dosa-Idli’ Song at M Chinnaswamy Stadium

The RCB secured their third successive win at home and the fourth overall with a five-wicket win over the LSG. With a 147-run target, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased it down with 29 balls to spare or in 15.1 overs. Virat Kohli led the run chase with a knock of 49 off 34 balls, while skipper Rajat Patidar (27) and Jitesh Sharma (23) provided crucial support as RCB comfortably overhauled the target before the death overs.

However, the spotlight briefly shifted during the match when LSG captain Rishabh Pant appeared to be in discomfort after a blow to his elbow off Josh Hazlewood’s bouncer, leading to a temporary stoppage of play as the physio attended to him on the field.

Also Read: IPL 2026: 'Felt in good shape', says Hazlewood on match-winning spell

Chinnaswamy DJ ‘FAAAHHH’ Clip Goes Viral

Rishabh Pant was struggling with an injury during the LSG’s batting and was spotted in visible discomfort after the blow to his elbow off Josh Hazlewood’s delivery, attempting to continue his innings as play went on.

As the LSG captain was in pain and pausing before briefly trying to regain composure at the crease, the DJ at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium encouraged the crowd, especially the RCB supporters, encouraged the crowd to chant “FAAAHHH,” a moment that later went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter).

Yesterday, while Rishabh Pant was struggling with an injury on the field, the Chinnaswamy DJ kept mocking him with "FAAAHHH" sounds. pic.twitter.com/tu6wJMO1hF

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) April 16, 2026

After the blow on the elbow, Rishabh Pant was unable to get going with the bat as he was immediately attended by the team physio, Patrick Farhart, and received on-field treatment before he retired hurt while batting on 0 off three balls. Concerned, Josh Hazlewood checked on Pant after the incident as players and staff assessed his condition on the field.

However, Rishabh Pant returned to bat despite being injured after Ayush Badoni’s dismissal at 118/5, but he was dismissed for 1 at 124//6 in the 17th over. The LSG captain didn’t keep the wickets, with Mukul Choudhary stepping in as the substitute wicketkeeper for the remainder of the innings.

Did Chinnaswamy DJ Really Mock Pant?

The viral clip of Chinnaswamy's DJ encouraging fans to chant “FAAAHHH” during the brief break in play involving Rishabh Pant has sparked debate on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter).

Taking to their X handies, fans, especially RCB supporters, and cricket enthusiasts were divided over the incident, with many arguing that the ‘FAAAHHH’ chant was part of routine stadium entertainment used for multiple players, including moments when Virat Kohli missed shots during the match, while others felt the timing during Rishabh Pant’s injury break made it inappropriate.

Several users also accused rival fan groups of spreading out-of-context clips and pushing a misleading narrative around the DJ moment.

Stop being ignorant, they played it even when Kohli was missing the ballpic.twitter.com/Lfyj2HyEna https://t.co/yGHsY1JJxv

— Pushkar (@Musafirr_hu_yar) April 16, 2026

Bro, these fellows are acting like proper political IT cell sharing out of context clips just to spread hate. That DJ was using the “FAAHHH” sound even for Virat Kohli and every RCB player who missed the ball. How much do these guys cry ? Stooping to level of political IT cells. https://t.co/wtQpv6JOiD

— Sai (@akakrcb6) April 16, 2026

There is something seriously wrong with RCB fans, be it online or in the stadium. https://t.co/B6MgBUc1HO

— Gangadhar (@gangadhar_11) April 16, 2026

This was done when pant was unable to hit 3 balls of hazelwoods over , not after the injury albeit it's kinda cringe . Even encouraged pant when he came back on the field 

They even played it when Jitesh missed a ball . 

These dhoni dogs love spinning the narrative https://t.co/5Oq6OrxQhY

— R (@GanduGreenwood) April 16, 2026

This is not after he got injured, this is between overs where his job is to entertain the audiences.

Guys like you spreading every simple are between the making the fan wars to the next level! Keep it up to make this as an next thing after religious wars.

— DTyler (@centerfresh__) April 16, 2026

When Rishabh Pant came in to bat, the DJ played the song “Tune Mari Entry Yahan Dil Mein Baji Ghantiya” for Pant as he walked even when he has a elbow injury. Respect wht abt this csgays

— Priyanshu Gupta (@Priyans71202593) April 16, 2026

This is so sad if you dont respect the players who are sole reason for your earning - you’ll be done soon

— Lasya (@Lasyalovesearth) April 16, 2026

pic.twitter.com/RxYjwDwiZT

It was used for Virat also, you all just can't exist here without taking RCB name https://t.co/RxYjwDwiZT

— Rishabh 18 (@rishabh18v) April 16, 2026

Lol, same political type fake news spread.
I was in the stadium and the DJ was trying to push crowd to appreciate Pant for coming back even after injury.
That FAAAHHH was after drop catch by Markram.

— . (@johnsnow7654) April 16, 2026

They played before the matches and after the matches also.

Why are you crying and making fake news?

— Rishabh Sharma (@Rishabh45446090) April 16, 2026

Recently, the Chennai Super Kings lodged a complaint with the BCCI against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru over the ‘Dosa-Idli’ song being used during the IPL 2026 clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, as they believe it was mocking Tamil Heritage.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan stated that DJs are supposed to support the home team, but the things were ‘different’ at the Chinnaswamy, adding that certain comments were made against the players, prompting the franchise to file a complaint with the Rishabh PaBCCI.

Also Read: IPL 2026: RCB's smart planning key to success, says Jitesh Sharma after LSG win

RCB and CSK recently faced off in Bengaluru, the hosts, who are the defending champions of the tournament, secured a 43-run win over the five-time IPL winner in front of a packed stadium, which was largely dominated by home supporters. This was the 36th encounter between the two sides in the IPL, with Chennai Super Kings leading 21-14 over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in head-to-head.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings are two of the fiercest rivals in the history of IPL, with both teams enjoying massive fan followings across the country. Matches between the two sides have often produced high-intensity contests, both on and off the field.

Also Read: IPL 2026: RCB's smart planning key to success, says Jitesh Sharma after LSG win

‘Dosa-Idli’ Controversy Sparks Fresh Tension in CSK-RCB Rivalry

As the clash between RCB and CSK took place almost two weeks ago, the issue has only surfaced recently, drawing attention to events that unfolded during the match. According to the report by the Indian Express, the DJ at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium played a ‘Dosa-Idli’ themed song during the match, which didn’t go down well with the CSK camp, as they believe it was mocking Tamil Heritage.

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan stated that DJs are supposed to support the home team, but the things were ‘different’ at the Chinnaswamy, adding that certain comments were made against the players, prompting the franchise to file a complaint with the BCCI.

“The DJs are usually around to support the home team. But at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, it was different. Certain comments were made against our players. Considering it, we have written to the BCCI to have a look into it.” Viswanthan said.

CSK HAS REGISTERED AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT AGAINST CHINNASWAMY DJ.

CSK lodged a complaint to BCCI against the DJ of Chinnaswamy Stadium. ️ 

According to CSK the choice of song ‘idli, dosa, chutney chutney’ was not in good taste. (Express Sports).

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 16, 2026

The entire controversy began back in 2025 when RCB wicketkeeper- batter Jitesh Sharma seemingly mocked the CSK with a song ‘Dosa, idli, sambar, chutney, chutney’, but he got trolled later by the DJ at Chepauk Stadium after he was dismissed. The moment had sparked reactions online at the time.

However, the CSK management objected to such a song, which makes fun of the opposition, stating that it was ‘not in good taste’ and also raising concerns over the remarks made by the stadium DJ, which they felt crossed the line by targeting players during the match.

IPL Committee Receives CSK Complaint

The committee of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has received the complaint filed by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and is understood to have taken note of the concerns raised by the franchise.

“We have received a complaint from CSK and are looking into it,” an IPL official told The Indian Express.

Since IPL 2024, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won four out of five matches against the Chennai Super Kings, indicating a recent shift in momentum in this high-profile rivalry. The fans from both sides have often engaged in intense exchanges at stadiums as well as on social media, further fuelling the competitive edge between the two franchises.

The Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will not meet again in the league stage, as both sides were placed in Group A, which means they face each other only once during the group phase unless they qualify to meet again in the playoffs.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Pat Cummins cleared for SRH return after positive back scans

Speaking at a press conference after the match, Jitesh credited the team's understanding of home conditions as a key factor behind their success. "I think this year we are very smart about the wicket. We are adjusting the wicket. We are tactically working, and I think that's why we are winning all the games at home. I think that shows that we are working smartly and efficiently," he said.

Virat Kohli's Impactful Return

Virat Kohli was not part of the playing XI for RCB after sustaining an injury in the last game. But he came as an Impact Player, while RCB were needing 147 runs to win and made 49 runs off 34 balls with the help of six fours and a six. He is now the leading run-scorer in this edition with 228 runs and has the Orange Cap. "He had a niggle in the last match because that's why I think, and now he's totally fine. So we don't want to put pressure on him. And that's the thing. That's why we gave rest. That's it. We don't want to bet the ace of spades," said Sharma.

'Dominate the Bowlers': RCB's Batting Philosophy

On RCB's batting philosophy this season, Jitesh made it clear that the approach is built on relentless aggression. "Just dominate the bowlers. That's the mindset we have. Irrelevant of the situation, like today when I went to bat, I know that it's a ball-to-ball game. But as we batsmen have decided how we want to play this year or how we want to approach the game, it's very clear that you can see it. So that's the statement from us. We just want to attack all the bowlers and the teams."

Praise for Young Pacer Rasikh Salam Dar

The 32-year-old destructive batter reserved special praise for young pacer Rasikh Salam Dar, who claimed four wickets in a match-winning spell. Young pacer finished with the bowling figures of 24/4. "The skills that he is showing, he already had them, but now he has learned how to use them. When you get a good mentor, a good coach, a good atmosphere, then you get to know when to use the weapons you have, where to use them, whether it is required or not. Then you always keep sharpening those weapons. For example, when he played for Baroda with me in domestic cricket, he did a lot of work on his Yorkers and slower ones. He also knows that IPL will come in the future, so you always have to be perfect. You have to play in that intensity. So there are a lot of errors. But you practice a lot and put it in the muscle memory so that it becomes natural in the match or in a pressure situation," he said.

Hazlewood 'Sharper' and 'Quicker'

Jitesh also spoke about the improved condition of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who took one wicket while conceding just 20 runs in his full quota of four overs. Talking about Hazlewood, he said, "I think he's looking sharper; his body has rested well. I feel that he's become quicker, fitter, and he's very confident about his body now. He has done a lot of hard work on his injury. He's a more improved player than last year."

Jitesh on His Team-First Approach

Reflecting on his own cameo, Jitesh emphasised his team-first mindset. "I'm never happy with my batting. My coaches are always angry because I bat a lot. And as a lower-order batsman, I know that sometimes I'll get five balls, sometimes 20 balls. But if my intention is always to win the team, it doesn't matter if I'm hitting the ball or not, or if I'm batting well; it doesn't make sense. How much effort I have to put in to win the team, that's my ultimate goal. I don't think about how my batting is going. I just think about how much I can contribute to the team. In any way, if I get two balls, I'll bat with all my strength, whether I hit a six or not. If I'm keeping, I'll put in as much effort as I can."

RCB will face Delhi Capitals next at their home venue on Saturday. (ANI)

Kohli's fluent knock, complemented by handy cameos from Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma, guided RCB to a commanding five-wicket win over LSG in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) in Bengaluru, propelling them to the top of the points table with a dominant performance.

'Still not 100%': Kohli on post-match reflections

"Much better than the last game. I'm still not 100%. My knee was a bit sore in the last game. Even health-wise, I've been under the weather for four or five days now. So, just getting back up to my best. I started well today, so I was happy with my intensity. Again, would have liked to carry on and finish the game off. Sometimes you have to take the conditions into account as well. The pitch slowed down considerably, and I just wanted to keep going in the same manner. But yeah, in the end, should have probably finished that one off as well," Kohli said after the match against LSG.

On pitch conditions and game plan

Kohli explained that the pitch was slower and drier than usual due to the intense heat and lack of grass, making it different from the typically tacky surfaces at the venue. He said the team planned to capitalise early by attacking in the power play and putting the opposition under pressure. Kohli expressed satisfaction with his approach, noting that his aggressive start helped give the team an early advantage.

"It was slower than normal. There was not enough grass on it. The last 3-4 days have been very, very hot. It's been very dry as well. So, we thought it was going to be a dry, slow wicket rather than one of those bare ones that are tacky when we play in Chinnaswamy. So, it was different, and hence the idea was to push the game away from the opposition and take the game away from them in the first five-six overs. And for those reasons, the powerplay batting was important, and hence I say that I was happy with my approach today. I was able to put the team in front early on," he concluded.

Match Summary: RCB cruise to victory

Rasikh Salam Dar led a clinical bowling performance as LSG were bundled out for a modest 146 against the defending champions, RCB. In reply, Kohli anchored the chase with a fluent 49, while skipper Rajat Patidar (27) and Jitesh Sharma (23) chipped in with brisk contributions, guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a comfortable chase as they reached 149/5 in just 15.1 overs. (ANI)

Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) stand-in captain Nicholas Pooran admitted that his side fell short with the bat after suffering a five-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2026 on Wednesday night. Pooran, who was captaining the side in the absence of injured Rishabh Pant, admitted to being more consistent. Pooran reflected on LSG's batting struggles this season, noting that a total around 175 would have been competitive in the match against the defending champions, RCB.

"Tough season for us, we were below par, 175 would have been competitive, we have been struggling with the bat... It's T20 cricket, tough game, tough to stay consistent, guys have been working hard, it's a matter of time, have to stay patient and take the opportunity when it comes," Pooran said during the post-match presentation.

'Confident I can do it': Pooran on his form

Despite the loss, Pooran expressed confidence in his own form, stating that he was striking the ball well but had not been able to convert starts into big scores. The LSG stand-in skipper emphasised the need for patience and to find momentum in the remainder of their IPL 2026 campaign.

"I'm feeling really good, stroking the ball nicely, but it hasn't gone my way. I've been in this situation before and I am confident I can do it," he added.

RCB's dominant chase to top the table

The defending champions, RCB, registered a dominant five-wicket victory over LSG in IPL 2026 in Bengaluru, chasing down a modest target of 147 with 29 balls to spare. Virat Kohli anchored the chase with a fluent 49, while Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma provided quick-fire contributions to take RCB comfortably home and push them to the top of the points table.

LSG's batting collapse

Earlier, LSG endured a dramatic batting collapse after being asked to bat first and were bowled out for 146. Despite a fighting 40 from Mitchell Marsh, regular wickets and a lack of momentum derailed their innings, with Rasikh Salam Dar starring with a four-wicket haul and Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood providing key support. LSG also suffered setbacks, including Rishabh Pant retiring hurt briefly and later falling cheaply, as RCB's disciplined bowling attack kept them under pressure throughout.

RCB's all-round performance ensured a convincing win and strengthened their position in the tournament standings. The defending champions have climbed to the top spot with eight points to their name in five matches. LSG, on the other hand, are at the seventh place with four points in as many matches. (ANI)

Lucknow Super Giants did mount a brief fightback, but Digvesh Rathi's expensive spell proved costly, as he conceded 51 runs from his four overs, ultimately tilting the contest in the opposition's favour.

RCB's Dominant Chase

Chasing 147, Phil Salt and Kohli opened the innings for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Defending a modest total, Lucknow Super Giants struck early as speedster Prince Yadav cleaned up Salt for just 7 in the second over, bringing Devdutt Padikkal to the crease.

Kohli, featuring as an Impact Player, responded aggressively by taking on veteran seamer Mohammed Shami in the third over, striking three boundaries. He maintained the momentum by plundering 17 runs off the following over from Prince Yadav.

The partnership between Kohli and Padikkal then gathered pace, powering RCB to 60/1 at the end of the powerplay.

Avesh Khan, in the eighth over, finally broke the partnership for the second wicket, removing Padikkal for 10, bringing RCB skipper Rajat Patidar to the crease.

Middle-Order Flourish Seals Victory

Patidar wasted no time in shifting gears, taking on Shami in the very next over and smashing him for two towering sixes, taking RCB 86-2 after 10 overs.

Khan, in the following over, removed Kohli for 49. This marks the first time Kohli has been dismissed for 49 in IPL.

Jitesh Sharma joined skipper Rajat Patidar at the crease and made an immediate impact, hammering Digvesh Rathi for 22 runs in the 12th over.

However, Prince Yadav struck back in the very next over, lifting his side's hopes by dismissing both Patidar and Sharma despite being hit for a six off the first ball of the 13th.

RCB's pinch hitters, Tim David and Romario Shepherd, sealed the deal for their side as they finished the match with 29 balls remaining.

Clinical Bowling Restricts LSG

Earlier in the match, Rasikh Salam Dar led a clinical bowling performance as LSG were bundled out for a modest 146 against the defending champions, RCB. Rasikh produced a standout spell to trigger key breakthroughs, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood provided crucial support as LSG never fully recovered from setbacks and regular loss of wickets through the middle overs.

After being asked to bat first, LSG made a steady start, reaching 22/0 in the first three overs before losing their opening wicket in the fourth over. On the final delivery of the over, Rasikh Salam Dar struck to remove Aiden Markram, who scored 12 off 8 balls, including a six.

The innings took a further hit when skipper Rishabh Pant had to walk off after being struck on the elbow by a Josh Hazlewood delivery during the fourth ball of the fifth over.

The defending champions kept things tight, restricting LSG to 35/1 at the end of the powerplay -- their lowest powerplay score of the season. The Super Giants also struggled to find momentum, managing 15 dot balls in the first six overs.

Hazlewood struck again soon after, cleaning up a struggling Nicholas Pooran for just one run, as LSG moved to 63/2 after nine overs.

Krunal Pandya Reaches 100-Wicket Milestone

Just as a partnership was beginning to build, Krunal Pandya provided another breakthrough by dismissing Mitchell Marsh in the 10th over. Marsh fell after a well-made 40 off 32 balls, featuring three fours and two sixes, leaving LSG at 71/3.

During the second ball of the 12th over, Krunal Pandya took his second wicket. The all-rounder dismissed Abdul Samad for a two-ball duck. After completing his wicket, Krunal reached the landmark of 100 wickets in his IPL career.

Krunal also became the sixth finger spinner with 100 or more wickets in the tournament's history after Sunil Narine, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, and Axar Patel.

During the second ball of the 12th over, Krunal Pandya struck again to claim his second wicket of the innings, removing Abdul Samad for a two-ball duck. With this dismissal, Krunal also reached a major milestone, completing 100 wickets in his IPL career.

Krunal became only the sixth finger spinner in IPL history to achieve the landmark, joining an elite list that includes Sunil Narine, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, and Axar Patel.

By the end of the 15th over, LSG reached 112/4, as they continued to search for momentum in their innings.

During the fifth ball of the 16th over, Rasikh Salam Dar picked up his second wicket of the innings by removing Ayush Badoni. The right-handed batter scored 38 off 24 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and a six.

Following Badoni's dismissal, skipper Rishabh Pant walked out to bat with his left elbow heavily strapped, as the team looked to rebuild in the closing stages of the innings. LSG continued to lose momentum as skipper Pant endured a difficult outing, falling for just one. Phil Salt completed a sharp catch to dismiss the LSG captain, further deepening their woes.

With wickets tumbling at regular intervals, the visitors slipped to 124/6 at the end of the 17th over.

During the 19th over, pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar got back-to-back wickets of George Linde and Mohammed Shami as LSG sank to 137/8.

During the 20th over, Rasikh took two wickets of Mukul Choudhary (39 off 28 balls, with five boundaries) and Avesh Khan (1) as Lucknow were bundled out for just 146 runs.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Josh Hazlewood, who was named Player of the Match for his impactful spell in their five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 20526, said he felt in "good shape" and adapted well to the slow conditions in Bengaluru.

Reflecting on his performance, Hazlewood emphasised the importance of assessing conditions early and adjusting plans accordingly. "Felt much better today, in good shape. Got to look at who you are playing against, conditions play a part, slow wicket today, just had to whack that length," Hazlewood said during the post-match presentation ceremony.

The Australian pacer also highlighted his ongoing work on variations, particularly slower deliveries, to stay effective in T20 cricket. "I'd like to have a few funky deliveries... always working on those slower balls... keep moving forward," he added.

Hazlewood further noted that quickly reading match conditions was a key strength for RCB in the contest, helping them restrict LSG to a below-par total. "Summing up the conditions as early as we can is a huge plus for us," he said.

'Plan is to Keep Playing': Hazlewood on Fitness

Looking ahead, the fast bowler expressed confidence about his fitness and availability for the upcoming fixtures, saying he expects to continue featuring regularly in the tournament. "The plan is hopefully to keep playing; the schedule is pretty good here on, so I should be okay to keep playing."

RCB's Dominant Victory

The defending champions, RCB, registered a dominant five-wicket victory over LSG in IPL 2026 in Bengaluru, chasing down a modest target of 147 with 29 balls to spare. Virat Kohli anchored the chase with a fluent 49, while Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma provided quick-fire contributions to take RCB comfortably home and push them to the top of the points table.

LSG's Batting Collapse

Earlier, LSG endured a dramatic batting collapse after being asked to bat first and were bowled out for 146. Despite a fighting 40 from Mitchell Marsh, regular wickets and a lack of momentum derailed their innings, with Rasikh Salam Dar starring with a four-wicket haul and Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood providing key support. LSG also suffered setbacks, including Rishabh Pant retiring hurt briefly and later falling cheaply, as RCB's disciplined bowling attack kept them under pressure throughout.

Points Table Standings

RCB's all-round performance ensured a convincing win and strengthened their position in the tournament standings. The defending champions have climbed to the top spot with eight points to their name in five matches. LSG, on the other hand, are at the seventh place with four points in as many matches. (ANI)

Rasikh produced a standout spell to trigger key breakthroughs, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood provided crucial support as LSG never fully recovered from setbacks and regular loss of wickets through the middle overs.

LSG's Rocky Start

After being asked to bat first, LSG made a steady start, reaching 22/0 in the first three overs before losing their opening wicket in the fourth over. On the final delivery of the over, Rasikh Salam Dar struck to remove Aiden Markram, who scored 12 off 8 balls, including a six.

The innings took a further hit when skipper Rishabh Pant had to walk off after being struck on the elbow by a Josh Hazlewood delivery during the fourth ball of the fifth over. The defending champions kept things tight, restricting LSG to 35/1 at the end of the powerplay -- their lowest powerplay score of the season. The Super Giants also struggled to find momentum, managing 15 dot balls in the first six overs.

Hazlewood struck again soon after, cleaning up a struggling Nicholas Pooran for just one run, as LSG moved to 63/2 after nine overs.

Krunal Pandya Reaches 100 IPL Wickets

Just as a partnership was beginning to build, Krunal Pandya provided another breakthrough by dismissing Mitchell Marsh in the 10th over. Marsh fell after a well-made 40 off 32 balls, featuring three fours and two sixes, leaving LSG at 71/3.

During the second ball of the 12th over, Krunal Pandya took his second wicket. The all-rounder dismissed Abdul Samad for a two-ball duck. After completing his wicket, Krunal reached the landmark of 100 wickets in his IPL career. Krunal also became the sixth finger spinner with 100 or more wickets in the tournament's history after Sunil Narine, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, and Axar Patel.

During the second ball of the 12th over, Krunal Pandya struck again to claim his second wicket of the innings, removing Abdul Samad for a two-ball duck. With this dismissal, Krunal also reached a major milestone, completing 100 wickets in his IPL career. Krunal became only the sixth finger spinner in IPL history to achieve the landmark, joining an elite list that includes Sunil Narine, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, and Axar Patel.

RCB Restrict LSG in Final Overs

By the end of the 15th over, LSG reached 112/4, as they continued to search for momentum in their innings.

During the fifth ball of the 16th over, Rasikh Salam Dar picked up his second wicket of the innings by removing Ayush Badoni. The right-handed batter scored 38 off 24 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and a six. Following Badoni's dismissal, skipper Rishabh Pant walked out to bat with his left elbow heavily strapped, as the team looked to rebuild in the closing stages of the innings.

LSG continued to lose momentum as skipper Pant endured a difficult outing, falling for just one. Phil Salt completed a sharp catch to dismiss the LSG captain, further deepening their woes. With wickets tumbling at regular intervals, the visitors slipped to 124/6 at the end of the 17th over.

During the 19th over, pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar got back-to-back wickets of George Linde and Mohammed Shami as LSG sank to 137/8.

During the 20th over, Rasikh took two wickets of Mukul Choudhary (39 off 28 balls, with five boundaries) and Avesh Khan (1) as Lucknow were bundled out for just 146 runs.

Bowling Summary

For the defending champions, Rasikh picked up a four-wicket haul (4/24). Bhuvneshwar scalped three wickets (3/27). Hazlewood (1/20) and Krunal (2/38) were also among the wicket-takers.

The match, which was supposed to be finished at least by 11 pm, including an innings break and standard over-rate expectations, eventually stretched deep into the night, with the thrilling contest concluding around 11:51 pm after a relentless finish. The defending champions, RCB, emerged victorious with an 18-run win over the MI in front of a packed house at Wankhede Stadium.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Bengaluru held their nerve in the death overs, but a late counterattack from Sherfane Rutherford kept the Mumbai Indians in the hunt before RCB ultimately closed out a memorable victory, securing their third win of the season.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Injury Update: Will RCB Icon Be Ready For High‑Stakes IPL 2026 LSG Encounter

The Longest Match of the IPL 2026

The fiery battle between RCB and MI went down as the longest match of the IPL 2026 season so far, with the thrilling contest stretching to 4 hours and 22 minutes, packed with high-scoring action, momentum swings, and a dramatic finish that went deep into the night.

The match started at 7:30 PM, after a minute’s silence as a tribute to the late, renowned singer. Asha Bhosle, and soon turned into a high-intensity contest with both teams exchanging momentum in a gripping battle that went deep into the night. This is the third-longest match without Super Overs in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 2023 clash between the Delhi Capitals and the Kolkata Knight Riders holds the record for the longest match in IPL history, lasting for around 4 hours and 50 minutes, as the match was delayed by an hour due to rain in New Delhi. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans’ clash in the same year also went past the 4-hour mark, lasting around 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Back to winning ways! ✅❤️

After a solid batting display, #RCB bowlers hold their nerve to restrict #MumbaiIndians & seal back-to-back wins at Wankhede stadium! #MIvRCB #RajatPatidar #HardikPandya #RohitSharma #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/4OkZoLiQ5W

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 12, 2026

The recently concluded match between the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru went past the four-hour mark despite there being no delays or stoppages due to rain or interruptions, making it a rare full-duration thriller defined purely by on-field intensity, high scoring, and extended over-rate pressure throughout the contest.

The RCB’s innings was concluded around 9:40 pm after they completed their quota of 20 overs, setting up a challenging chase for the Mumbai Indians under pressure in a high-scoring contest.

MI vs RCB’s Clash Overtakes Dhurandhar 2 Record Runtime

Aditya Dhar’s Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar: The Revenge or Dhurandhar 2 may have been one of the biggest cinematic releases of the year, but the IPL 2026 thriller at the Wankhede Stadium went one step further in sheer duration.

The 4 hours and 22 minutes thrilling contest between the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru surpassed the film’s 3-hour-50-minute runtime in a dramatic on-field spectacle that blurred the line between sport and entertainment. Since Dhurandhar 2 is expected to be a major release, the MI vs RCB thriller once again underlined how IPL drama can match, and even surpass, big-screen entertainment in sheer duration and intensity.

The MI vs RCB thriller, overtaking Dhurandhar 2’s runtime, sparked discussions on social media, with fans and cricket enthusiasts on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), calling it a ‘full entertainment package while joking about endless reviews, wides, and the match outlasting a blockbuster film.

Another record for the IPL. The first match which was longer than Dhurandhar 2!

— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) April 12, 2026

Best tweet of the day
It was all about injuries,wide ball,wide ball's review 
And repeat https://t.co/b9AzuAe5sS

— .ᡣ (@glamrvsh) April 12, 2026

Thanks to all the reviews taken by both teams . If this happens again, revenge (Dhurandar 2) will be taken by the spectators I guess

— Sanjeev Nadgouda (@shnadgouda) April 13, 2026

Aditya Dhar thought he made the longest action epic of the year, but the IPL 2026 scriptwriters said 'Hold my drink.' ✍️ 

4 hours of T20 is basically a Test match in disguise. We’ve reached players with peak levels of 'taking liberties' with the clock impact of money

— Khel Pulse (@khelpulseIN) April 12, 2026

Haha .. But hey the hero had long locks .. what did you expect?

— Cricket World (@CricketWor24502) April 12, 2026

Seriously, two things need to go from IPL, wide ball reviews and the Impact Player rule.

They’re slowing the game down and killing the excitement

— Abhishek rai (@Abhishe74899601) April 12, 2026

They should allow only 1 review for wide and no balls per innings plus no revival. Force them to use review wisely only in critical condition in the death overs.

— Jorah (@jorahmormont3_) April 12, 2026

The longest IPL match in the history of IPL is the 2020 clash between the Mumbai Indians and the Punjab Kings, as it lasted for 5 hours and 4 minutes due to two Super Overs, making it one of the most dramatic finishes in the tournament’s history.

However, the IPL 2023 final between the Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans is unlikely to remain unbroken as it has been played for 30 hours and 5 minutes across two days due to rain interruptions at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Hardik vs Krunal? Fans Speculate Pandya Brothers’ Fallout After Fiery MI-RCB Encounter

The RCB clinched a thrilling 18-run win over MI in the fiery encounter. After posting a solid total of 240/4 in 20 overs, the defending champions successfully managed to defend it by restricting the hosts to 222/5 in 20 overs, despite Sherfane Rutherford’s fighting, unbeaten knock of 71 off 31 balls, including nine sixes and a four, at an impressive strike rate of 229. His stay at the crease almost pulled off a victory for the Mumbai Indians.

For the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Suyash Sharma led the bowling attack with figures of 2/47 at an economy rate of 11.80 in his spell of four overs. Rasikh Dar (1/23), Krunal Pandya (1/26), and Jacob Duffy (1/58) took key wickets at regular intervals, ensuring MI fell short despite a late charge.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Why RCB Star Virat Kohli Didn’t Field against MI at Wankhede Stadium? Explained

Tim David’s Moment with On-Field Umpires

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their third win of the ongoing IPL season, Tim David’s on-field antics with the match ball became one of the talking points of the match. The incident took place in the 18th over of the RCB’s innings after David smashed a six off Hardik Pandya’s delivery, forcing a ball change due to the distance of the hit.

However, a hilarious yet controversial incident unfolded when Tim David kept checking the ball despite repeated requests by an on-field umpire, Swaroopanand Kannur, to return the ball.

Another on-field umpire, Virender Sharma, intervened and appeared to have warned the Australian batter, after which Tim David eventually handed the ball back, allowing play to resume. The video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter).

Casual inspection from Tim David after absolute destruction #IPLRivalryWeek 2026 #MIvRCB | LIVE NOW https://t.co/gLbf9ggQbu | #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/OumaLMDlYF

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 12, 2026

Tim David’s cameo innings of 34 off 16 balls, including 3 sixes and 2 fours, at an impressive strike rate of 212.50, guided the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a solid total on the board. The Australian batter capitalized on the fiery fifties by Phil Salt (78) and Rajat Patidar (53), providing a late flourish that boosted the defending champions to a daunting total against the Mumbai Indians.

‘This Has To Be A Serious Issue’

Tim David, checking the ball despite the on-field umpires' repeated request to return it has sparked a debate on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts criticizing the act as “disrespectful” towards the umpires, raising concerns about his attitude on the field.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts slammed the act by the Australian batter as ‘utter disrespect’, while demanding strict action or even a match ban for his behaviour, with several users insisting such ‘attitude’ should not be tolerated on the field.

Others accused Tim David of trolling the umpires, with some calling his action ‘irritating’ and ‘unnecessary’, while a few even suggested he should have been penalised during the match for delaying play.

he should be banned for a couple of games for this https://t.co/JLhBBV0qK6

— Gautam Vishwanathan (@GautamV74) April 13, 2026

This has to be a serious issue. @BCCI #ipl the fine for this juggling has to be exemplary when he is being repeatedly asked to stop. Unless this David ancestors battered Goliath. What say BCCI ? https://t.co/pQjy3EERwR

— Devjyoti Raja Mohanty (@EmperorMo13) April 12, 2026

That was utter disrespect towards the on-field umpires. 

The umpire repeatedly asked for the ball, but Tim David remained adamant about checking it.

Finally, Virender Sharma, who was standing at a distance, had to issue a stern warning to David. pic.twitter.com/n612PGVSWq

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) April 12, 2026

wtf is tim david doing with the ball

throwing it up and checking it himself
that’s not even allowed

and then arguing with the umpire…
lowkey irritating but funny #ipl2026 pic.twitter.com/xmbyNrBMov

— Naveen Chaudhary (@inaveen1745) April 12, 2026

That’s not funny Mr.David. The match referee should take action against the erring player. https://t.co/IO33QKdNke

— C.VENKATESH (@C4CRICVENKATESH) April 13, 2026

Should have given wkt sending him to dugout… https://t.co/ovpJXlo12z

— Logan (@ImLogan3) April 13, 2026

Australian player. Scumbag underneath 

He was trolling the umpires https://t.co/KnlOoh0X84

— (@Ultronvenom) April 13, 2026

Yes, totaly disrespectful. What kind of human being is Tim. Please do it more often. https://t.co/RHTXahwII0

— Smoke (@Petercris_3) April 13, 2026

need to take proper action against this https://t.co/yEZttyrMbD

— m@kr@m (@makram0105) April 13, 2026

This is not on. A batter does not have the right to decide on or check the quality of a replacement ball that the umpire picks. It is a very slippery slope. 
I understand the emotions involved, but it totally undermines the umpires. https://t.co/8SZ8nok9hl

— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) April 13, 2026

Wow, how has the match referee not taken a note of this? More than him checking the ball, it's how he is behaving with the umpire.

Heavy fine needed. Who do these OS cricketers start thinking they are after a good couple of seasons? https://t.co/k5VMcCfhEO

— Geopolitik (@geopolitiik) April 13, 2026

With the third win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru moved to third spot with three wins and a loss, while accumulating six points and having a net run rate (NRR) of +1.148. The defending champions will return to action when they take on the Lucknow Super Giants at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, April 15.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Injury Update: Will RCB Icon Be Ready For High‑Stakes IPL 2026 LSG Encounter

RCB captain Rajat Patidar addressed the situation in the post-match presentation. “I do not know yet, but I think he, I feel that he is okay right now,” Patidar said, brushing aside immediate concerns. His words offered some relief, but the uncertainty surrounding Kohli’s availability for the next fixture against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) persists.

Injury And Health Concerns

Reports suggest Virat Kohli may also have been battling fever and an eye infection, though no official confirmation has been issued. His discomfort was evident during his innings at Wankhede Stadium, where he scored his 65th IPL fifty. The knock took 37 balls, and his strike rate of 131.58 was the lowest among batters facing at least 10 deliveries in the game. Kohli played 31.57% dot balls, a sign he was not at his fluent best.

RCB, the defending champions, currently sit third on the points table with three wins from four matches. Despite a loss to Rajasthan Royals earlier, their strong start has given them breathing room. This allows the team to consider resting Virat Kohli if he is not fully fit for the LSG clash on April 15.

Rajat Patidar’s update suggested optimism, but RCB will not risk their star batter’s long-term fitness. The franchise is expected to make a final decision on match day after consulting medical staff.

Strategic Considerations

RCB’s management knows the tournament is still in its early stages. Preserving Virat Kohli’s fitness for the remainder of the season is more important than rushing him back prematurely. With the squad in a strong position, the team can afford to prioritize recovery over immediate availability.

The balance between short-term gains and long-term stability will guide RCB’s decision.Virat Kohli’s presence is vital, but ensuring he is 100% fit also remains the priority.

After posting a total of 240/4, thanks to fifties by Phil Salt (78), skipper Rajat Patidar (53), and Virat Kohli (50), RCB managed to defend it by restricting MI to 222/5 in 20 overs, despite Sherfane Rutherford’s fighting knock of 71 off 31 balls, including nine sixes and a four, at a strike rate of 229.03.

The late blitz by Rutherford, scoring 52 off 19 balls in the final three overs, gave the Mumbai Indians a glimmer of hope of chasing down a steep target, but it ultimately proved too little, too late as RCB held their nerve to seal a thrilling win. For RCB, Suyash Sharma led the bowling attack with figures of 2/47 at an economy rate of 11.80 in his spell of four overs.

Also Read: IPL: Impact Player rule has changed batting dynamics, says Krunal Pandya

Hardik vs Krunal - Pandya Brothers Face-Off at Wankhede

The Wankhede Stadium not only witnessed the fiery encounter between MI and RCB, but also the much-anticipated face-off between the Pandya brothers, Hardik and Krunal. The siblings locked horns for the first time since the speculation of a rift between them began doing the rounds on social media in recent weeks.

Hardik and Krunal locked horns on the final ball of the ninth over when the elder Pandya brother bowled a bouncer to the younger one, with spectators at the Wankhede Stadium buzzing as the much-anticipated duel unfolded. Then, the sibling faced off in the 13th over of MI’s run chase, wherein Krunal conceded a wide and Hardik scored two runs.

Fighting between Hardik and Krunal pic.twitter.com/MVEVlNSctP

— Anshul Rathaur (@anshul_rathaur_) April 12, 2026

Though the Pandya brothers came face-to-face in a much-anticipated sibling rivalry, what caught the attention of the spectators was the intense reaction from the fielding side after Hardik Pandya’s wicket. The incident took place in the 15th over when he attempted a big shot off Jacob Duffy, only to be caught by Romario Shepherd at deep backward point.

Krunal Pandya erupted in an animated celebration following the wicket, a moment that didn’t go unnoticed, given the on-field face-off with his brother.

Bhaivalry was at it's peak, emotions running high #MIvRCB | [Mumbai Indians, Rohit, Kohli, Tilak, Rajat Patidar] pic.twitter.com/CTEtAgcNiB

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 12, 2026

The rivalry between the Pandya brothers added an extra layer of intrigue to an already high-intensity contest, with fans closely observing every interaction between the two.

Rift Between Pandya Brothers Out in the Open?

The rivalry between Hardik and Krunal Pandya during the fiery clash between the Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the IPL 2026 sparked fresh speculations about the possible rift between the two brothers, with fans and cricket enthusiasts on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), noticing their cold post-match interaction.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts shared mixed reactions, with many pointing out the intense stares, aggressive celebration of Krunal after Hardik’s dismissal, and lack of a handshake, while questioning if something was “not right” between the two.

Others echoed similar concerns, pointing to their body language, on-field intensity, and lack of interaction as signs that something might be wrong between the two.

BROTHER vs BROTHER

- Krunal Pandya fires a bouncer at Hardik Pandya… Hardik looks disappointed, Krunal walks in staring him down.

- Hardik gets caught out… and Krunal shows some unnecessary aggression
Hardik’s stare says it all.

Something is definitely NOT right… pic.twitter.com/Vi2sfcvauz

— Just In (@CricketPlus0) April 13, 2026

I don't think anything is right between Hardik & Krunal, it's clearly visible the way Hardik stared at krunal after his wicket.

— Jack• (@Jackistan45) April 12, 2026

Is Something wrong between Krunal and Hardik Pandya?

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) April 12, 2026

At this point in time, I am 100% sure that everything is not alright between Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya. Especially the way Krunal was angry with himself after finishing his spell and not getting Hardik’s wicket and later the way he celebrated Hardik Pandya’s wicket more… pic.twitter.com/vmU01k9tgR

— புல்லட் வண்டி (@iam_vampire_0) April 12, 2026

The way Krunal Pandya was showing attitude towards Hardik Pandya, it feels like something is seriously wrong between them.

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) April 12, 2026

Krunal Pandya didn't went to shake hand with hardik Pandya.
Is everything normal between them??#hardikpandya #MIvRCB pic.twitter.com/WhxPKEwcZP

— impact player (@whypratik) April 12, 2026

Something wrong between Krunal and Hardik?

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) April 12, 2026

The way Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya stared at each other after Krunal bowled that bouncer

Their body language tells you everything, something is seriously wrong between them. pic.twitter.com/9Pt0qubLjY

— Rohan (@rohann__45) April 13, 2026

There's definitely something off between Krunal and Hardik.

Just look at the walk and reaction of Krunal after bowling that bouncer to Hardik, it looks like there might be a rift between them. They didn't even shake hands after the match. pic.twitter.com/R32YgZZ1MW

— Suprvirat (@Mostlykohli) April 13, 2026

Pandya brothers rift?

Hardik Pandya & Krunal Pandya don’t look the same anymore.

No WC post, no public bonding… and yesterday — no talks, just intensity.

Bouncer first ball + aggressive celebration
Something feels off. pic.twitter.com/9jNXAsOAk8

— BatnBall (@sports2025k) April 13, 2026

The speculations of a rift between Hardik and Krunal Pandya became rife, with several fans even linking Hardik Pandya’s relationship with girlfriend Mahieka Sharma as a potential fallout between the two brothers.

It was reported that MI captain’s ex-wife, Natasa Stankovic, met Krunal Pandya’s wife, Pankhuri Sharma, during a recent public outing, which sparked further speculation among fans about possible tension within the Pandya family. However, it is unclear whether these off-field developments are linked to the speculated rift or are merely coincidental.

Also Read: IPL 2026: 'Conceded way too many runs,' says Hardik on MI's loss to RCB

Pandya last represented India during the July 2021 tour of Sri Lanka, featuring in the third ODI on July 20 and the second T20I on July 25 at Colombo (RPS). He has not made an international appearance since then.

"The ultimate goal is to represent the country, and I don't dwell too much on it. I want to keep doing what I have in my hand, which is to go out there and perform and win games. And in that process, if I get that opportunity, I'll be really glad because that's the ultimate goal, playing for the country," Pandya told the reporters.

"And yeah, whatever opportunity I got playing for the country in white ball, I did a pretty decent job at that time. It's just I want to do my thing, and the rest of the things, I leave it to God," he added.

International Career

Pandya has played 5 ODIs and 19 T20S fixtures for India. He has made 254 in 24 matches combined, while with the ball, he has scalped 17 wickets.

A Look at Pandya's IPL Career

He remains a prodigy in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pandya has slammed 1757 runs in IPL so far in 146 fixtures at an average of 21.96, while with the ball, he has scalped 98 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.51.

Stint with Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians got Krunal Pandya in the IPL 2016 auction for Rs 2 crore. He quickly became a key part of a strong lower-middle order at MI alongside Hardik and Kieron Pollard. Pandya scored 237 runs, striking at 191.12, in his first IPL season, and took six wickets.

In the 2017 IPL final, he earned the Player of the Match award for a composed 47 off 38 balls in a low-scoring contest.

The following year, MI re-signed him at the auction for Rs 8.80 crore. He remained a key figure in Mumbai's middle order during their back-to-back title wins in 2019 and 2020, notably hitting the winning runs in the 2020 final against Delhi Capitals.

Joining Lucknow Super Giants

With the addition of two new teams in 2022, he returned to the auction and was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 8.25 crore, contributing to their playoff appearances in each of their first two seasons.

IPL 2025 Success

Pandya then joined in IPL 2025 after being snapped up for Rs 5.75 crore at the auction in Jeddah and played a vital role in his side's maiden IPL victory.

Pandya was named Player of the Match in the IPL 2025 Final after leading, producing figures of 4-0-17-2 against the Punjab Kings. (ANI)

Rutherford Downplays MI's Bowling Concerns

However, MI's pinch hitter Sherfane Rutherford dismissed the alarm, noting that in most matches the opposition batters have simply managed to stay on top against them. "It's definitely not a concern. If we be honest, other teams bat well. I think we need to give credit where it's due. I think the guys bat well," Rutherford told the reporters.

"As I said, it's just a small margin for us. We are probably two fields changing or something in the field. I don't think it's much to do with our bowlers. I think it's just about executing and getting better," Rutherford added.

Rutherford's Lone Fight Goes in Vain

However, Rutherford played a very handy innings of 71*(31) for his side, but it went in vain. His 71 is also the second-highest score for MI while batting at NO.6 or below after 91(34) by Hardik Pandya against KKR at Eden Gardens in 2019. Nine sixes by him, also the joint-most for MI in IPL batting at No. 6 or below alongside Hardik in that same game at Kolkata.

Rutherford believes MI's defeats have come down to small margins despite strong preparation and collective effort. He emphasised that recent matches were decided by small moments, and stressed that the key for the side is to keep learning and improving from those narrow setbacks. "I think it's just small margins. As a team, I think our preparation has been good; as a unit, I think we have been preparing well. It's just small margins. I think the last game was a matter of fact of 3-4-8s. Same thing in this game, about 3-4-8s. I think what is important for us is to keep learning," he said.

Match Recap: RCB Outgun MI

RCB edged out MI by 18 runs in a high-scoring IPL 2026 clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, riding on explosive half-centuries from Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar to post 240/4 before restricting Mumbai to 222/5 despite a late blitz from Sherfane Rutherford.

RCB have now won successive games against MI at Wankhede after losing six consecutive matches since 2016. The win lifts RCB to third on the points table, with three victories from four matches. Meanwhile, MI slip to eighth, managing just one win in four games and currently on a three-match losing streak.

MI's chase falters despite late fireworks

Chasing a daunting 241-run target, the Mumbai Indians explosively began their innings, with openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton taking the attack to the RCB bowlers from the outset.

The duo stitched together a quickfire start, racing to 39/0 in just three overs with aggressive strokeplay.

Despite the mounting required run rate, MI kept pace early on and ended the powerplay strongly at 62/0, keeping themselves in contention in the high-scoring chase.

Injury, quick wickets derail Mumbai

However, Mumbai suffered a major setback when Rohit Sharma walked off the field during the sixth over due to a hamstring issue, disrupting their rhythm at the top.

RCB struck their first blow in the eighth over through leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, who dismissed the dangerous Rickelton for 37 off 22 balls, an innings that included three fours and three sixes.

On the very same over, Suyash delivered another crucial breakthrough by removing Tilak Varma for just one run, shifting the momentum in RCB's favour.

At the halfway mark, the Mumbai Indians were 99/2, still within reach but under increasing pressure from the rising asking rate.

The innings suffered another setback in the 13th over when all-rounder Krunal Pandya dismissed Suryakumar Yadav, who had scored a brisk 33 off 22 balls with five boundaries.

With this wicket, MI slipped to 138/3 after 14 overs, needing a strong finish to stay alive in the chase.

Skipper Hardik Pandya then tried to revive the innings with an aggressive knock, scoring 40 off just 22 balls, including six fours and a six.

Hardik's counterattack briefly kept Mumbai in the hunt, but RCB pacer Jacob Duffy delivered a decisive blow in the following over, dismissing Hardik at a crucial juncture.

In the following over, Rasikh Salam Dar removed Naman Dhir (1) as MI slumped to 154/5.

Towards the end, Sherfane Rutherford's unbeaten 31-ball 71, including one four and nine towering sixes, helped Mumbai Indians to close down the target as they finished at 222/5 in 20 overs. However, the five-time champions suffered an 18-run loss in the high-scoring contest.

For RCB, Suyash Sharma scalped two wickets.

Explosive fifties power RCB to 240

Earlier, a 120-run stand between Salt (78 in 36 balls, with six fours and six sixes) and Virat and a 65-run stand between Virat (50 in 38 balls, with five fours and a six) and skipper Patidar (53 in 20 balls, with four boundaries and five sixes) and later some brutal hitting from David (34* in 16 balls, with two fours and three sixes) pushed RCB to a massive score.

After being put to bat first by MI, openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli started with a bang, with Virat taking down Trent Boult for a six and Salt securing a four against the pacer in the first over.

RCB continued to gather fours and sixes against the pace duo of Boult and Jasprit Bumrah.

However, in the fifth over against Mitchell Santner, Salt took off with three sixes and a four, bringing 22 runs off the over and helping RCB reach the 50-run mark in 4.2 overs.

At the end of six overs, RCB were 71/0, with Salt (47*) and Virat Kohli (22*) unbeaten.

Mayank Markande's eighth over was hammered for 20 more runs, with Salt smashing him for two fours and two sixes, reaching his first fifty of the season in 25 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes.

In the next over, Virat collected a couple of fours, bringing up the 100-run mark in 8.4 overs.

Halfway through their innings, RCB was 115/0, with Salt (78*) and Virat (35*) unbeaten.

It was Shardul's golden arm which broke the 120-run opening stand, removing Salt with a fine catch from Hardik Pandya at extra-cover. RCB was 120/1 in 10.5 overs.

Patidar's rampage boosts RCB

In the 12th over, skipper Rajat Patidar started his innings with a hat-trick of sixes against Markande.

Runs continued to bleed in the 13th over by Shardul, as Virat and Rajat collected a four each, Patidar smacked a huge six over backward point, and the bowler also delivered three wides, making it 23 runs in the over.

RCB reached the 150-run mark in 12.1 overs.

Patidar was merciless against Boult, collecting four and six to bring the 50-run stand in just 14 balls.

Virat reached his second fifty of the season in 37 balls, but later perished to Hardik. RCB was 185/2 in 14.4 overs.

RCB skipper continued his rampage, bringing up his fifty in 17 balls, with four boundaries and five sixes, but perished to Santner for a 20-ball 53, with four boundaries and five sixes, with a catch going to Tilak Varma. RCB was 194/3 in 16 overs.

Courtesy of a single from Jitesh Sharma, RCB reached the 200-run mark in 16.5 overs.

Heading towards the final over, RCB were 230/3, with David (27*) and Jitesh (10*) unbeaten.

RCB ended their innings at 240/4, with David (34* in 16 balls, with two fours and three sixes) and Romario Shepherd (2*) unbeaten.

Shardul (1/32 in two overs), Hardik (1/39 in four overs), Santner (1/43) and Boult (1/50) took a wicket each for MI. (ANI)

Following his side's win over the Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar offered some fitness updates on star batter Virat Kohli, saying that the 37-year-old veteran is doing okay.

After a slip-up against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), RCB came back to winning ways with an 18-run win over arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium. Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar scored magnificent fifties to power RCB to 240/4. MI fell 18 runs short, ending at 222/5 despite a stunner 71* in 31 balls by Sherfane Rutherford, which had nine sixes and a four. Notably, Virat did not come to the field and was seen wearing a jacket while sitting out of the field.

Speaking after the post-match about any possible injury to Virat as being reported, Patidar said, "I do not know yet, but I think he, I feel that he is okay right now."

'A pure team effort'

About the win, Patidar said that there is clarity given to all the players in the batting line-up and spoke on the atmosphere and fanfare at iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. "Whenever we come here in Mumbai, especially at this ground, the atmosphere, the fans, and playing along with them and playing in a full-packed stadium - that is a different feeling. It was, I would say it is a more clarity about every individual, I would say (on the strong batting). And the way Virat Bhai and Salt started the innings, I think that kept us in the driving seat. Then a good cameo by me and Tim (David), I think that was a pure team effort."

Patidar on preference for pace over spin

On his preference for spin or pace, both bowling forms that he has absolutely butchered in his season, Patidar said, "To be honest, people used to say that I love playing spin, but if someone asks me, I would say I love playing pace. And the playing pace on this track, I think it's a very good track to play for a fast bowler. So I think I love facing fast bowling."

Against spin this season, Patidar has faced 59 balls, scoring 129 runs at a strike rate of 218.94, with nine fours and 11 sixes, being dismissed twice. Against pace, he has made 66 in 32 balls, with a strike rate of 206.25, including two fours and seven sixes, being dismissed once.

Patidar is the joint-highest six-hitter with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (18) this season and is the second-highest run-getter, with 195 runs in four innings at an average of 65.00 and a strike rate of 214.28, with two fifties. (ANI)

Mumbai indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya said that the team "conceded way too many" runs after their 18-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 game that saw 462 runs being scored by both teams combined at the Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai Indians, after winning the toss and opting to bowl first, let RCB score 240/4 in 20 overs after fifties from Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Hardik Pandya said that the Mumbai Indians conceded way too many runs and have been consistently playing catch-up in both batting and bowling in recent games. He stressed the need for the team to reflect and reassess their strategies to regain momentum, especially in the powerplay. "We conceded way too many as well. Last couple of games, as a bowling unit and as a batting unit, we have been catching up. Really need to reflect and what best we can do, and how we can get the momentum we require. A lot of things need a rethink. But we have to see other options we can have, with the bat and the ball. We need to still bat well and bowl well. If you do that, irrespective of the toss (we should be fine). We are speaking about and talking about how to get some momentum in the powerplay. We are trying to catch up (in batting and bowling). We will see what we can do in the next game," Pandya said.

MI's valiant chase falls short

Mumbai Indians made a strong start while chasing 241 against RCB, with Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton powering them to 62/0 in the powerplay. However, Rohit's injury and the quick wickets of Rickelton and Tilak Varma falling in the same over shifted momentum. Despite fighting knocks from Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, MI kept losing wickets at key moments. A late blitz from Sherfane Rutherford (71* off 31) kept hopes alive, but they ultimately fell short, finishing at 222/5 and losing by 18 runs.

Hardik praises Rutherford's power-hitting

Hardik Pandya praised Sherfane Rutherford, saying the team was excited to sign him because of his known power-hitting ability. He added that Rutherford's strong performance provides the Mumbai Indians with an extra cushion and confidence. "When we got him, it was always exciting for us, we knew the potential and power he had. The way he batted, it gives us extra cushion and confidence," Pandya said.

RCB's batting masterclass

Earlier, RCB posted a huge total of 240/4, built on aggressive batting throughout the innings. Openers Phil Salt (78 off 36) and Virat Kohli (50 off 38) gave a blazing start with a 120-run stand, before Kohli and Rajat Patidar (53 off 20) added a quick 65-run partnership. Late fireworks from Tim David (34* off 16) pushed RCB to a dominant finish.

RCB climb points table

With this win, RCB now have three victories in four IPL 2026 matches so far and find themselves positioned third in the IPL 2026 points table with six points and the Net Run Rate of +1.148. (ANI)

After winning the Player of the Match award, opener Phil Salt said he focuses on staying mentally balanced and impactful after delivering a sensational performance with the bat for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their 18-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash on Sunday.

Speaking during the post-match presentation, RCB opener Salt admitted that consistency in T20 cricket comes with ups and downs and managing both is key to success at the highest level. "Honestly, I've got no idea myself. There are a few highs and a lot of lows, and you can't ride both of them. Just stay as even as you can, and I'm just pleased I could come out and put a performance in for the lads," Salt said.

'It's about being a match-winner'

He also spoke about his aggressive batting approach, particularly on batting-friendly surfaces, stressing the importance of maintaining pressure on the opposition throughout the innings. "Yes, I'd say so. Some of these grounds aren't the most bowler-friendly, so you've got to keep the mentality that you're going to keep going at the opposition. And then do not forget your assets as a player. It's about being a match-winner, isn't it? I know I can't get runs every game; nobody can. But if I can be as impactful as possible, then I'm on the right path," he added.

Praise for RCB's Batting Unit

Salt further praised RCB's overall batting performance but noted that there was still room for improvement despite the big total posted by the side. "Really well. And to be honest, we probably had a few more in the tank. I think, you know, in the second ten of our innings, they actually shut us down quite nicely at times. So, you know, promising signs for us as a batting unit. I think they bowled well then," he said.

RCB vs MI Match Recap

RCB edged past MI by 18 runs in a high-scoring IPL 2026 clash at the Wankhede Stadium, powered by a dominant batting display and timely breakthroughs with the ball.

RCB Post Mammoth 240/4

Batting first, RCB produced a near-perfect innings, posting a daunting 240/4 on the back of explosive knocks from Phil Salt (78 off 36), Virat Kohli (50 off 38), and skipper Rajat Patidar (53 off 20), followed by a late flourish from Tim David (34* off 16).

RCB got off to a blistering start, with Salt and Kohli dominating the powerplay to reach 71/0 in six overs. Salt was particularly aggressive, smashing Mitchell Santner for 22 runs in an over and bringing up his half-century in just 25 balls.

The duo stitched together a 120-run opening partnership in 10.5 overs, laying a solid foundation for a massive total.

After Salt's dismissal, Patidar took charge with a stunning counterattack, hammering a 17-ball fifty and adding a rapid 65-run stand with Kohli. RCB crossed 150 in just 12.1 overs and 200 in 16.5 overs, maintaining a relentless scoring rate throughout.

Despite picking up wickets at intervals, MI bowlers failed to stem the flow of runs as David's late cameo pushed RCB to 240/4.

MI's Valiant Chase Falls Short

In response, the Mumbai Indians began strongly in their chase of 241, with Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton racing to 62/0 in the power play. However, Rohit's hamstring injury forced him off the field early, disrupting MI's momentum.

RCB struck crucial blows through Suyash Sharma, who removed Rickelton (37) and Tilak Varma (1) in the same over, turning the tide. At 99/2 in 10 overs, MI were still in the hunt but under pressure from the rising required rate.

Further setbacks followed as Krunal Pandya dismissed Suryakumar Yadav (33), and Jacob Duffy removed skipper Hardik Pandya (40), who had briefly revived the chase with an aggressive innings. Rasikh Salam Dar then dismissed Naman Dhir, leaving MI struggling at 154/5.

Despite the collapse, Sherfane Rutherford kept MI in contention with a sensational unbeaten 71 off 31 balls, smashing nine sixes in a late assault. However, the target proved just out of reach as Mumbai finished at 222/5 in 20 overs. Suyash Sharma was the standout bowler for RCB with two wickets.

With a 241-run target, the Mumbai Indians failed to chase it down as they were restricted to 222/5, despite Sherfane Rutherford’s valiant knock of 71 off 31 balls, including 9 sixes and a four, at an impressive strike rate of 229.03. Skipper Hardik Pandya scored 40 off 22, while opener Ryan Rickelton (37) and Suryakumar Yadav (33) gave starts, but MI fell short despite Rutherford’s blitz.

For the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Suyash Sharma led the bowling attack with figures of 2/47 at an economy rate of 11.80 in his spell of four overs. Rasikh Dar (1/23), Krunal Pandya (1/26), and Jacob Duffy (1/58) took key wickets at regular intervals, ensuring MI fell short despite a late charge.

Also Read: IPL 2026: RCB beat MI by 18 runs despite Rutherford's late blitz

Rutherford’s Late Fireworks Take MI to Almost Finish Line

Sherfane Rutherford, who was traded from the Gujarat Titans ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, nearly pulled off a stunning run chase with absolute carnage, leaving the RCB bowlers under pressure before MI eventually fell short in a thrilling finish. The West Indies’ batter was a lone warrior in the final overs of the run chase.

Walking in to bat after Suryakumar Yadav’s dismissal at 121/3, Rutherford joined Hardik Pandya at the crease to carry on the MI’s run chase. The pair was looking to form a good partnership before the captain was dismissed at 145/4. Thereafter, Naman Dir walked back to the dressing room after being dismissed for 154/5.

Rutherford was the only recognized batter for MI in the run chase, and he was left with the responsibility to keep MI alive in the chase. Unfazed by the pressure. The southpaw took on RCB bowlers singlehandedly, scoring 47 off 25 balls at the end of the 19th over of the Mumbai Indians’ run chase/

That’s a statement SIX! 

Sherfane Rutherford in counter-attack mode!#IPLRivalryWeek 2026 #MIvRCB | LIVE NOW https://t.co/gLbf9ggQbu | #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/VqEBc6LFBT

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 12, 2026

In the final over, the Mumbai Indians needed 45 off 12 balls to win, and Sherfane Rutherford launched an assault on his West Indies teammate, Romario Shepherd, with four sixes, one of which completed his fifty in 26 balls, but MI still fell short as RCB held their nerve to close out the thriller.

Fighting till the very end

Sherfane Rutherford with a fine 26-ball HALF-CENTURY

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/q1MGJfD2d8#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #MIvRCB | @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/0RuE55TVeb

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 12, 2026

However, Rutherford’s firepower in the final three overs of the innings, where he scored 48 off 16 balls, brought the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s margin of victory from a comfortable finish to a tense 18-run win in a last-over thriller.

Sherfane Rutherford’s Heroics Earn Praise

The Mumbai Indians might have lost the match to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but Sherfane Rutherford’s valiant effort till the end of the hosts’ run chase earned widespread praise from fans and cricket enthusiasts on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), with many applauding late fireworks and a lone-warrior effort in a near-impossible chase.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts heaped praise on Sherfane Rutherford’s fighting innings, calling it a lone-warrior effort, praising his 71 off 31 balls as a match-defining knock in defeat, and strongly backing him as MI’s best batter of the match.

Others slammed MI management for underutilizing his explosive hitting ability and questioned their batting order decisions during the chase.

Well fought, Sherfane Rutherford. Mumbai Indians best batter in the last two games. Tried his best but unfortunately came to the crease when the match was almost over. pic.twitter.com/aZv774WYD1

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) April 12, 2026

Appreciation post for Sherfane Rutherford

- 71 runs off 31 balls with 9 huge sixes is a huge knock & if Sky had not play that negative knock then result could have been different.

& what to say about GT? They had a good no.4 batter & they traded him! pic.twitter.com/a4KtsehDq9

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) April 12, 2026

Well played Sherfane Rutherford ✨
71(31) not out came as an impact player and given good fight till end #MIVSRCB#TATAIPL

— ℛ (@PrudhviRajK13) April 12, 2026

Sherfane Rutherford is an insane hitter!!#MIvRCB #IPL2026

— Krish Narang (@knarangg) April 12, 2026

Sherfane Rutherford played a superb knock
Fought hard till the end, but ended up on the losing side.

Great effort, great intent… just not MI’s day! #MI #IPL2026

— Nishant Patil (@NishantPat71924) April 12, 2026

Sherfane rutherford that was some blaster of an innings  
Those 8 sixes were out of the world great fight from him, he saved mumbai indians runrate which will help them later in the tournament!
Great to watch that batting

— Pratik Tales (@cricwithme_PR) April 12, 2026

This is unbelievable ball hitting by Sherfane Rutherford. Man he is a dangerous player when he is chasing. #CricketTwitter #MIvsRCB #Rutherford

— (@Crickathlon) April 12, 2026

Remember the name Sherfane Rutherford lone warrior #MIvsRCB always MI .

— PRIYANK BHARDWAJ (SHIVAM)Bhumihar️ (@ShivamPriyank) April 12, 2026

Time for #MI to bat Sherfane Rutherford at number four, ahead of Tilak?

— Shubh Agarwal (@shubh_chintak) April 12, 2026

Firstly they removed Tim David !

Now they will remove Sherfane Rutherford & Naman Dhir for not finishing game. Clown management please look for your top order & middle order as well. 

#MIvsRCB

— Mumbai Indians FC (@MIPaltanFamily) April 12, 2026

Give him more opportunities, Sherfane Rutherford is a special player

— Omkar Walunj (@the_cricketest) April 12, 2026

Mi could have won this match if they sent Sherfane Rutherford at no.4 #mivsrcb

— ANIMEHOLIC | 18+ (@Mangaholic9) April 12, 2026

MI are inadvertently under utilising clean hitting skills of Sherfane Rutherford. Should bat higher.#MIvsRCB

— Amar Rastogi (@RastogiAmar46) April 12, 2026

clueless management tbh you have sherfane rutherford who can smash spinners for big runs but they decided to send tilak and hardik over him when 8 spin overs were remaining

— mob_psy (@_trickymind_) April 12, 2026

Sherfane Rutherford should have batted before Suryakumar Yadav

— HA HA (@haritheroc) April 12, 2026

Stop this bring Jacks gimmick, adding him won’t change anything.

Make one of Naman Dhir or Sherfane Rutherford bat in top 4. We don’t need Tilak services in top 4 for now. 

Think of future & groom Naman Dhir as our captain. Tough calls required @mipaltan #MIvsRCB

— Mumbai Indians FC (@MIPaltanFamily) April 12, 2026

In the ongoing IPL season, Sherfane Rutherford has aggregated 101 runs, including a fifty, at an average of 50.50 and a strike rate of 219.56 in four matches. In his IPL career, Rutherford has amassed 498 runs, including a fifty, at an average of 27.66 and a strike rate of 148.65 in 27 matches.

Also Read: MI vs RCB, IPL 2026: Virat Kohli’s 38-Ball 50 Sparks Fan Debate Over Strike Rate and Tempo

Virat Kohli was struggling with the bat as he scored 50 off 38 balls, including 5 fours and a six, at a strike rate of 131.38. However, his moderate outing in terms of strike rate and middle-overs tempo helped the RCB post a solid total of 240/4 in 20 overs, setting a 241-run target for the MI to chase.

Brilliant half-centuries by Phil Salt (78) and skipper Rajat Patidar (53), and an unbeaten quickfire cameo innings of 34 off 16 balls from Tim David in the death overs, powered RCB to a commanding total on the board, putting MI under pressure early in the run chase.

Also Read: Virat Kohli scripts history, becomes first to score 1000 runs vs MI

Why Kohli Didn’t Take the Field in RCB’s Total Defence?

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players, led by Rajat Patidar, gathered for a huddle before walking onto the field to defend their total, Virat Kohli was absent from the field. The veteran Indian batter instead stayed back in the dressing room after changing his kit.

When Kohli was struggling to get going with the bat, former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who was commentating for the match between MI and RCB, reportedly stated that the veteran Indian batter was unwell since the last match against the Rajasthan Royals, and thus, he was unable to play well.

After the RCB players took the field for the second innings, the commentators, Shastri and Simon Doull, confirmed on the air that Virat Kohli was out of the field due to an ankle injury, and Jacob Bethell came in as a substitute fielder. The RCB management didn’t opt to impact substitute Kohli as Tim David made way for Rashik Dar.

Virat Kohli did something to his ankle while batting as confirmed by Ravi Shastri in the commentary box.

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) April 12, 2026

For the first time since the Impact Substitute was introduced in IPL, Virat Kohli did not take the field for fielding in the second innings due to an ankle injury concern, with RCB managing his workload as a precaution after his batting effort.

In the ongoing IPL season, Virat Kohli has aggregated 179 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 59.66 and a strike rate of 162.72 in four matches.

RCB Pulled Off 18-Run Win over MI

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured its third win of the IPL 2026 with a thrilling 18-run victory over the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

After posting a 240/4 in 20 overs, the defending champions successfully defended it by restricting 222/5 despite Sherfane Rutherford’s fighting knock of 71 off 31 balls, including 9 sixes and a four, at an impressive strike rate of 229.03. His knock took MI till the end, but the target proved too steep as RCB’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs.

Suyash Sharma led the bowling attack with figures of 2/47 at an economy rate of 11.80 in his spell of four overs. Rasikh Dar (1/23), Krunal Pandya (1/26), and Jacob Duffy (1/58), took key wickets at regular intervals, ensuring MI fell short despite a late charge.

Back to winning ways! ✅❤️

After a solid batting display, #RCB bowlers hold their nerve to restrict #MumbaiIndians & seal back-to-back wins at Wankhede stadium! #MIvRCB #RajatPatidar #HardikPandya #RohitSharma #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/4OkZoLiQ5W

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 12, 2026

With the third win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru moved to third spot with three wins and a loss, while accumulating six points and having a net run rate (NRR) of +1.148.

Also Read: Bumrah's wicketless streak: Ashwin says economy is more important

After being put into bat first by MI captain Hardik Pandya, RCB posted a total of 240/4 in 20 overs. Opener Phil Salt played a brilliant knock of 78 off 36 balls, including 6 sixes and as many fours, at a strike rate of 216.67. Rajat Patidar played a fiery captain’s innings of 56 off 20 balls, including 5 sixes and 4 fours, at a strike rate of 265.00.

The former captain Virat Kohli contributed with a 38-ball 50, while Tim David accelerated the RCB’s innings in the death overs and played a quickfire knock of 34 off 16 balls, including 3 sixes and 2 fours, at a strike rate of 212.50. Three fifties and explosive finishing power powered RCB to a solid total.

Also Read: RCB's openers dominate IPL 2026 with unmatched consistency, records

Virat Kohli’s 37-Ball Fifty Under Scrutiny

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a solid total on the board, Virat Kohli’s fifty in 37 balls has become the most talked-about of the match. Kohli opened the innings with Phil Salt, but played more as a second fiddle to the English batter, who was batting at a strike rate of 200, as former RCB captain anchored the innings with a controlled approach before shifting gears later.

In the powerplay, Virat Kohli scored 23 off 14 balls while batting at a strike rate of 164.28, and Phil Salt continued his assault on MI bowlers, scoring 47 off 22 balls as RCB dominated the early phase, with Kohli holding one end steady before gradually building his innings. After Salt’s dismissal at 120/1, skipper Rajat Patidar joined Kohli at the crease to carry on RCB’s innings.

Wankhede is witnessing early fireworks

Virat Kohli and Phil Salt go on the offensive from the word go!

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/q1MGJfD2d8#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #MIvRCB pic.twitter.com/dJbLNIiyJm

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 12, 2026

Yet again, Kohli played more as an anchor rather than an aggressor, as Patidar unleashed his firepower and dominated the scoring rate. After the powerplay, Virat Kohli scored 27 off 23 balls, completing his fifty in just 30 balls. Post powerplay, the former RCB captain’s strike rate went down from 164.28 in the early overs to a more controlled tempo around 117.

After Virat Kohli got out, he was very angry pic.twitter.com/mASpSLpp7n

— Virat Kohli 18 (@viratkohlifc518) April 12, 2026

Virat Kohli shared a 65-run stand for the second with Rajat Patidar, with the former scoring just 12 runs off nine balls in the partnership while Patidar dominated the scoring, ensuring RCB maintained a strong run-rate through aggressive strokeplay at the other end.

While trying to accelerate the innings, Virat Kohli was dismissed for 50 off 38 balls at a strike rate of 131.58. For the first time in four matches of the ongoing IPL season, the veteran batter’s strike rate went below 150, even as RCB’s explosive top order ensured a dominant total of 240/4, keeping the focus on his tempo and role in the innings.

Kohli’s Tempo and Strike Rate Questioned

Virat Kohli’s batting approach after his 38-ball 50 sparked debate over his strike rate and tempo in the middle overs, with fans and cricket enthusiasts on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), questioning whether his relatively measured approach slowed RCB’s momentum despite the team still posting a massive 240/4.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts were sharply divided, with many criticizing Kohli for his slow innings and arguing RCB missed a chance to push for a total of above 260 due to his slower middle-overs tempo, while others defended his approach as a controlled anchoring effort that still helped RCB build a strong platform in a high-scoring innings.

Some criticised the innings as overly slow and ‘criminal’ given the conditions, while others felt the criticism was unfair as he was playing within his role, while the rest of the batting line-up went hard.

History will forever remember him for his personal milestones https://t.co/dGWrJv2MK2

— mr. villa™ (@Luccydevil07) April 12, 2026

How could even his fans enjoy his batting? I mean no class, no power hitting, just typical tuk-tuk gameplay all the time? I prefer to watch a tailender bat rather than this ugly choker https://t.co/6ULcITb2Sy

— arku. (@worshipping_45) April 12, 2026

Happens when you don't get much strike in powerplay as opener. Don't mind as others could play freely. https://t.co/2yTNKrzUjq

— chill dude (@rohancric947) April 12, 2026

Sorry to say this was the worst innings 
Disturbed other batters innings also https://t.co/KrBfsP6W14

— .️ (@VarunNK8) April 12, 2026

Best player saaar King saaarrr Greatest of all time saaaarrr
Strike rate 150+ saaarrr?
Arre tuktuk merchant saar, ones and twos ka king saar!
Ball face karke run nahi, run face karke ball maarta hai saar
Kohli ji, accelerator kidhar hai saar? pic.twitter.com/se5in3J1SK

— PavilionHunter (@ChokliFactory) April 12, 2026

Wow in the score of 15 ball 50 now this days virat kohli score 38 ball 50 what a test knock in ipl

— Niraj Makwana (@Nirajmakwana14) April 12, 2026

Virat Kohli ने 38 गेंदों में 50 रन बनाकर एक क्लासिक और कंट्रोल्ड पारी खेली। 
यह पारी भले ही बहुत तेज़ नहीं थी, लेकिन टीम को एक मजबूत शुरुआत देने के लिए बेहद अहम रही। उन्होंने शुरुआत में समय लिया और फिर सही मौकों पर बाउंड्री लगाई। pic.twitter.com/OOaztvcFB2

— RelatableØgy (@Relatable0gy) April 12, 2026

50(38) on a very very slow pitch!

Well played Virat Kohli for Mumbai Indians!#MIvsRCB pic.twitter.com/kZGmAcVG41

— Nikhil (@Risenik) April 12, 2026

He should have retired himself out earlier. 

RCB could have easily posted 260/270. It's never easy to come in to bat in last 3/4 overs and start dispatching balls for 6s and 4s straighaway. 

Jitesh couldn't connect it well.

— Aayush (@Aayush735386763) April 12, 2026

I mean like c'mon even rcb fans should know that you don't expect that slow innings from an opener whereas other players are playing with a sr above 200 .

— Shlok Godambe (@ar89938) April 12, 2026

250 was easily on the cards for RCB given the start they got!! 
Anything under that is chase-able!!
Don't know how they got sloppy in the middle

— Tobu Bolta hai (@TobuAnnaSpeaks) April 12, 2026

Nah bro this is a criminal knock per conditions. Can’t and shouldn’t defend this.

— Camzzzyyyss (@Camzzzyyyss) April 12, 2026

In the ongoing IPL season, Virat Kohli has aggregated 179 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 59.66 and a strike rate of 162.72 in four matches.

Also Read: Virat Kohli scripts history, becomes first to score 1000 runs vs MI

Playing XIs

Both teams' playing XIs: Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Trent Boult, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah. Mumbai Indians (Impact Subs): Sherfane Rutherford, Corbin Bosch, Ashwani Kumar, Raghu Sharma, Raj Bawa. Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma(w), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, and Suyash Sharma. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Impact Subs): Rasikh Salam Dar, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Mangesh Yadav.

The Royals recorded their fourth successive win of the season with a sixth-wicket victory over the Challengers in Guwahati. However, the controversy erupted after the inaugural IPL champions’ victory as their long-time manager, Romi Bhinder, was caught using the phone, which is strictly prohibited under IPL guidelines.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who played an unbeaten 78-run knock in the Rajasthan Royals’ successful 202-run chase, was spotted glancing at Bhinder’s phone in the dugout during the latter stages of the chase, with the moment caught on camera and quickly sparking a controversy over a possible breach of IPL protocols.

Also Read: IPL 2026: How Did RR's Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Dismantle RCB Bowling Attack in his 78-Run Onslaught?

Bhinder in Big Trouble

RR manager Romi Bhinder’s usage of a mobile phone in the dugout during the team’s run chase against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru has reportedly put him in serious trouble and is likely to invite disciplinary action from the IPL governing body for breaching match protocol.

According to the report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), a BCCI official confirmed that Bhinder breached the PMOA protocol, as phones are banned from using the dugout.

“Yes, Bhinder has indeed breached the PMOA protocol, as mobile phones are not allowed in the dugout during a match,” a BCCI official said.

RR Dugout Breach .

- As per rules, managers can use phones.
- But, managers CAN NOT USE it inside the dugout. 
- Romi Bhinder used a phone in the dugout.
- He has violated “PMOA Protocol 2026”
- He could be summoned by the match referee and anti-corruption unit. @BCCI pic.twitter.com/UqTqF21K2w

— Vinod Kumar (@we_knowd) April 12, 2026

As per the IPL protocol and guidelines, a team manager can use their mobile phones in the dressing room, but debarred from but is strictly prohibited from using them in the dugout or on-field area during live match situations, to maintain communication control and avoid any external influence on tactical decisions.

Since the dugout is the place where the coaching staff and players are actively involved in live tactical decisions during the match, the use of a mobile phone could risk outside interference and is strictly prohibited to ensure fair play and prevent any communication during live action.

Warning or Match Ban - Bhinder’s Fate Pending IPL Action

Romi Bhinder is expected to face disciplinary action from the IPL governing body, with a warning or a match ban possible pending further review of the incident.

“It could be inadvertent, but there has to be some action since it amounts to a breach. Whether it will be a warning or a match ban will depend on the match referee’s and ACU’s reports. Based on that, the IPL Governing Council will take a call,” the BCCI official added.

Romi Bhinder has been part of the Rajasthan Royals since the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), rising from the ranks of the franchise’s support staff and gradually taking on greater responsibilities within the team’s management setup.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals will return to action when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Uppal Stadium in Hyderabad. With four wins on the trot, the Riyan Parag-led side will look to extend their winning streak and maintain their strong momentum in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Ravi Bishnoi on RR's unbeaten run, credits team effort

With a 202-run target, the Royals chased it down with 12 balls to spare or in 18 overs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi set the tone with a phenomenal knock of 78 off 26 balls, including 8 fours and 7 sixes, at an impressive strike rate of 300, taking on bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, making it a comfortable chase for the Rajasthan Royals.

Dhruv Jurel capitalized on Sooryavanshi’s blazing start with a match-winning, unbeaten knock of 81 off 43 balls, including 8 fours and 3 sixes, 188.37. The wicketkeeper-batter’s decisive 68-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja, who scored an unbeaten 24 off 25 balls, helped the hosts seal the chase comfortably and secure their fourth successive win of the season.

Also Read: IPL 2026: 'Everyone loves him,' says Parag on teen star Sooryavanshi

A Calculated Aggression by Dhruv Jurel

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s early blitz laid the platform, but it was Dhruv Jurel who ensured there were no setbacks in the 202-run chase. Walking in to bat after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal at 21/1, Jurel joined the Sooryavanshi at the crease to carry on the Rajasthan Royals’ run chase. An early wicket of Jaiswal didn’t faze Sooryavanshi and Jurel, who were focused on building the partnership.

While Sooryavanshi was taking down the RCB bowlers with his fearless, Jurel was providing a solid support, not as a second fiddle, but as an equally assertive presence, rotating the strike smartly and punishing loose deliveries to keep the momentum firmly in the RR's favor. The duo shared a crucial 108-run stand for the second wicket before Vaibhav’s dismissal.

After Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s dismissals, RR lost two quick wickets in Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag, and they were reduced to 134/4, leaving Jurel solely responsible for guiding the chase. However, rather than getting fazed by pressure, the wicketkeeper-batter maintained his tranquility and paced the innings to perfection, ensuring there were no further hiccups.

There’s no stopping him

Glimpses of another powerful knock from Dhruv Jurel scoring 81* (43)

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/X76bJjmq1j#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #RRvRCB | @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/kL42T1Pafs

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 10, 2026

Dhruv Jurel was batting at a strike rate of 200 when he completed his second successive fifty of the season in just 25 balls before he shifted his gears to score 31 off 18 balls, expertly controlling the chase and finishing the game with calculated aggression. A solid support from Ravindra Jadeja, who played a relatively slow but composed innings, ensured stability at the other end, allowing Dhruv Jurel to dictate the tempo and guide Rajasthan Royals to a clinical finish.

Dhruv Jurel puts on a show as #RR storm to a commanding victory #TATAIPL #VaibhavSooryavanshi #DhruvJurel pic.twitter.com/FvLH899O1x

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 10, 2026

Dhruv Jurel’s composed yet assertive innings stood out as a perfect blend of control and intent, highlighting his maturity under pressure and reinforcing his growing importance in Rajasthan Royals’ batting.

‘Dhruv Jurel Finishes It Like a True Finisher’

As the cricketing world went berserk over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s brutal assault on the RCB bowling attack, Dhruv Jurel’s match-winning performance quietly drew widespread praise on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), where fans and cricket enthusiasts hailed him as a dependable finisher who thrives under pressure.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts hailed Dhruv Jurel as a “true finisher,” praising his unbeaten 81 as a match-winning, classy knock. At the same time, many stressed he deserved equal credit alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for guiding Rajasthan Royals to victory.

Others called his knock one of the best in IPL history, and highlighted how he stayed till the end with Ravindra Jadeja, adding that Jurel’s match-winning innings proved he is evolving into a reliable finisher for the Royals.

Dhruv Jurel finishes it like a true finisher
81* (43) in a clutch chase
RR found their new match-winner #DhruvJurel pic.twitter.com/mJA5Jmyub0

— Cricktainment (@Cricktainments) April 10, 2026

Along with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi another player who deserves much more appreciation is Dhruv Jurel. He was in the zone and destroyed the opposition. Lots of credit for #DhruvJurel #IPL2026 #RCB #RR

— Chanakya Ch (@ChanakyaC03) April 10, 2026

RR BEAT RCB IN GUWAHATI.

- Dhruv Jurel smashed an unbeaten 81* (43). 

ONE OF THE BEST KNOCKS OF JUREL IN THE IPL. pic.twitter.com/UCvbqOjmqx

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 10, 2026

Dhruv Jurel, the match was yours

— Nav (@agirlwithawand) April 10, 2026

While all eyes are on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the player at the other end has played a gorgeous, classy innings. I love watching Dhruv Jurel.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 10, 2026

Appreciation Post for Dhruv jurel..
When Vaibhav suryavanshi is destroying opposition with his excellent power hitting..
Dhruv jurel is silently doing his work perfectly and winning back to back matches for his team ..❣️
Another gem of a knock #RRvsRCB #RCBvsRR #IPL pic.twitter.com/PB10MVfbLg

— Harsh_Rajput (@HarshRa26520588) April 10, 2026

An unbeaten 81* (43) by Dhruv Jurel.

Batted agressively in the powerplay and when wickets fell played sensibly and stayed till the end with Ravindra Jadeja to take his team to victory. 

A brilliant innings by Dhruv Jurel pic.twitter.com/KtOeNtqWMu

— Sloth (@ImSloth24) April 10, 2026

also in all the vaibhav madness really wanna point out the aesthetics of dhruv jurel the guy is pleasing to watch each and every shot looks straight out beautiful

— r.· ͙ (@lilmskitall) April 10, 2026

Dhruv Jurel really woke up and chose violence… whitewashing last year's sins. pic.twitter.com/7xl3bBiEZ9

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) April 10, 2026

Sooryavanshi is grabbing all the spotlight, but let’s not overlook Dhruv Jurel.
What a talent he is. Such a refreshing range of shots.#IPL2026#RCBvRR

— Srinath Roychowdhury (@SrinathRoychow1) April 10, 2026

Fifty vs GT.
Fifty vs RCB.

Dhruv Jurel, getting is best position and making it count, showing why selectors always trust him pic.twitter.com/6OE2guC2xk

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 10, 2026

Jurel, what an innings just saw the highlights

— D5 (@D507AD) April 10, 2026

Jurel is really evolving as a T20 batsmen. Great composure and technique.

— Prasanna (@prasannalara) April 10, 2026

With an 81-run knock, Dhruv Jurel is now the third leading run-getter of the IPL 2026 with 176 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 58.66 in four matches. In his IPL career, Jurel has aggregated 856 runs, including 6 fifties, at an average of 31.70 and a strike rate of 158.81 in 46 matches.

Also Read: Play the ball, not the bowler: RR's 15-year-old star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Sooryavanshi has been a threat to opposition bowlers due to his fearless strokeplay and sheer audacity to take on even the best bowling attacks without hesitation, putting the opposition under pressure and shifting the momentum of the game in RR’s favour. In the last match against the Mumbai Indians, the 15-year-old smashed two sixes off India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, facing him with confidence and maturity beyond his age.

The young batter, who has recently become eligible for India’s senior debut, continues to showcase his remarkable consistency in the ongoing IPL season, and his 78-run fiery knock against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru was another statement performance that underlined his growing reputation as one of the most dangerous young batters in the league.

Also Read: ‘Wow, I can’t believe it’: RR Teen Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Mature Batting Leaves Dhruve Jurel in Awe (WATCH)

Sooryavanshi Shows No Mercy to RCB Bowlers

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi might still be at the nascent stage of his career, but he showed no signs of slowing down as he tore into the RCB bowlers with fearless intent. Chasing a 202-run target, Sooryavanshi aggressively began his innings, smashing 4 fours and a six in the first two overs he batted, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Abhinandan Singh being taken apart as he raced to a quick start, putting RCB immediately on the back foot.

In the fourth over, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood was taken down brutally by the young batter as he smashed him for 19 runs, including three fours on the trot and a six, leaving the experienced bowler helpless as Sooryavanshi continued his fearless assault on the RCB attack.

. .

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is going after bowlers without any hesitation #TATAIPL 2026 | #RRvRCB | LIVE NOW https://t.co/b7gS3cp7ce pic.twitter.com/lJcL7OFKZv

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 10, 2026

In the fifth over, Sooryavanshi once faced Bhuvneshwar and smashed him for two consecutive sixes and a four, completing his fifty in just 15 balls. The 15-year-old equalled his own record of the joint-third fastest fifty in IPL history. By the end of the fifth over, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed 8 fours and 4 towering sixes, racing to 57 runs off just 18 balls as he brought up a blistering fifty and left the RCB bowlers completely shell-shocked.

. ’

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the first-ever batter in the TATA IPL to smash three fifties in 17 balls or less #TATAIPL 2026 | #RRvRCB | LIVE NOW https://t.co/b7gS3cp7ce pic.twitter.com/yOD9jabOHW

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 10, 2026

Even after completing his half-century, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued his assault on RCB bowlers as he smashed Krunal Pandya for a six in the seventh over before taking on Tim David for two back-to-back maximums, further accelerating the scoring rate and keeping Rajasthan Royals firmly in control of the chase.

As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was looking to carry on his blistering innings, Krunal Pandya finally managed to get rid of him after he was caught by Virat Kohli, giving RCB a much-needed breakthrough and bringing an end to his destructive knock of 78 off 26 balls at a strike rate of 300, which had already inflicted significant damage.

Sooryavanshi’s Yet Another Blitz Set Social Media on Fire

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s blistering performance, which consisted of 8 fours and 7 fours in just 26 balls, has sparked yet another frenzy on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts stunned by his brutal hitting, especially against experienced pacers Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Taking to their X handles (formerly Twitter), fans and cricket enthusiasts lavished praise on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him a generational and once-in-a-generation talent, marvelling at his fearless approach against world-class pacers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Jasprit Bumrah, while praising his game awareness and shot selection.

Others called for his fast-tracked inclusion in India’s T20I setup, especially for the series against Ireland, terming him a future superstar of Indian cricket.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi looks like a truly generational talent.

> Smashed a boundary on the very first ball — an inswinging yorker from Bhuvneshwar Kumar
> Then followed it up with another four on the 4th ball

> In the last match vs Mumbai Indians he took on both Jasprit Bumrah… pic.twitter.com/poX5UK3lBA

— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) April 10, 2026

This kid smashed Bumrah a few days ago And today he smashed Hazelwood & Bhuvi, 53 in 15 balls!
Is there anything Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can't do with a cricket bat!

— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) April 10, 2026

It’s pretty evident now, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s batting isn’t just about fearlessness, or slogging, or hand-eye coordination— He has a carefully crafted plan on how to deal with each delivery (good length or short pitched or slower etc). It’s just that most of his plans involve…

— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) April 10, 2026

Honestly, how can anyone look at Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's face and think he is anything older than 15 years

— Sensei Kraken Zero (@YearOfTheKraken) April 10, 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is special. At 15 or 16, this is rare talent and rare hitting.

You do not take on Bumrah, Hazlewood, and Bhuvi with such ease at that age unless you are a wonderkid. With the right guidance, he can rule the game for the next two decades. Anything less would…

— Striver | Building takeUforward (@striver_79) April 10, 2026

I was one of the first to hype Vaibhav Sooryavanshi when he was just 13

This kid isn’t just a generational talent, he’s transcendent. A prodigy who could become the greatest asset the Indian team has ever had

And he’s in the safest hands

Go well Vaibhav Suryavanshi https://t.co/kFiBGEY1dt pic.twitter.com/vxav8zFkK9

— Sanju Samson Fans Page (@SanjuSamsonFP) April 10, 2026

Next level player Vaibhav Suryavanshi it's Josh Hezlewood or Jasprit Bumrah don't care for him

Wonder kid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi cooked them from the first ball and he is just 15th years old now

78 in 26 balls against Vintage RCB tonight at Guwahati pic.twitter.com/YpqQdszJ8t

— CricPal (@AnupPalAgt) April 10, 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has too much arrogance in his batting. He respects no one - Bumrah, Hazlewood, Bhuvi, Siraj, Rabada. 
You won’t be able to keep him out of the Indian team for too long.

— Rahul Rawat (@rawatrahul9) April 10, 2026

The more you see Vaibhav Sooryavanshi bat the more you marvel at his attitude and talent - if a bowler of Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar’s stature is unsure where to bowl to him, and every ball is an event, you know which way Vaibhav is heading #RCBvsRR #IPL2026

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) April 10, 2026

If all goes right, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's overall numbers by the end of his career must look infuckingsane.

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) April 10, 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a serious serious talent - needs to be fast tracked to the Indian T20I side soon !#RRvsRCB #RRvRCB pic.twitter.com/mGGkVzGmlm

— Office of the Ducks of Cricket (@MidnightMusinng) April 10, 2026

Who would have believed a few years ago that a 15 year old would smash two fifties in the IPL in just 15 balls within the span of just 15 days?

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is an unbelievable talent.

— Vijay Anaparthi (@VijayCricketFan) April 10, 2026

What's India's next T20I series?! Get Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in. Anyhow.

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) April 10, 2026

Bhuvi... Bumrah... Hazlewood. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi doesn't give a damn.

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) April 10, 2026

With his blistering 78-run knock, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is now the leading run-getter of the IPL 2026 with 200 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 50.00 and an impressive strike rate of 266.66 in four matches.

Also Read: "Numbers Don’t Favor" – Aakash Chopra Warns Virat Kohli Of Jofra Archer Threat In RR vs RCB IPL 2026 Clash

Sooryavanshi has continued to make waves with his fearless strokeplay and remarkable composure under pressure. Since his breakthrough debut IPL season last year, the 15-year-old has been showing consistency and growing confidence, earning praise and adulation from cricket experts, who have hailed him as one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket.

With a fifty and two 30+ scores in three matches of the IPL 2026, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has carried his strong form forward this season, consistently delivering impactful starts at the top and strengthening his reputation as a composed yet fearless young batter for the Rajasthan Royals.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Shane Bond praises RR's confident bowling unit's great start

‘Whenever I See Him, I Feel Like Wow’

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s batting maturity and fearless approach have left RR wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel in complete awe.

Speaking on Star Sports ahead of the RCB’s clash, Jurel stated that whenever he sees Sooryavanshi bat, he is left stunned by the ease with which he clears the boundary rope, adding that even in net sessions, his maturity and composure stand out far beyond his age

“Whenever I see him, I feel like, wow. I can’t believe it with my eyes that a 14-15-year-old boy is hitting sixes with such ease. And whenever he does net sessions, you can see his maturity,” Jurel said.

Power, composure, and maturity beyond his age! @dhruvjurel21 shares his admiration for young prodigy #VaibhavSooryavanshi and how the team feels lucky to have him. #TATAIPL 2026 #RRvRCB | FRI, APR 10, 6:30 PM pic.twitter.com/MGlqXWbyNJ

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 10, 2026

In three matches so far, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has amassed 122 runs, including a fifty, at an average of 40.66 and a strike rate of 248.97 in three matches. The young batter holds the record for the joint-third fastest fifty in the history of IPL, achieving the milestone in just 15 balls, showcasing his explosive hitting ability at the top of the order.

‘He Is Not Swinging Blindly On Every Ball’

Further speaking on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s batting maturity, Dhruv Jurel stated that the young batter is not a blind slogger, rather creates scenarios in his mind before facing every, adding that the Rajasthan Royals are happy to have him in the squad.

“He is not swinging blindly on every ball. He creates scenarios in his mind to know which fielder is which. He plays like that,” the RR wicketkeeper added.

“It feels good to see such maturity in a 14-15-year-old boy. We are blessed as a team that he belongs to our team,” he concluded.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was the breakout star in the last IPL season, emerging as one of the Rajasthan Royals’ top batters, amassing 252 runs, including a century and a fifty, at an average of 36 and a strike rate of 206.55 in seven innings.

In his IPL career so far, Sooryavanshi has aggregated 374 runs, including a fifty and 3 fifties, at an average of 37.40 and a strike rate of 218.71 in just 10 innings, highlighting his rapid rise as one of the most explosive young batters in the tournament.

Also Read: 87% of Runs in Boundaries: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Brutal Approach Lights Up IPL 2026

Chopra observed that Virat Kohli does not have strong numbers against Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger, both of whom will test him with the new ball. He added that Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal are other RCB batters to watch, with Padikkal in outstanding form against Rajasthan.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi In Spotlight

Chopra also turned his attention to Rajasthan’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has already dismantled attacks featuring Matt Henry, Jasprit Bumrah, and Trent Boult. He questioned whether the young opener could now dominate Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jacob Duffy in this high-profile encounter.

Vaibhav has scored 122 runs at a strike rate of 248.97 in three innings, while his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal leads the Orange Cap race with 170 runs at a strike rate of 163.46.

On RCB’s side, Padikkal has amassed 111 runs at a strike rate of 201.81, Kohli has 97 runs at 173.21, and Salt has 54 runs at 145.94. Chopra noted that RCB’s batting depth makes them the most explosive team in the league.

However, he cautioned that their bowling remains vulnerable. “RCB are the most explosive team in this league. Everyone keeps hitting from No. 1 to No. 8 or No. 9. It can be very difficult to stop that team, but if they have a weakness, bowling has often looked slightly under pressure,” Chopra said.

With Kohli’s battle against Archer, Padikkal’s form, and Vaibhav’s aggressive stroke play, the RR vs RCB clash promises to be one of the standout fixtures of IPL 2026.

Jayawardene explained in the post-match presentation that Mitchell Santner was not fully fit and was left out as a precaution. “Mitch, in the last game, had a little niggle when he came off. As a precaution, he wasn’t a hundred percent ready to play this game. Hopefully, he will be fit for our next game,” Jayawardene said.

Mitchell Santner Expected To Return Against RCB

With Santner unavailable, Allah Ghazanfar was drafted into the XI. However, the New Zealand all-rounder is expected to regain fitness in time for Mumbai’s next fixture against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 12. Mitchell Santner has played just one match this season, against Delhi Capitals, where he took a wicket and scored 18 not out. He missed the opener against Kolkata Knight Riders as he had not joined the squad then.

Mumbai Indians have struggled to maintain momentum after winning their first match. They have now lost two consecutive games, including a six-wicket defeat to Delhi Capitals and a 27-run loss to Rajasthan Royals. With only two points from three matches, the team faces pressure to bounce back.

The franchise has a reputation for slow starts but often recovers as the tournament progresses. With Mitchell Santner’s return, Mumbai will hope to strengthen their balance ahead of two back-to-back home games against RCB on April 12 and Punjab Kings on April 16. Both opponents were finalists last season, making the upcoming fixtures crucial for Mumbai’s campaign.

Having first risen through the ranks with RCB as a technically sound top-order batter, he enjoyed early success in the IPL, forming strong partnerships and displaying maturity beyond his years. However, as the format evolved, the demands forced him into a period of introspection and adjustment, as per a press release from RCB.

A Period of Introspection

Speaking on that phase, Devdutt Padikkal said, "When things didn't go well, I didn't have answers. But that phase gave me that motivation and that fire to get better. Sometimes you need those failures along your journey to remind you how much harder you need to work."

A Determined Return to RCB

"The underlying factor was that he was very excited to play for RCB," Dinesh Karthik revealed. "On the first call, he said I couldn't be happier playing for any other team than RCB. I represented RCB, and I remember coming and watching matches as an RCB fan. And that set the tone for how we looked at him and how we wanted him to achieve certain things. His message was clear: 'I'm here, and I want to make a difference. Just tell me what you need.' And from that day, the first day in the camp, he actually was a man on a mission."

Commitment to Evolve

With clarity around his role and a commitment to evolve, Padikkal worked on expanding his game, particularly his scoring intent in T20 cricket. "When I got the opportunity with RCB again, I decided there were a lot of things I needed to change; I needed to really commit to working on those things regardless of what the outcome may be. It's not easy when you've grown up playing a certain way. I could have easily accepted that I'll stick to test cricket, but it was important for me to come out of that comfort zone and try to adapt." And with that resolve, Devdutt went on to score 247 runs, with a strike rate of 150, across 10 matches for RCB in 2025.

Maturity and Composure in IPL 2026

That growth is now translating into performance. His 50 off 29 against CSK showcased controlled aggression, while the 61 off 26 against SRH reflected a player operating at a significantly higher tempo, a clear indicator of his evolution in the shortest format. "In 2020-2021, I was a lot more scared as a young kid coming in. I feel over the years I've learned to handle everything that goes around in the IPL. At this point, I've reached a stage of maturity where I understand what I need to do to be at my best. And I feel a lot calmer and more composed, and I'm really happy at where I am, and I'm really enjoying my cricket," Devdutt reflected.

Praise and National Team Prospects

Speaking on Padikkal's growth, Dinesh Karthik said, "Devdutt Padikkal coming into 2025 was a very different Devdutt Padikkal to the one that left RCB earlier. He has learned to handle everything that comes with playing in the IPL, and the way he has adapted his game has been very impressive. If he continues in this rich vein of form, I don't think Team India can ignore him across formats. He is batting at a level which is a touch above a lot of other players."

As he continues to build on this strong start, Padikkal's journey stands as a testament to persistence, adaptability, and clarity of purpose. Two matches into IPL 2026, he is not just among the runs; he is setting the benchmark for what a complete T20 batter looks like in the modern game.

The defending champions, RCB, recorded their second successive win of the season with a 43-run win over the CSK. After posting a solid total of 250/3, thanks to fifties by Tim David (70*) and Devdutt Padikkal (50), and skipper Rajat Patidar’s 43-run knock, the hosts bundled out the visitors for 207 in 19.4 overs, despite a 25-ball 50 by Sarfaraz Khan and Prashant Veer’s cameo innings of 43 off 29 balls.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar led the bowling attack with figures of 3/41 at an economy rate of 10.20 in four matches. Jacob Duffy (2/58), Krunal Pandya (2/36), and Abhinandan Sharma (2/30) picked two wickets each to ensure the CSK never really recovered from the chase, sealing a convincing win for RCB.

Also Read: IPL 2026: CSK stuck to a bad plan without intervention, says Ambati Rayudu

CSK and RCB Fans Battle Off the Field

As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings were competing against each other on the field, tensions spilt over off the field, as fans of both sides were involved in showcasing their support through chants, banter, and a heated verbal exchange that quickly drew attention on social media.

One such incident took place during the match when a CSK fangirl was involved in a verbal exchange with a group of RCB supporters. In a video that went viral on social media, RCB fans were seen taunting her and her friends, seemingly over either a Chennai Super Kings wicket loss or the team’s defeat to the defending champions.

However, the CSK fangirl clapped back at the RCB supporters, engaging in a back-and-forth exchange before the police intervened and calmed the situation. The incident quickly went viral on social media.

Kalesh b/w RCB vs CSK fans during yesterday’s IPL matchpic.twitter.com/9WcL52Ys5Y

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) April 6, 2026

The Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have a large fanbase across the country, and clashes between supporters, both on social media and in stadiums, are not uncommon, especially during high-stakes matches like this IPL 2026 encounter. Both sides are known for passionate fans, nd such exchanges reflect the fierce IPL rivalry.

RCB and CSK have faced off 36 times, including the recent clash, in IPL history, with Chennai Super Kings leading the head-to-head 21–14 over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, highlighting the intense rivalry between the two sides.

When will RCB and CSK Play their Next Match?

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru couldn’t have asked for a better start to their quest for the maiden IPL title defence with two successive wins over the Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Chennai Super Kings, both at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The RCB are currently at the second spot on the points table with four points and have a net run rate (NRR) of +2.501 from two matches.

Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, have had a disastrous start to their quest for the sixth IPL triumph, as they lost three matches on the trot against the Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and are currently at the bottom of the points table with a NRR of -2.517.

With two back-to-back wins, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will return to action when they take on the Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday, April 10.

While Chennai Super Kings will look to make a strong comeback and earn their first win of the season when they lock horns with Delhi Capitals at the Chepauk Stadium or MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. April 11.

Also Read: Varun Chakravarthy Injury Update: Will KKR Spinner Recover In Time For Eden Gardens Clash With LSG

Ashwin's Technical Breakdown

"Virat was still playing Test cricket in 2024. He was very still, the bat wouldn't move much. But now, here in 2026, the bat is down initially and later he brings it up, which we call potential energy, or the constant movement of the bat, and he is getting into lovely positions. In 2024, his head was so still that even the movement of his feet was balanced, because he was still playing Test cricket then. In 2026, since he doesn't play Test cricket anymore, he doesn't have to control his hands as much and is letting them go, going for more shots," Ashwin said on 'Champions vali Commentary'.

Kohli's Imperious IPL 2026 Form

Kohli looks imperious as an ODI-exclusive superstar for Team India. Coming into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after an impressive ODI run earlier this year, he peeled off 69* in 38 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the campaign opener. He followed his fifty with a 28-run innings in 18 balls laced with two fours and a six against the five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday in Bengaluru.

RCB's Dominant Win Over CSK

RCB registered a commanding 43-run win over CSK in the IPL 2026 match on Sunday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Tim David's 25-ball 70-run innings, along with contributions from other batters, and an all-round effort with the ball led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, helped defending champions RCB clinch their second consecutive win of the season.

A Record-Breaking Career

Kohli also holds the record for the most runs in Indian Premier League history, amassing over 8,700 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and remains the only player to have crossed the 8,000-run milestone. (ANI)

The RCB registered their second successive win of the season with a 43-run win over the CSK. After posting a solid total of 250/3, thanks to brilliant fifties by Tim David (70*) and Devdutt Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar’s 43-run knock, the hosts bundled out the visitors for 207 in 19.4 overs, despite a 25-ball 50 by Sarfaraz Khan and a 43-run cameo knock by Prashant Veer

Bhuvneshwar Kumar led the bowling attack with figures of 3/41 at an economy rate of 10.20 in four matches. Jacob Duffy (2/58), Krunal Pandya (2/36), and Abhinandan Sharma (2/30) picked two wickets each to ensure the CSK never really recovered from the chase, sealing a convincing win for RCB.

Also Read: How Virat Kohli's technique changed from still to fluid: Ashwin explains

Drinks Break Moment Goes Viral

During the strategic timeout after the 14th over of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting, head coach Andy Flower and batting coach Dinesh Karthik, alongside a few other players, ran on to the ground to provide drinks to Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar.

In a video that went viral on social media, Patidar was seen rushing towards the umpire in a visibly angry manner when an on-field umpire was seen offering a bottle to the RCB skipper, while Dinesh Karthik had a few words with the umpires, with Andy Flower looking on as the situation unfolded.

At the same time, Patidar and Karthik reacted in amusement and slight frustration before the umpire promptly returned the bottle.

Dinesh Karthik brought drinks for Rajat Patidar & Devdutt Padikkal… umpire grabbed one

Patidar angrily: “Return it!”

Umpire Saw them coming back and quickly returned it

Karthik, Andy Flower & Patidar’s reactions was hilarious

https://t.co/okFmeJO5gS

— CricketElysium (@ElysiumCricket) April 6, 2026

By the end of the 14th over, the RCB crossed the 150-run mark, with Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar sharing a 58-run partnership for the third wicket before the latter’s dismissal at 151/3.

Thereafter, Tim David and Patidar formed an unbeaten 99-run partnership for the fourth wicket, with the Australian batter contributing nearly 71 % of the runs in that stand, underlining his dominance and helping RCB post a commanding total.

Did Umpires Take Rajat Patidar’s Drink?

The viral video showed Rajat Patidar seemingly confronting the umpire over a drink during the strategic timeout. However, the actual situation was a miscommunication about the timeout itself. In the same video, the RCB batting coach Dinesh Karthik was seen having a conversation with Patidar, who asked him to talk to the umpire.

Karthik, Patidar, and head coach Rajat Patidar walked up to the on-field umpire, as the on-field official had mistakenly given the timeout signal, thinking RCB had requested it. Dinesh Karthik was seemingly asking one of the umpires about the timeout, clarifying that RCB had not actually requested it.

Therefore, the viral video on X (formerly Twitter) shows a moment that looked dramatic but was actually just a misunderstanding. No drink was forcibly taken, and the confrontation was simply the players clarifying the unintended timeout with the umpires before play resumed.

They are not worried about drink There was a miscommunication about timeout no one from rcb asked for time out umpire gave the singal and rajat asked dk and he said you guys asked for it rajat said no then the asked it to the umpire https://t.co/uNCacpdBK0

— Bhomit Parakh (@PBhomit) April 6, 2026

The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will look to continue their winning momentum when they take on the Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday, April 10.

The Rajat Patidar-led RCB is questing for the title defence, after having won their maiden IPL title last season, and joining the Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in the elite list of teams to have successfully defended an IPL triumph, making them one of the most formidable sides in the ongoing 2026 season.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Why RCB’s Devdutt Padikkal was ‘Glad’ After Getting Out on 50 against CSK? Explained

After posting a solid total of 250/3, thanks to brilliant half-centuries by Tim David (70*) and Devdutt Padikkal (50), and skipper Rajat Patidar’s 43-run knock, the RCB bundled out the CSK for 207 in 19.4 overs, despite a fiery 25-ball 50 by Sarfaraz Khan and Prashant Veer’s cameo knock of 43 off 29 balls in the lower order, as hosts’ bowlers struck at regular regular intervals to seal a comfortable win over the CSK.

Devdutt Padikkal delivered his best again, carrying on the momentum from the RCB’s opening match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, wherein he scored 61 off 26 balls. However, the Karnataka batter made a surprising admission after his knock against the Chennai Super Kings.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Tim David's late surge was turning point, says CSK's Fleming

Padikkal ‘Glad’ Over his Dismissal After Fifty?

Devdutt Padikkal’s 29-ball 50 helped the Royal Challengers Bengaluru go past the 150-run mark in the 14th over, alongside a 58-run stand for the third wicket with skipper Rajat Patidar. However, the 25-year-old was happy to have been dismissed after completing his second consecutive fifty of the season.

Speaking to Star Sports after the RCB’s batting, Padikkal stated that he was ‘glad’ after his dismissal, as it allowed Tim David to unleash his carnage in the death overs.

“I think at the strategic timeout as well, we knew that we had to keep going, and it was an important phase from there on, and I’m probably glad that I got out because the way Tim went from there, it was incredible," Padikkal said.

T hitting  

Tim David unleashes absolute carnage at the end to power #RCB to 250 #TATAIPL 2026 | #RCBvCSK | LIVE NOW https://t.co/2TGcMIndez pic.twitter.com/ckzUAf7HeP

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 5, 2026

Walking in to bat at 151/3, Tim David took the Chennai Super Kings to the cleaners, as he played a blistering knock of 70 off 25 balls, including 8 sixes and 3 fours, at an impressive strike rate of 280. David survived a no-ball delivery by Anshul Kamboj before the Australian batter made the most of the lifeline, launching a brutal counterattack to punish the CSK bowlers and power RCB to a massive total.

Tim David formed a 99-run stand for the fourth wicket with Rajat Patidar, meaning he contributed nearly 71% of the partnership runs with the RCB skipper, underlining his dominance in the final overs.

Self-Belief is a Key to Success

Devdutt Padikkal, who had a moderate outing with RCB with 247 in 10 matches in the last IPL season, turned his game around with two consecutive half-centuries this season, highlighting a renewed sense of confidence and intent at the crease for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Padikkal credited his resurgence to improved self-belief, which has allowed him to play at a higher tempo and express himself more freely at the crease.

“It’s important that I believed in myself that I can really go out there and play at a very high tempo. Over the years, I’ve not been able to do that, and coming into the last year as well,” Devdutt Padikkal told Ravi Shastri.

“I wanted to make sure that I really believe in myself and make sure that I go out there and enjoy myself," he added.

28 BALL FIFTY BY DEVDUTT PADIKKAL. 

Excellent from Padikkal, he’s unstoppable tonight! pic.twitter.com/f6wlspPovk

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 5, 2026

Devdutt Padikkal carried on his impressive form from his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy exploits, where he scored 309 runs in six matches and 725 runs in nine matches, respectively, bringing that rich vein of domestic form into the ongoing season and emerging as one of RCB’s most in-form and impactful batters early in their title defence campaign.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Breaks Rivalry Norms, Applauds Sarfaraz Khan’s Fiery Innings Against RCB In IPL 2026 (WATCH)

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu criticised Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) strategy in their loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, saying the team clung to a flawed plan without intervention by any senior player. He suggested that taking a brief pause to reassess and guide the bowlers could have improved execution and potentially changed the outcome. "More than a bad plan, they just stuck to that bad plan. There was nobody to intervene and to just take some time off, take those 20-30 seconds, just make it slightly slower and then guide the bowler with a message. I think they should have slowed it down a little bit," Ambati Rayudu said as per ESPNcricinfo.

Rayudu's comments come after explosive knocks from Tim David, Devdutt Padikkal, and skipper Rajat Patidar helped RCB put up a massive 250/3 against five-time champions CSK. CSK, despite a 25-ball 50 from Sarfaraz Khan, a 43-run knock off 29 balls from Prashant Veer, and a 16-ball 37 cameo from Jamie Overton, fell short by 43 runs as the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK got bundled out for 207/10 in 19.4 overs.

Death Bowling Needs Improvement

Rayudu noted that while Chennai Super Kings' death bowling needs improvement, particularly in following up after conceding boundaries, their powerplay and middle-over bowling have been better compared to the previous match. "Their follow-up balls after a boundary or a six aren't great. Generally, as a bowler, you need to be aware that, okay, I have been hit for a six, but it's the next ball that matters. Whenever you see good death bowlers, they always follow up with a very good ball. But their powerplay bowling and middle-overs bowling were much better than what it was last game," Rayudu added. (ANI)

Sarfaraz’s innings arrived at a critical juncture. Chennai Super Kings were reeling at 30/3 inside the first three overs, staring at collapse. His counterattack reignited hopes of a fightback, but Krunal Pandya (2/36) halted the charge, dismissing him at 50. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/41) later removed Prashant Veer (43), breaking a 57‑run stand with Jamie Overton (37).

Kohli’s Gesture Highlights Southern Derby

The Southern Derby, anticipated for its intensity, fizzled out as CSK’s chase fell short. Yet Kohli’s public acknowledgment of Sarfaraz’s knock stood out, reflecting respect across rival lines. His gesture over the crowd noise became a talking point among fans, who praised the sportsmanship.

पवेलियन लौटते समय कोहली ने सरफराज को सीटी बजाकर उनकी बल्लेबाजी की सराहना की और ताली बजाई। कोहली का यह प्यारा सा भाव था। ❤️ pic.twitter.com/N7v5AVPvRz

— ममता ट्राबल (@Mamtasulaniya) April 5, 2026

Earlier, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s innings was anchored by Devdutt Padikkal. He stitched two vital partnerships — 56 off 37 balls with Phil Salt (46) and a rapid 58 off 21 balls with Rajat Patidar. These alliances proved decisive on a Chinnaswamy pitch that initially offered little pace.

Salt’s calculated aggression guided RCB after Kohli’s early dismissal for 28. Dropped once on seven by Shivam Dube off Khaleel Ahmed, Kohli could not capitalize. Salt’s sixes off Noor Ahmad and Anshul Kamboj ensured RCB ended the Power Play at 51/1. His dismissal to Dube shifted momentum, but Padikkal and Patidar’s fireworks kept the scoreboard racing.

Gaikwad fell for seven runs, caught by Devdutt Padikkal off Jacob Duffy in the opening over. Ayush Mhatre followed soon after, dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar for just one run. Sanju Samson, who had already been under scrutiny for his poor form, managed nine runs before being caught by Padikkal off Duffy.

CSK’s Batting Struggles Continue

At the end of three overs, CSK are reeling at 30-3, with Sarfaraz Khan unbeaten on 12 and Kartik Sharma yet to score. The early collapse left the side heavily dependent on their middle order, including Shivam Dube and Jamie Overton, to salvage the chase.

RCB’s bowlers struck early blows, with Duffy claiming two wickets in his two overs and Bhuvneshwar Kumar adding one in his solitary over. The economy rates of both bowlers has kept CSK under pressure, forcing mistakes from the top order.

The fall of wickets highlighted CSK’s lack of stability. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s dismissal came at 9-1 in the first over, Ayush Mhatre departed at 10-2 in the second, and Samson’s wicket left them at 30-3 before the end of the third.

With fans already frustrated by back-to-back defeats earlier in the season, the collapse against RCB intensified criticism of the captaincy and team management. The side’s inability to handle pressure has left supporters questioning decisions made ahead of IPL 2026.

A lot of CSK fans & experts scapegoated Ashwin, Tripathi, Shankar & Hooda as being the reasons CSK failed last year. That was just a part of it. 

The biggest cause was poor tactics & usage: things CSK have been the gold standard for in the past 19 years.

— Darshan Senthil (@dagiroxforever7) April 5, 2026

This is what separates good captains from the bad ones.

You have to think on your feet rather than going in with set plans.

Very poor game sense from Rutu here.

— Vibhor (@Vibhor4CSK) April 5, 2026

After all this you expect some fight and there’s this slightest hope of them chasing it down but then you see our opening pair come out bat where one believes you shouldn’t go all out from the start. 

These guys might ruin the IPL for me

— Robin (@robin_rounder) April 5, 2026

My man tried to play a 250 pitch in Bengaluru like he's facing prime Mitchell Johnson with the red ball in the tour of Australia. Beautiful.

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) April 5, 2026

Sack Fleming or restrict him to overseas Superking franchise teams, his mindset doesn’t suit modern T20.

Also Chepauk is not the same old Chepauk anymore.

Worst ever cycle for CSK after Mega Auction.

— Ragav X (@ragav_x) April 5, 2026

We arent recovering from this until the next mega auction. And if the management isnt revamped before that. I dont even know what to say

— Sergio (@SergioCulerCSK) April 5, 2026

Out of 500+ bowlers in the auction, CSK couldn't find a single reliable bowler pic.twitter.com/R0rp8wn8ln

— Beast (@Beast__07_) April 5, 2026

Saying this again: apart from the core CSK squad built by late V. B. Chandrasekhar, which included Dhoni, Raina, and others, it has always felt like CSK never made great auction picks under Fleming.

Yet somehow, with Chepauk and Thala’s juju, they became the one of the greatest…

— Ragav X (@ragav_x) April 5, 2026

Sack the entire coaching panel immediately. Main problem is their mindset which results in bad auction strategy, old school cricketing approach and all. This is it. #csk #rcbvscsk #ipl

— sounak (@pal_sounak_123) April 5, 2026

The seasoned batter’s fearless shot brought the confidence to the home side, who looked determined to put Chennai Super Kings under pressure from the outset. Kohli’s cameo of 28 off 18 balls included two boundaries and a six, played at a strike rate of 155.56, before he was dismissed by Anshul Kamboj.

VIRAT KOHLI's NO LOOK SIX vs CSK pic.twitter.com/GKuLHU2VM1

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 5, 2026

RCB’s First Innings Fireworks

RCB finished with a commanding 250-3 in their 20 overs, scoring at a rate of 12.5 runs per over. Philip Salt contributed 46 off 30 balls, striking three fours and two sixes before falling to Shivam Dube. Devdutt Padikkal added 50 off 29 deliveries, maintaining a strike rate of 172.41, while captain Rajat Patidar remained unbeaten on 48 from just 19 balls, hammering six maximums.

The highlight of the innings came from Tim David, who smashed 70 not out off 25 balls. His explosive knock featured eight sixes and three fours, with a strike rate of 280.00, ensuring RCB finished strongly.

CSK’s bowlers struggled throughout the innings. Khaleel Ahmed conceded 37 runs in his four overs, while Matt Henry gave away 36 in three. Anshul Kamboj picked up Kohli’s wicket but leaked 52 runs. Noor Ahmad and Jamie Overton also proved expensive, conceding 49 and 42 runs respectively. Shivam Dube managed one wicket but was taken for 30 runs in just two overs.

The fall of wickets saw Kohli depart at 37-1 in the fifth over, Salt dismissed at 93-2 in the 11th, and Padikkal bowled at 151-3 in the 15th. Partnerships flourished, with Salt and Kohli adding 38 runs, Salt and Padikkal building 56, and Padikkal with Patidar contributing 58. The final flourish came from Patidar and David, who stitched together an unbeaten stand of 99 runs in just 35 balls.

Kohli played a match-winning, unbeaten knock of 69 off 38 balls, including 5 sixes and as many as fours, at a strike rate of 181.58 to help the RCB chase down a 202-run target with 26 balls to spare. This was his first competitive outing in two months, with his last appearance being the ODI series against New Zealand in January.

Moreover, the veteran batter returned to T20 cricket after nearly a year, with his last outing in the format being in the IPL 2025 final, where RCB defeated Punjab Kings to clinch their maiden triumph of the tournament.

Also Read: RCB vs SRH, IPL 2026: Virat Kohli's 69-Run Knock Reinforces His White-Ball Dominance

‘I’m Not An Overseas Player’

Amid the IPL 2026, Virat Kohli found himself at the centre of online chatter about his stay in London, with some fans jokingly suggesting that RCB were fielding an extra overseas player. Mr Nags, aka Danish Sait, took a hilarious dig at the veteran batter, joking about the team fielding five overseas players in the playing XI.

In a video posted by Royal Challengers Bengaluru on its X handle, Mr Nags hilariously raised the ‘five overseas players’ joke, which Kohli immediately sensed was aimed at him, prompting a cheeky reply that quickly went viral on social media.

“I don’t know, why are you asking me? Ask the overseas players. I am not an overseas player. Am I an overseas player?” Kohli said.

VIRAT KOHLI ROASTS MR. NAGS  

Mr. Nags️: “People are saying RCB is playing with 5 overseas players…”

Virat Kohli ️: “I don’t know why you’re asking me… ask the overseas players! I’m not an overseas player.”

Mr. Nags ️: no pic.twitter.com/K1cWUJ6YxS

— Sam (@Cricsam01) April 4, 2026

Following his retirement from Test cricket in May last year, Virat Kohli and his family, including his actress wife Anushka Sharma and their two children, shifted to London to enjoy a more private life away from constant public scrutiny in India and to provide their children with a more normal upbringing.

10 days before the RCB’s opening IPL 2026 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Virat Kohli arrived in Bengaluru from London for the pre-season training camp, quickly getting back into rhythm with the squad ahead of the title defence.

Virat Kohli’s White-Ball Dominance Since His Test Retirement

Virat Kohli’s 69-run knock in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s opening IPL 2026 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad was his continuation of fine white-ball form since stepping away from Test cricket. Kohli retired from Tests and T20Is and is focusing solely on ODIs, intending to extend his career till the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Before his return to T20 cricket in the ongoing IPL season, Kohli played three ODI series against Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, and amassed 616 runs, including 3 centuries and as many fifties, at an average of 88 in 9 matches. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, representing Delhi, he scored 131 and 77 against Andhra and Gujarat, respectively, underlining his rich vein of form heading into the IPL.

Since the veteran batter is playing only one format at the international level, his workload has significantly reduced, allowing him to stay fresh and extend his white-ball cricket. The IPL 2026 serves as a crucial platform for Virat Kohli as the BCCI selectors are expected to keep a close watch on his performance, form, and consistency to determine his role in India’s 2027 World Cup plans.

Virat Kohli will return to action when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on the Chennai Super Kings at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday, April 5.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Virat Kohli on managing workload after match-winning 69*

Kohli played a scintillating unbeaten knock of 69 off 38 balls, including 5 fours and as many sixes, at a strike rate of 181.58 to help the RCB chase down a 202-run target with 26 balls to spare or in 15.4 overs. His 101-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal (61 off 26 balls) for the second wicket and then a 53-run stand for the third wicket with skipper Rajat Patidar (31 off 12 balls) laid the foundation for an easy run chase.

Virat Kohli returned to T20 cricket after nearly a year, with his last appearance being in the IPL 2025 final between RCB and Punjab Kings, which the latter successfully clinched their maiden triumph of the tournament.

Also Read: Virat Kohli's Powerplay Evolution: A Shift to Aggression in IPL

Virat Kohli’s White-Ball Dominance Continues

Virat Kohli’s 69–run knock in the RCB’s IPL 2026 opener against the SRH was not just a match-winning innings, but his continued dominance in white-ball cricket. Though the 37-year-old returned to T20 cricket after nearly a year, he played three ODI series and two matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy before the ongoing season of the IPL.

Across three ODI series against Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, Kohli amassed 616 runs, including 3 centuries and as many fifties, at an average of 88 in 9 matches. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, representing Delhi, he scored 131 and 77 against Andhra and Gujarat, respectively, underlining his rich vein of form heading into the IPL.

After consecutive ducks in the first two ODIs of the three-match series against Australia in Australia, Virat Kohli roared back to form in the final game. He carried that momentum forward, turning a brief slump into yet another example of his remarkable consistency.

One step forward… and BOOM - straight into the stands! ‍

72 metres of pure King energy - this isn’t batting, this is a royal return!

Screen badi, awaazein badi. Apne smart TV ke JioHotstar app pe dekhiye Champions waali commentary LIVE#TATAIPL 2026 | #RCBvSRH | LIVE… pic.twitter.com/nEifAWMBf9

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 28, 2026

That straight drive? Straight-up cinema ‍

Virat Kohli just paints the ground with perfection ✨

Screen badi, awaazein badi. Apne smart TV ke JioHotstar app pe dekhiye Champions waali commentary LIVE#TATAIPL 2026 | #RCBvSRH | LIVE NOW https://t.co/LWOEeT2vNG pic.twitter.com/nZAastmRuM

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 28, 2026

Virat Kohli’s seamless return to T20 cricket, backed by his dominant run in ODIs, highlights not just his consistency but his enduring hunger to perform at the highest level. The veteran Indian batter retired from the T20Is after Team India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, choosing to bow out on high. Still, his performance in the IPL, emerging as the RCB’s highest run-getter in the last season, continues to underline that his T20 prowess remains as sharp and impactful as ever.

Kohli has shifted his focus towards ODI cricket, intending to extend his illustrious international career till the 2027 World Cup, following his retirement from the T20Is and Tests, with a clear aim of peaking on the global stage once again and adding another major ICC title to his already glittering legacy.

A Record-Breaking Outing for Virat Kohli

During his 69-run match-winning knock in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Virat Kohli shattered several records, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest batters in the history of the IPL.

Kohli recorded his 21st IPL fifty in a successful run chase, the most by any batter in the tournament’s history, further highlighting his unparalleled consistency and reliability as a chase master in the IPL. The veteran Indian batter has become the first batter to complete 4000 runs in IPL run chases. Virat Kohli has amassed 4027 runs out of 8730 runs in run chases, meaning nearly half of his IPL runs have come while chasing.

Additionally, Virat Kohli has registered his 28th T20 half-century at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the most by any batter at a single venue in the history of the format across all levels, further cementing his status as the most dominant batter at a single venue in T20 history.

Caption for this graphic is the headline of this static! #TATAIPL 2026 #MIvKKR | SUN, 29th MAR, 6.30 PM pic.twitter.com/303R4saiYP

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 28, 2026

Virat Kohli’s record-breaking outing, alongside the RCB’s dominant start to the IPL title defence, sets the tone for what could be another stellar season for both the talismanic batter and the franchise.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Vettori hails 'incredible' Harsh Dubey as a 'real asset'

‘I’m Not Coming Back Underprepared’

Ahead of Virat Kohli’s return to competitive cricket, there were concerns about whether the veteran Indian batter would need time to regain his rhythm after a long T20 break, but he put those doubts emphatically to rest with a commanding, match-winning performance in the opener.

Speaking at the post-match interview, Kohli emphasized that he never returns underprepared, highlighting how breaks help him stay mentally and physically ready, allowing him to perform at full intensity whenever he steps back onto the field.

“I knew as long as I have the rhythm, and I’ve put enough work physically behind the scenes with my fitness, things should come together nicely. And yeah, tonight was another chance to start strong and build on this,” the 37-year-old said.

“The kind of scheduling that we’ve had over the last 15 years and the amount of cricket I’ve played, for me, there was always a risk of getting burnt out rather than being undercooked. So these breaks help me mentally. I stay fresh, I stay excited.

“Whenever I come back to play, it’s 120%. I’m not coming back underprepared. In fact, the extra rest helps me mentally freshen up. And as long as you’re physically fit and mentally excited, both those things come together nicely,” he added.

The IPL 2026 serves as a crucial platform for Virat Kohli as the BCCI selectors are expected to keep a close eye on the veteran batter in order to determine his role and form ahead of the upcoming international assignments, particularly with the 2027 ODI World Cup in focus.

The dismissal came off the bowling of Abhinandan Singh, but it was Salt’s brilliance in the field that stole the spotlight. Kishan had been the backbone of SRH’s innings, striking at a rate of 210.52 and keeping the scoreboard ticking even as wickets fell around him. His departure was seen as a turning point, with fans reacting instantly online.

“Took Another Out‑Worldly Catch”

Supporters highlighted Phil Salt’s effort as one of the defining moments of the match. Many described the catch as “out‑worldly,” noting that it followed his earlier dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen. The double impact from Salt’s fielding left SRH’s batting order exposed, with the middle and lower order now tasked with salvaging the innings.

Catch of the tournament by Sir Phil Salt in the first match of the season . Salttyyyyy❤️ pic.twitter.com/l6sxClH8yM

— !_ (@bholination) March 28, 2026

Earlier, SRH had struggled at the top. Abhishek Sharma managed only 7 before falling to Jacob Duffy, while Travis Head contributed 11 before also being caught by Salt. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s 1 from 6 balls added to the early woes, leaving SRH at 29/3. Klaasen’s 31 provided some resistance, but his dismissal again came courtesy of Salt’s sharp fielding.

By the 17th over, SRH had reached 167/7, with Aniket Verma unbeaten on 20 from 10 balls. Salil Arora (9) and Harsh Dubey (3) also fell cheaply, while Romario Shepherd and Suyash Sharma chipped in with wickets.

Jacob Duffy remained the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3/22 from four overs. Shepherd added two wickets, while Singh and Suyash Sharma claimed one each.

AB de Villiers ✅
Phil Salt ✅

Tough call… which one wins? #IPL2026 #RCBvsSRH pic.twitter.com/FwV7UfE5FH

— Khan (@ccricket713) March 28, 2026

Ishan Kishan girlfriend to phil salt pic.twitter.com/zRUluaQm0v

— Nastik Rahul (@nastikrahul22) March 28, 2026

Phil Salt is as good a fielder as Glenn Phillips!!

— Kevin (@imkevin149) March 28, 2026

3 stunning catches so far by Phil salt 

SALUTE to you man ....Take a bow 

Amazing efforts pic.twitter.com/7nxMf7zDzz

— Antardhwani ⚛️✡️ (@Antarecho) March 28, 2026

Klaasen had scored 31 runs off 22 balls, striking two boundaries and a six at a strike rate of 140.90. His dismissal came at 13.1 overs, with Romario Shepherd claiming the wicket. Salt’s sharp effort in the field drew immediate attention, as SRH slipped to 126/4.

Salt’s Catch Shifts Momentum

The dismissal was crucial as Klaasen had begun to accelerate alongside captain Ishan Kishan, who remained unbeaten on 72 from 34 balls. Kishan’s aggressive innings kept SRH’s run rate high at 9.40, but Klaasen’s exit halted the momentum. Fans highlighted Salt’s catch as a turning point, praising the awareness and execution.

Your call. I believe the cushion clearly was displaced by Salt’s feet while completing the catch. Not out and six, bad call, don't know how you can fluff that up as a third umpire. Klaasen was not out.#IPL2026 https://t.co/yQDyLM6BY8 pic.twitter.com/7HzMiQqSvR

— Adarsh (@adarshisit) March 28, 2026

Earlier, SRH’s top order faltered. Abhishek Sharma managed only 7 runs before falling to Jacob Duffy, while Travis Head contributed 11 before also being dismissed by Duffy. Nitish Kumar Reddy followed soon after, scoring just 1 run from 6 balls.

At 127/4 after 13.3 overs, SRH’s batting relied heavily on Kishan to carry the innings. Salil Arora is unbeaten on 1, with several batters yet to come, including Aniket Verma and Harshal Patel.

Duffy’s Early Impact

Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler in the early stages, taking three wickets for 22 runs in his four overs. His dismissals of Sharma, Head, and Reddy left SRH struggling at 29/3 before Klaasen’s partnership with Kishan steadied the innings.

Romario Shepherd’s breakthrough, aided by Salt’s catch, ensured SRH’s middle order was under pressure once again. With the fall of Klaasen, SRH’s hopes of building a strong finish rested on Kishan’s ability to maintain his aggressive tempo.

Abhishek Sharma continued his poor form, scoring just 7 runs from 8 balls before being caught off Jacob Duffy. His strike rate of 87.50 highlighted his struggles, and fans quickly expressed frustration at his inability to provide a solid start.

Travis Head, who looked more fluent, managed 11 runs from 8 deliveries with one boundary. However, he too was dismissed by Duffy, leaving SRH at 18/2 inside three overs. The double blow put immediate pressure on the middle order.

Fans Question SRH’s Opening Choices

Supporters voiced concern that SRH’s top order remains vulnerable, with Sharma’s inconsistency and Head’s early dismissal adding to the worries. Online reactions pointed to the need for stronger starts, especially against Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s bowling attack.

At the time of the dismissals, Ishan Kishan was unbeaten on 1, while Heinrich Klaasen and others are yet to bat. SRH’s total stood at 19/2 after 2.4 overs, with the run rate at 7.12.

Jacob Duffy emerged as the standout bowler early on, claiming both wickets while conceding just 9 runs in 1.4 overs. His disciplined line and ability to strike twice in quick succession drew praise, while SRH fans lamented their side’s shaky beginning.

With the middle order featuring Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and others, attention turned to whether SRH could recover from the early setbacks. Fans continued to debate the team’s batting strategy, questioning if changes were needed at the top.

Abhishek Sharma gone for 7 in 8 balls.

NO PARTY TONIGHT FOR ABHISHEK SHARMA TONIGHT. #RCBvsSRH pic.twitter.com/2siGksnlHj

— A D U (@cricfootadnan) March 28, 2026

Abhishek Sharma - Travis loves to bat against RCB
pic.twitter.com/joBRFCvCVW

— Aadi26 (@AdityaC56467781) March 28, 2026

THE DEBUTANT JACOB DUFFY HAS REMOVED ABHISHEK SHARMA AND TRAVIS HEAD IN A SINGLE OVER #RCBvsSRH pic.twitter.com/y9cBG2fMd6

— Wicket and Warrior (@WicketNWarrior) March 28, 2026

Abhishek Sharma Out On 7.
- A Tribute For Thala.
#RCBvsSRH#ViratKohli#TATAIPL2026#AbhishekSharma pic.twitter.com/HbMosQawxE

— Bugs Bunny (@bunnyhumai) March 28, 2026

Whenever abhishek sharma facing world class bowler he is exposed.

And i also want to see kavya maran crying because he bought terrorist abrar Ahmed.
Go RCB#RCBvsSRH pic.twitter.com/3ediF93cX8

— ria s (@jabraViratFan) March 28, 2026

Happy to see kavya maran facing humiliation today. Hope all IPL teams follow the same against SRH

— Munna bhaiya !MBBS (@honey_sing26004) March 28, 2026

Srh ka har sal ka hai accha khelo aur fr bhot bura khelo at least make it a bit interesting ye to kohli akele bnadega

— . (@ItsMaahiRajput) March 28, 2026

SRH FINISH AT LAST THIS SEASON THAT'S THE TWEET...#RCBvsSRH

— Mayank@29 (@BollywoodBuzz14) March 28, 2026