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

The gesture gained popularity after Mahika Jadhav, an X user, posted a photo of the message with an emotional remark about India's deep-rooted cricket tradition. She talked on how sports have always been a part of everyday life in the country, and how the IPL reignites that excitement every year. She also emphasised RCB fans' everlasting commitment, citing how their belief, summed up in the classic "Ee Sala Cup Namde" slogan, stays consistent season after season.

Check Out Viral Post

There’s something about cricket in India that you can’t really explain. It’s been there since childhood, in the background of every home, every conversation, every summer. And then IPL comes around and suddenly it’s everywhere again.

And RCB fans, honestly, the most patient and… pic.twitter.com/KayCaxPHVO

— Mahika Jadhav (@mahikaa101) March 28, 2026

How Did Social Media React?

Her post went viral online, with many people praising both the auto driver's charity and the unwavering loyalty of RCB fans. Several responses commended fandom's attitude, with one user describing it as a sign of real enthusiasm and generosity, adding that true fans frequently go above and above to encourage others.

Others saw RCB as more than simply a cricket team, describing it as an emotion that unites people throughout the city. Some further noted that such ardent supporters are rarely recognised, implying that gestures like as free match tickets or fan meet-ups may be used to reward their commitment.

Another group of users shared a frequent view among RCB fans: their excitement remains consistent regardless of the team's results. They said that whether they won or lost, the intensity never faded, making Bengaluru's fan culture one of the most unique in the world.

“After 14 seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year. It’s a big decision, and one that comes with a lot of gratitude when I look back,” du Plessis said in a statement.

Instead of continuing in the IPL, du Plessis opted to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), seeking new experiences and challenges. He wanted to explore a different environment and improve as a player. However, his plans were disrupted after suffering a ligament tear in his right thumb during SA20 2025, ruling him out of the remainder of that season and PSL 2026.

Struggles In Final IPL Season

In IPL 2025, du Plessis represented Delhi Capitals but endured a difficult campaign. He scored 202 runs in nine innings at an average of 22.44 and a strike rate of 123.92. Following the season, Delhi released him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

IPL Career Highlights

Du Plessis enjoyed a decorated IPL career spanning from 2012 to 2025. He played for Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiant, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals. In 154 matches, he amassed 4773 runs at an average of 35.09 and a strike rate of 135.78. His record includes 39 half-centuries, with a highest score of 96.

His standout seasons came in 2021 with Chennai Super Kings, scoring 633 runs, and in 2023 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he piled up 730 runs. He crossed 300 runs in nine different seasons. With CSK, he won the IPL twice, in 2018 and 2021. He remains the fourth-highest overseas run scorer in IPL history.

Although retired from the IPL, du Plessis continues to play in other franchise leagues. He represents Joburg Super Kings in SA20 and Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket.

Ashwin was speaking on his YouTube Channel, 'Ash Ki Baat'. RCB and SRH, two power-packed batting units spearheaded by Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, will be locking horns at Bengaluru. The last time both these teams collided at Bengaluru, it resulted in SRH scoring the highest IPL total ever, posting 287/3. In reply, RCB did not give up either despite regular fall of wickets, with a 28-ball 62 by skipper Faf Du Plessis and a 35-ball 83 by Dinesh Karthik taking RCB to 262/7 from a spot of bother at 122/5.

Ashwin on 'Mission 300'

Speaking on 'Ash ki Baat', Ashwin said that batting-friendly wickets, some explosive batting line-ups and some weak bowling units could help the 'Mission 300' be achieved once and for all. "Mission 300 is truly on. This time, I have a feeling from within that the 300-run mark will be crossed. I've been looking at some of the batting line-ups, some of the bowling line-ups are also not upto the mark. So, if the wickets are good, then there are chances of 300 being scored," he said.

IPL's Evolution into a Run-Fest

Over the last three seasons or so, the IPL has slowly evolved into an absolute run-fest, with several batting total records and powerplay records being broken, particularly by SRH. With teams getting an extra batter with the 'Impact Player' rule, they have more liberty to go hard right from ball one.

A total of 12 250-plus scores have been seen in IPL so far, with only one of them coming in 2013, RCB's 263/5 against Pune Warriors India powered by a 175* from Chris Gayle.

The 2024 edition was the harshest one for bowlers, as eight 250-plus scores meant that bowlers were reduced to being throwing machines.

Last season, two 250-plus scores came up, both scored by SRH. The first being 286/6 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Hyderabad, driven by an explosive Ishan Kishan ton and later 278/3 against Delhi Capitals at Delhi, thanks to a 39-ball 105* by Heinrich Klaasen.

Analysis on Key Player Absences

Speaking about the opening match, Ashwin reflected on the absence of two premier Australian bowlers, SRH skipper Pat Cummins and RCB's Josh Hazlewood, saying that RCB needs Hazlewood more than SRH needs their skipper because of his movement, swing, death overs excellence and experience.

"As much as SRH need Pat Cummins, RCB need Josh Hazlewood even more. Hyderabad has a lot of power in this game. When there is even a little bit of seam movement and swing, Josh Hazlewood executes excellently. Even in death, he is a guy from whom everyone can learn. It is not as if he bowls only yorkers under pressure; he bowls the hard lengths, yorkers, mixes it up. Hazlewood is not there for this game, which is a very very big loss for RCB," Ashwin added. (ANI)

Lessons from Chinnaswamy Experience

Reflecting on the team's experiences at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Flower noted that the side has taken valuable lessons from previous outings at the venue. "We lost our first three matches at Chinnaswamy last year, and we learned from those experiences. Conditions might be slightly different this time as well, so we'll have to assess that. But at your home venue, you should have a better understanding of the nuances of the conditions than your opposition. We've been practising here and talking a lot about those aspects, so I'd like to think we'll be slightly ahead of the opposition on our own surface," he said.

Praise for Leadership Group

Flower also spoke about the leadership group within the squad, praising captain Rajat Patidar and his deputy Jitesh Sharma. "It's pretty amazing that in Rajat's first year of captaincy, he led RCB to the trophy. He's a very likeable man, and he's well respected in the dressing room. He stays nice and calm, which the bowlers really appreciate. Jitesh is a very good deputy as well. He's energetic, tactically aware and sees a lot of the game from behind the stumps, so having those two working together around the square is valuable for the team," he added.

Squad Update and Player Form

Confidence in Virat Kohli

Reflecting on the form of Virat Kohli, Flower expressed confidence in the senior batter's mindset and preparation heading into the season. "Virat is in a really good space mentally. He's very comfortable with himself but still incredibly hungry, and watching him strike the ball in training, he looks at the peak of his powers," Flower said.

Spotlight on Domestic Pacers

Discussing the bowling options within the squad, Flower expressed confidence in the domestic seamers available to the side. "We're happy with the Indian seamers in the squad. Rasikh is a better bowler than he was last year, and he's worked very hard on his game. We're also pleased to have recruited Mangesh, and we've been encouraged by Abhinandan's progress recently. All three have qualities that put them in good shape if they get their opportunities in this tournament," Flower said.

Josh Hazlewood Fitness Update

Flower also provided an update on Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. "Hazlewood arrived yesterday, and he's looking fit. It's great to have him back around the dressing room and involved in our meetings again. He won't be ready for tomorrow because he's just arrived, but we'll monitor his fitness closely, and we're looking forward to him making his entrance into the IPL soon," he said. (ANI)

Hazlewood to miss season opener

Speaking to reporters during a press conference on the eve of the season opener, Flower said, "Hazlewood arrived yesterday. He's looking fit. I did comment to him that he looks even younger than I remember him, so he's enjoyed some good downtime, but he's worked hard to get himself back up to full fitness. It's great to have him here. It's even great to have him here in our dressing room and in the meetings. He won't be ready for tomorrow, because he's just got off the plane, and we'll be monitoring his fitness very closely and looking forward to him making his entrance into the IPL."

The 35-year-old Hazlewood was a key part of RCB's title-winning campaign last year, finishing third in the top wicket-takers list with 22 wickets at an economy rate of 8.77.

Flower on Indian pacers

The head coach also spoke about the availability of Indian pacers in the squad this year and praised the young Indian seamers trio of Abhinandan Singh, Rasikh Dar Salam and Mangesh Yadav. Speaking about the Indian pacers, the head coach said, "Yash (Dayal) is not with us this year, unfortunately. So we have Mangesh, Abhinandan, and Rasikh all competing for a place. I'm not going to tell you now who's playing tomorrow, but we're happy with recruiting Mangesh, a left-arm seamer, to replace Yash Dayal." The onus will be on Mangesh as he was bought for Rs 5.20 crore at the mini auction last year.

"We're also happy with Abhinandan's progress. He's bowled a lot more in matches just recently, played in the recent DY Patil competition and did really well. And I think Rasikh is a better bowler than he was last year. He's obviously been working very hard himself, and he shows a lot of qualities that could stand him in really good stead if he gets the chance in this tournament. So we're happy with those three Indian seamers," said Flower.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru full squad for IPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru full squad for IPL 2026: Abhinandan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jacob Bethell, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, Nuwan Thushara, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Rasikh Dar, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Virat Kohli, Vihaan Malhotra (Rs 30 lakh), Jordan Cox (Rs 75 lakh), Venkatesh Iyer (Rs 7 Cr), Satvik Deswal (Rs 30 lakh), Mangesh Yadav (Rs 5.20 Cr), Vicky Ostwal (Rs 30 lakh), Kanishk Chouhan (Rs 30 lakh), Jacob Duffy (Rs 2 Cr). (ANI)

His remarks came after Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar suggested that every MLA should receive at least five IPL tickets, claiming that elected representatives are "VIPs" who shouldn't have to wait in line.

Government Reviews Security Ahead of IPL Opener

The IPL 2026 season at Chinnaswamy Stadium will kick off on March 28, with defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Ahead of the opening IPL fixture, Karnataka Government Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh held a meeting with the concerned officials and KSCA office bearers on Friday.

"With the IPL tournaments starting from tomorrow, State Government Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh held a meeting with the concerned officials and KSCA office bearers on safety and gave advice and instructions. She got information about the security arrangements made inside and around the stadium for the safety of cricket lovers, changes made in the city's traffic system, parking arrangements, drinking water inside the stadium and other essential things. She got information from the officials about the density of passengers falling on the metro, the metro running schedule, the additional security provided at the metro stations, and safety and gave many instructions to be careful not to allow even a minor unpleasant incident," as per a statement from Karnataka CMO.

Rajneesh instructed to follow the conditions and precautionary measures imposed by the government for organising IPL matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

"She instructed in the meeting to strictly follow the conditions and precautionary measures imposed by the government for organising the tournament. She gave instructions that the concerned officials and organisations should be on high alert, and also. She gave instructions that the relevant information should be exchanged with the above officials regularly. The meeting was attended by the KSCA Board of Directors, office bearers, RCB office bearers, City Police Commissioner, GBA Commissioner, Metro MD and heads of relevant departments," the statement added.

Match Preview: RCB vs SRH

Having clinched their maiden IPL title last year, RCB head into the new season as one of the frontrunners, though Sunrisers Hyderabad are expected to pose a serious challenge. Hyderabad boast a formidable batting lineup featuring explosive players like Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, and Nitish Reddy.

RCB, meanwhile, will rely on the experience and firepower of stars such as Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Jitesh Sharma. Both teams will be eager to start their campaigns on a winning note. (ANI)

Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of at least the opening phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after failing to clear a mandatory fitness test conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket, dealing a fresh setback to the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

According to a report from ESPNcricinfo, Thushara's failure to meet the required benchmark has resulted in the Sri Lanka board withholding a no-objection certificate (NOC), making him unavailable for immediate participation in the tournament. According to SLC guidelines, players must secure a minimum score of 17 out of 29 across five fitness parameters to be eligible for selection in overseas leagues. SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva confirmed that the pacer did not achieve the qualifying mark. However, Thushara will have another opportunity to undergo the fitness assessment after a gap of four to five days.

Impact on Defending Champions RCB

The development adds to RCB's growing concerns ahead of their campaign opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. The franchise is already coping with the absence of Yash Dayal. However, the Australian quick bowler Josh Hazlewood joined the squad on Thursday.

Thushara's participation in RCB's second fixture against Chennai Super Kings on April 5 also remains doubtful. A second failure in the fitness test could potentially sideline him from competitive cricket for an extended period.

Other Sri Lankan Players Face Fitness Hurdles

Meanwhile, other Sri Lankan players are also facing fitness-related hurdles ahead of the IPL. Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga are yet to complete their fitness tests due to ongoing injury recoveries. Pathirana, who was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf injury and is expected to join the squad only around mid-April. Hasaranga, signed by Lucknow Super Giants, is recovering from a hamstring issue that forced him out of the recent T20 World Cup.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Full Squad for IPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru full squad for IPL 2026: Abhinandan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jacob Bethell, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, Nuwan Thushara, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Rasikh Dar, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Vihaan Malhotra (Rs 30 lakh), Jordan Cox (Rs 75 lakh), Venkatesh Iyer (Rs 7 Cr), Satvik Deswal (Rs 30 lakh), Mangesh Yadav (Rs 5.20 Cr), Vicky Ostwal (Rs 30 lakh), Kanishk Chouhan (Rs 30 lakh), Jacob Duffy (Rs 2 Cr). (ANI)

Virat Kohli's love for tattoos is well known. The star batter, who already sports several tattoos, recently got inked again, just a few days before the start of IPL 2026. The studio behind Kohli's new tattoo, Aliens Tattoo, provided an in-depth glimpse into the design of the former RCB skipper's ink on his left arm. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aliens Tattoo (@alienstattooindia) As per Aliens Tattoo, the design of Kohli's ink symbolises his personal evolution over the years.

Instead of just adding a single design, the intention was to craft a unified piece that blends his past experiences with his present mindset. The artwork features motifs such as the lotus and peony, which are commonly linked to resilience and growth. The personal meaning of each element was intentionally kept private. The project involved artists meticulously working with Virat Kohli's existing tattoos, including an incomplete armband inspired by Shiva, alongside other designs reflecting various stages of his life.

Crafting a Cohesive Sleeve

"His left arm was not a blank canvas. It already carried years of ink, an incomplete armband, older tattoos, elements that belonged to different phases of his life. Some had aged. Some had lost their clarity. Some no longer reflected the precision and intent they once held. The approach was deliberate. Some parts needed to be covered. Some needed to be refined and restored. And much more needed to be added -- with purpose. To take scattered fragments and transform them into a single, cohesive sleeve that flows as one," according to Aliens Tattoo.

Eyeing New Milestones in IPL and T20 Cricket

Meanwhile, on the cricket front, Virat will be eyeing another fiery IPL season with the bat that would keep the crowds happy and statisticians busy. Currently at 8,661 runs in 267 matches with eight centuries and 63 fifties, Virat will also be aiming to become the first player to reach the 9,000 run mark in IPL history.

Having made 9,085 runs in 282 matches for RCB across IPL and now-defunct Champions League T20, Virat is one extraordinary season away from becoming the first-ever player to score 10,000 runs for a single IPL team in all of T20 cricket.

Having made 13,543 runs in 414 T20Is, including nine centuries and 105 fifties, Virat will also be aiming to join West Indies titans Chris Gayle (14,562 runs), Kieron Pollard (14,482 runs), England's Alex Hales (14,449 runs), and Australian legend David Warner (14,028 runs) as the fifth member of the 14,000-run club in T20 cricket.

Recap of Last Season's Performance

Last season, Virat scored 657 runs in 15 innings at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71, with eight fifties to his name, finishing as the team's leading run-getter and third-highest run-getter overall. (ANI)

The issue surfaced during the Assembly session, where Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar demanded that the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) allocate at least five tickets per MLA. He argued that elected representatives deserved special consideration, stating MLAs are “VIPs” and “cannot stand in the queue.”

The demand did not remain isolated. Lawmakers from both the ruling party and the opposition echoed similar concerns, alleging that they were being treated disrespectfully by the KSCA. Some MLAs complained that they were either denied tickets or asked to book them online like ordinary citizens, which they viewed as inappropriate for public representatives.

Kashappanavar further criticized the cricket body, pointing out that it benefits from government support, including security and infrastructure. “They are taking all facilities from the government… but not respecting MLAs,” he said, questioning why legislators should be made to struggle for tickets.

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

The controversy intensified as opposition leaders joined the debate. Senior BJP leader R. Ashoka accused the KSCA of charging exorbitant prices for tickets despite receiving land from the government at nominal rates. He argued that the association was “looting” elected representatives while enjoying state-backed privileges.

Some MLAs also demanded separate seating arrangements or dedicated lounges, claiming that general seating fails to reflect their status. “When we go to watch the match, we don’t get respect,” one legislator said, pushing for exclusive enclosures for ministers and MLAs.

Responding to the uproar, Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader suggested that the government intervene and engage with the KSCA to resolve the issue. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar assured the House that he would take up the matter with the association, indicating a possible administrative solution.

The IPL 2026 season is set to begin on March 28, with Bengaluru hosting key matches, adding urgency to the dispute.

However, the episode has triggered criticism beyond political circles, with many questioning whether elected representatives should demand privileges for sporting events. The debate now extends beyond tickets—raising larger questions about accountability, public perception, and the limits of VIP culture in a democracy.

Also Read: GST Overhaul: Watching Dhoni, Kohli, and Rohit in IPL to Get Costlier under New Tax Regime; Explained

All 10 teams will play four matches each in the first phase of the IPL 2026, and the remaining fixtures will be announced soon, as the BCCI was awaiting the Election Commission of India (ECI) to finalise the dates for the State Assembly Elections before announcing the rest of the schedule.

The tournament is likely to feature 84 matches in a double round robin format, with each team playing a total of 16 league matches before the playoffs. The playoffs will begin on May 26, with Qualifier 1 before Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and Final, which is scheduled for May 31.

Also Read: Why Chennai Super Kings Opening With Sanju Samson & Ruturaj Gaikwad Could Backfire in IPL 2026

No Opening Ceremony in Bengaluru

Before the beginning of every IPL season, an opening ceremony is usually held featuring star-studded performances, music, and festivities to mark the start of the tournament. However, for IPL 2026, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium will not witness the grand opening ceremony before the season opener between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The move was made by the BCCI to honour the victims of the stampede tragedy outside Bengaluru’s iconic cricket stadium. In June last year, 11 people lost their lives, and 50 others were injured in a tragic stampede outside the stadium during a large number of fans gathering to celebrate the RCB’s historic maiden IPL triumph.

Recently, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) decided to honour the victims of the stampede tragedy by leaving 11 seats empty in the stadium during every home match. Additionally, the memorial plaque was unveiled outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

BREAKING: NO OPENING CEREMONY IN IPL 2026

BCCI Secretary has confirmed there will be no opening ceremony at Chinnaswamy Stadium. This decision is a mark of respect for the tragic stampede on June 4th last year, where 11 fans lost their lives.

✅ Instead: A grand… pic.twitter.com/9UhZyXj8To

— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) March 26, 2026

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium will host the season opener for the first time since the debut match of the IPL between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders, and will see fans return to witness top-tier cricket while the stadium also stands as a solemn reminder of last year’s tragic stampede.

Devajit Saikia Confirms Cancellation of IPL 2026 Opening Ceremony

The cancellation of the opening ceremony for the IPL 2026 has been confirmed by the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. According to the report by The Times of India (TOI), Saikia stated that the board will not hold any formal function or cultural program at the start of the season in Bengaluru as a mark of respect to the victims of last year’s stampede tragedy.

However, the BCCI secretary added that the closing ceremony of the season will take place as usual before the final match.

“Due to last year's tragic incident on June 4 last year, there will be no formal function on the day of the start of IPL-2026 (in Bengaluru). The BCCI is not organising any cultural or entertainment show at the start of IPL-19 as a mark of respect to the departed souls due to that tragedy on June 4, 2025," Devajit Saikia said.

“However, the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council are planning a grand entertainment function at the closing of the IPL, on the day of the final (May 31)," he added.

This is not the first time the opening match of the IPL season will take place without a traditional opening ceremony. In 2019, the BCCI decided to cancel the opening ceremony to honour the families of the CRPF personnel killed in the Pulwama terror attack and the funds for the event were donated to the families of the fallen heroes. reflecting the board’s commitment to pay tribute through meaningful action rather than festivities.

Between 2020 and 2022, there were no IPL opening ceremonies due to COVID-19 protocols, with the team focusing on bio-bubbles and safety measures to ensure the tournament could proceed amid the pandemic.

Also Read: From Cricketer to RCB Chairman: Aryaman Vikram Birla Takes Over in Record-Breaking IPL Deal

Sharing the tweet on X, Mallya wrote, "I would like to heartily congratulate the new owners of RCB. I wish them the very best and Godspeed with the most valuable IPL franchise. When I bought the franchise in 2008 for INR 450 crores, most people laughed at me and criticised my investment as a vanity project. Behind my much touted madnesses was building the Royal Challenge brand, and hence I named the franchise RCB. Immensely gratifying to see my INR 450 crore investment grow to INR 16,500 crores. RCB will always remain a part of my DNA with indelible memories, including picking the young Virat Kohli, who is now amongst the best in the World. To all RCB fans who came on board during my stewardship and beyond, a grateful thank you, and please continue to support RCB, the Lion of Bengaluru. Namaskara."

From 'Vanity Project' to Global Appeal

At a time when the IPL was still finding its footing, Mallya's Rs 450 crore investment in 2008 drew widespread criticism, with many deeming it extravagant. However, the move paid off, his franchise's decision to pick a young Virat Kohli, then India U19 World Cup captain, has played a significant role in the team's enduring global appeal, with Kohli's subsequent success and massive fan following helping cement the franchise's status as a fan favourite.

New Era for RCB with Landmark Sale

The Bengaluru-based franchise has been sold for a massive Rs 166.6 billion (around Rs 16,660 crore) to a high-profile consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, alongside The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone. The deal, announced by United Spirits Limited (USL), involves the sale of 100% equity stake in its wholly owned subsidiary Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), which owns and operates both the IPL and Women's Premier League (WPL) teams of RCB.

According to USL, the transaction is an all-cash deal and marks the conclusion of a strategic review process initiated in November 2025. The acquisition, however, remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, including from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Competition Commission of India.

Meet the New Ownership Consortium

The acquiring consortium combines strengths across multiple domains. The Aditya Birla Group brings its global business legacy, while The Times of India Group adds a strong media and cricket ecosystem. Bolt Ventures, backed by prominent sports investor David Blitzer, has stakes across major global leagues, and Blackstone contributes its vast financial expertise as the world's largest alternative asset manager.

RCSPL's ownership gives the consortium full control over RCB's operations in both the IPL and WPL, marking a new chapter for one of the league's most popular franchises -- one that Mallya says will "always remain a part of my DNA."

Extended Metro Timings

According to an official media release issued on Wednesday, metro services across Bengaluru will operate beyond regular hours on match day. The last train services from terminal stations have been extended from 11:00 PM up to 2:00 AM in the early hours of the next day. The final departures from key terminals are scheduled as follows: Whitefield (Kadugodi) at 12:30 AM, Challaghatta at 12:45 AM, Silk Institute and Madavara at 12:45 AM, Bommasandra at 1:00 AM, and R V Road at 2:00 AM. Additionally, the last train from Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Station (Majestic) towards all four directions will depart at 1:30 AM.

IPL Tickets as Metro Passes and Station Guidance

To ease travel for spectators, IPL match tickets will also serve as metro travel passes, featuring a QR code that allows two-way travel on Namma Metro, either printed on physical tickets or integrated into digital versions. BMRCL has advised spectators to use the designated metro stations depending on their stadium entry gates. Commuters entering via Cubbon Road are encouraged to use Cubbon Park Metro Station, while those accessing through the Link Road should use Dr B. R. Ambedkar Station (Vidhana Soudha).

Parking Facilities to Reduce Congestion

In a bid to reduce congestion and improve last-mile connectivity, additional parking arrangements have been made across multiple metro stations. On match days, parking will be available at a flat rate of Rs 30 for two-wheelers and Rs 60 for cars, valid until the end of metro operations. Spectators have also been urged to park vehicles at metro stations such as Cubbon Park and MG Road, which are within walking distance of the stadium, thereby helping decongest traffic in the Central Business District and surrounding areas.

Safety Instructions and Crowd Control

BMRCL has requested commuters to follow instructions issued by police, stadium authorities, and metro staff to ensure smooth crowd movement and avoid overcrowding. The corporation also stated that it reserves the right to regulate or temporarily close station entry points if required for safety and security reasons.

Last year in June, 11 fans lost their lives due to the stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory parade in Bengaluru following their maiden IPL trophy win. (ANI)

Following the acquisitions of the two franchises, which have been part of the IPL since its inaugural season in 2008, Sanjiv Goenka took to his X handle (formerly Twitter) and highlighted the surge in valuation and credited the former BCCI secretary Jay Shah for the league’s structural and commercial growth.

1/ @rajasthanroyals, acquired for roughly ₹270 crore in 2008, have just been sold for over ₹15,000 crore. @RCBTweets, acquired for roughly ₹485 crore, sold for over ₹16,600 crore. Two franchises, same week, each over ₹15,000 crore.

That value was built by the architecture…

— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) March 25, 2026

The two IPL franchises, Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, were officially sold on the same day, March 24, in blockbuster deals that underlined the league’s soaring global valuation. The RR and RCB were both acquired for over INR 15,000 crore by a US Entrepreneur Kal Somani-led consortium and an Aditya Birla Group-led consortium, respectively.

For the first time in the history of the Indian Premier League, two franchises changed hands on the same day in billion-dollar deals, highlighting the league’s unprecedented financial growth and global appeal.

Also Read: RCB will always be my DNA: Mallya on new owners after record deal

‘This Guy Really Has A Memory Loss’

Sanjiv Goenka’s post triggered an angry reaction from the former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, who launched a scathing attack on the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner for overlooking his role in the league’s creation.

Quote-retweeting Goenka’s post, Lalit hit back with a sharp criticism, stating that the LSG owner had ‘zero knowledge’ about the league’s beginnings and was ignoring its true architect. He lauded Geonka’s brother, Harsh, calling him a ‘true cricket fan’ and suggesting he would have been a more suitable franchise owner.

“Seriously, this guy really has a memory loss of who conceived the model. Thats ok. He just lives in his own world. We all know that. @DrSanjivGoenka is a clown.” Lalit Modi wrote.

“Wish it was his brother @hvgoenka who owned the ipl franchise. He is a true cricket fan. Not this clown - who thinks his tweet will change history. Just proves he has zero knowledge. Just swelled up head. Jai Hind @IPL,” he added.

Seriously this guy really has a memory loss of who conceived the model. Thats ok. He just lives in his own world. We all know that @DrSanjivGoenka is a
wish it was his brother @hvgoenka who owned the ipl franchise. He is a true cricket fan. Not this clown - who thinks… https://t.co/m8eBdAOHHX

— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) March 26, 2026

Lalit Modi has often been credited for being the founding force of the Indian Premier League, which was officially launched in 2007 before the inaugural season kicked off in 2008. Modi served as the chairperson of the IPL from 2005 to 2010 before the BCCI removed him from his position amid allegations of misconduct and financial irregularities.

How RCB and RR’s Valuation Increased?

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals witnessed exponential growth in their valuations, mainly driven by lucrative media rights deals and growing global interest. The RCB was first purchased by Vijay Mallya’s United Spirits for $111. 6 million in 2008, while the Rajasthan Royals were acquired by Emerging Media for $67 million in the same year.

Fast forward to 2026. The valuation of both franchises has skyrocketed, crossing the $1.6 billion mark. The valuation surge of the franchises was fuelled by the IPL’s media rights, which were sold for a whopping INR 48,390 crore, and annual INR 500 crore from central sponsorship and title rights deal.

The RCB’s valuation was bolstered by their maiden IPL triumph last year and the second WPL title this year, which witnessed an increase in their brand value to $269 million. Additionally, the Virat Kohli effect played a role in played a role in enhancing RCB’s brand visibility and marketability worldwide. It was reported that Kohli’s popularity is estimated to add up to $300 million to the franchise’s overall valuation.

The RR, on the other hand, have their investments in the overseas T20 leagues, including teams in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and SA20, which have further strengthened their global presence. The global multi-deal package explains why the Rajasthan Royals almost matched the valuation of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will head into the IPL 2026 as two of the most valuable and commercially powerful franchises in the league.

Also Read: From Cricketer to RCB Chairman: Aryaman Vikram Birla Takes Over in Record-Breaking IPL Deal

Phil Salt had a wonderful run with RCB in their maiden title-win. The right-handed batter scored 403 runs in 13 innings, with an average of 33.58. However, the Englishman struggled big time in the recent ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, scoring only 130 runs in eight matches at an average of 16.25.

RCB not concerned by Salt's form

Asked whether there's any concern around Salt's form heading into the IPL 2026, RCB's director of cricket, Mo Bobat, said the team has a strong, experienced squad of international players and emphasised that Salt remains one of the top-ranked T20 batters in the world. Salt is currently ranked fourth in the ICC Men's T20I rankings.

"Well, those aren't concerns for me. We've got a high-quality squad, and as we saw last year, our strongest team that we put out most of the time is full of predominantly guys who are playing or have played international cricket. So, these guys are seasoned professionals. They know what they're doing. Someone like Phil Salt is still ranked in one of the top T20 batters in the world," Mo Bobat said at RCB's pre-season press conference on Tuesday.

'Couple of gladiators walking out'

"I'm looking forward to watching him and Virat walk out to bat like they do. Couple of gladiators walking out, which is always exciting. And they'll be trying to put the opposition under pressure. We've got a lot of confidence in our team. Huge amount of confidence in Phil Salt and I'm sure he'll go out there and do his thing," Mo Bobat added.

Mo Bobat said Phil Salt enjoys his partnership with Virat. "So there's enough depth of confidence there. He also really enjoys being with RCB. He enjoys the franchise. He enjoys his partnership with Virat. He works very well with the likes of Andy and DK. So they're doing some really good work right now. And I'm pretty sure we'll see at the start of the season Phil doing his thing," Mo Bobat said.

Defending champions RCB will kick off their title defence against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. (ANI)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) director of cricket Mo Bobat said that a player of Venkatesh Iyer's experience and quality strengthens the squad and adding him to the team is a "no-brainer," ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.

Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, who won the IPL 2025 with Kolkata Knight Riders, was snapped up by RCB at the 2026 IPL auction for Rs 7 crore. Notably, Venkatesh's IPL 2025 was below-average in terms of performance. In the seven innings that he batted, Venkatesh Iyer could only manage 142 runs at an average of 20.28.

Focus on squad strength and competition

Ahead of the IPL 2026, RCB director of cricket Mo Bobat said that while the team has not made any selection decisions yet, adding a player of Venkatesh Iyer's calibre is a no-brainer. "We want competition for places. Adding a player of Venky's (Venkatesh Iyer) quality, experience, and calibre is a no-brainer. You strengthen the squad. You worry about selection as you get towards the first game. The first thing to say is that we haven't selected our team for the first game yet, so we haven't made any decisions on selection. Still a few days to go. Ultimately, our main objective at the auction was to strengthen the squad," Bobat stated.

Mo Bobat said RCB hasn't finalised selections yet, but securing a player like Venkatesh Iyer was a priority. He emphasised building a strong squad to foster competition and ambitious goals, with final lineup decisions to be clarified in the coming days.

"So, look, we haven't made any decisions just yet, but the fact that we were able to attract a player like him, get him to the franchise and have him as an option was our priority at this stage. We want competition for places. We're very ambitious about what we want to achieve," he said. "And you do that by having not just 11 or 12 players. you do that by having a you know really strong squad. So that's as far as we're concerned right now where we're at and then over the next few days we'll clarify our decisions on selection," Mo Bobat added.

RCB's title defence begins

Defending champions RCB will kick off their title defence against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. (ANI)

The change of ownership took place on Monday, March 24, four days before the RCB begin its title quest against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Aditya Birla Group, alongside American entrepreneur David Blitzer, Times of India Group, and Blackstone, formed a consortium to outbid a group led by Ranjan Pai, backed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Temasek, and another consortium involving EQT and Premji Invest to secure the ownership of the RCB.

Following the RCB’s maiden IPL triumph last year, United Spirits, the Indian arm of he Indian arm of Diageo, had put the franchise for sale by filing a disclosure and initiating a strategic review of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd, signalling a potential full or partial exit from the team.

Also Read: RCB Sold For $1.78 Billion: How Aditya Birla Group-Led Consortium Took Over Bengaluru Franchise

Aryaman Vikram Birla Takes Over as RCB Chairman

Alongside the acquisition of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the consortium, led by Aditya Birla Group, announced the ownership structure of the franchise. The existing owners will step aside, as the RCB has now come under the stewardship of the Aditya Birla-led consortium.

Aryaman Vikram Birla has been appointed as the chairman of the franchise. In fact, the former Rajasthan Royals cricketer led the consortium to successfully acquire the team, given his experience as a professional cricketer and his role as Director at Aditya Birla Group, combining his cricket insights and business acumen to guide the men’s and women’s teams of the franchise.

Apart from Aryaman, Times Internet chairman Satyan Gajwani will take on the role of vice chairman. The key consortium partners, including David Blitzer and Viral Patel playing strategic roles in shaping the future of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Aryaman Vikram Birla (@aryamanvb)

RCB was initially owned by Vijay Mallya through United Spirits, which had acquired the franchise during the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008, before its ownership later passed under Diageo following its takeover of United Spirits.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (formerly known as Royal Challengers Bangalore) has evolved into one of the most valuable and widely followed franchises in the history of IPL, boasting a massive global fanbase and achieving its maiden title triumph in 2025.

From RR Cricketer to Chairman of RCB

Aryaman Vikram Birla’s journey from being a professional cricketer to becoming the chairman of one of the biggest, most valuable, and successful IPL franchises is quite fascinating and reflects a rare blend of sporting and corporate expertise.

Despite being the son of industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla, Aryaman carved out his own path, combining his experience as a professional cricketer with corporate leadership at the Aditya Birla Group. Aryaman Vikram Birla played for Madhya Pradesh in List A and Ranji Trophy. In his First-Class Cricket career, the 28-year-old has aggregated 414 runs, including a century and a fifty, at an average of 27.60 in 16 innings.

Aryaman Birla was once part of the India U23 camp at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru back in 2018.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Aryaman Vikram Birla (@aryamanvb)

In the IPL, Aryaman was acquired by the Rajasthan Royals for INR 30 lakhs at the 2019 auction, but didn’t get a single match and was released ahead of the 2020 season. In December 2019, the young cricketer decided to take a sabbatical from the sport due to anxiety and mental health-related issues.

Aryaman Birla’s last appearance in competitive cricket was in Madhya Pradesh’s Ranji Trophy match against Andhra in Indore in January 2019. Thereafter, Aryaman stepped away from cricket without any confirmation whether he would return to professional play.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Mo Bobat backs Phil Salt to open with Virat Kohli for RCB

How Did Aryaman Birla Venture Into Corperate World?

Being the son of Mangalam Kumar Birla, who heads the Aditya Birla Group, Aryman Birla naturally stepped into the corporate world. After taking a sabbatical from professional cricket in 2019, Aryaman shifted his focus toward his family business, which was founded in 1857 by Seth Shiv Narayan Birla and has grown over generations into the global conglomerate it is today, spanning sectors like textiles, metals, cement, telecom, and finance.

Aryaman was inducted as a director of the key boards of the Aditya Birla Group, including Grasim Industries, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail (ABFRL), and Hindalco Industries. Apart from being a director, the 28-year-old championed new initiatives, Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality and the capital arm of ABG, Aditya Birla Ventures.

Aryaman Vikram Birla earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Master's in Global Finance from Bayes Business School, further strengthening his corporate and financial expertise.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Aryaman Vikram Birla (@aryamanvb)

Now, Aryaman Vikram Birla has transitioned from being an aspiring cricketer to the director of the key boards of the Aditya Birla Group and chairman of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He is the second-youngest chairman of the IPL franchise after Keshav Bansal, who took over as the chairman of the Gujarat Lions at the age of 24 in 2016.

Aryaman Vikram Birla has stepped into the franchise T20 league as a young leader, combining his cricketing experience and business acumen to guide RCB’s growth on and off the field.

Following the RCB’s maiden IPL triumph last year, United Spirits, the Indian arm of Diageo, had put the franchise for sale by filing a disclosure and initiating a strategic review of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd, signalling a potential full or partial exit from the team.

RCB was initially owned by Vijay Mallya through United Spirits, which had acquired the franchise during the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008, before its ownership later passed under Diageo following its takeover of United Spirits. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (formerly known as Royal Challengers Bangalore) has evolved into one of the most valuable and widely followed franchises in the history of IPL, boasting a massive global fanbase and achieving its maiden title triumph in 2025.

Also Read: US Entrepreneur Kal Somani Buys Rajasthan Royals in $1.63Bn Deal Backed by Walmart and Ford Dynasties

Change of Ownership for RCB

Ahead of the IPL title defence, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has officially transitioned into a new ownership era after spending over a decade under Diageo’s control, marking the end of a long chapter in the franchise’s history. The sale of the franchise began in November 2025, when United Spirits decided to initiate a strategic review of its stake in Royal Challengers Pvt Ltd.

After months of intense negotiations and a competitive bidding process involving multiple global investors, a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, alongside Blackstone, The Times of India Group, and Bolt Ventures, emerged as the winner to secure the ownership of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Aditya Birla Group was the first to make a decisive move in the bidding process, alongside partnering with American investor David Blitzer, before strengthening its position to acquire the ownership of the Bengaluru-based franchise by bringing in the Times of India (TOI) group and Blackstone, creating a consortium that outbid rival groups to clinch the landmark deal for the RCB.

RCB HAS BEEN SOLD TO BIRLAS.

- A consortium of Aditya Birla Group, American sports investor David Blitzer, US private equity firm Blackstone has acquired RCB. (Money Control). pic.twitter.com/O8xTvQW3ML

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 24, 2026

Aditya Birla Group-led consortium competed with a group led by Ranjan Pai, backed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Temasek, and another consortium involving EQT and Premji Invest, making it a fiercely contested bidding race for the ownership of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

For the first time in over a decade, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will enter the new season without the backing of Diageo-led United Spirits, ushering in a new chapter under the stewardship of the Aditya Birla-led consortium.

How Did Birla-Led Consortium Seal $1.78 Billion Deal for RCB Acquisition?

Aditya Birla Group, led by Kumar Mangalam Birla, and American investor David Blitzer were initially eyeing to acquire Rajasthan Royals, which was eventually sold to US Entrepreneur Kal Somani for $1.63 billion. However, they later shifted their focus to Royal Challengers Bengaluru after sensing a stronger commercial opportunity and higher brand value.

Birla Group and David Blitzer, owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, later brought in the Times of India Group and Blackstone to increase financial and strategic strength, forming a powerful consortium. Shifting from the RR to RCB, the Aditya Birla-led consortium made it a three-way bidding contest with the rival group backed by KKR and Temasek, as well as another consortium involving EQT and Premji Invest.

Aryaman Kumar Birla, a former Rajasthan Royals player and Director of ABG, led the bid process, given his deep understanding of the game and experience within the cricketing ecosystem, which played a key role in shaping the consortium’s acquisition strategy for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The Diageo-led United Spirits was aiming for a $2 billion sale of the RCB, but the final deal was sealed at $1.78 billion (INR 16,739 crore), making it the most expensive franchise transaction in the history of the Indian Premier League. Earlier, the Rajasthan Royals were acquired by US Entrepreneur Kal Somani for $1.63 billion (INR 15,332 Crore), highlighting the rapid surge in the franchise valuations and the growing investor appetite for teams in the cash-rich T20 league in the world.

Also Read: IPL 2026: How RCB Is Overhauling Safety at M Chinnaswamy Stadium After Stampede Tragedy?

The Ownership Structure of RCB

The Aditya Birla Group-led consortium has not only acquired the men’s team of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru but also the women’s team, which competes in the Women's Premier League, thereby securing the complete ownership across both marquee tournaments under a unified structure.

Under the new ownership structure, Aryanman Birla will serve as the chairman of the franchise, while the Times Internet chairman, Satyan Gajwani, will take on the role of vice chairman. The key consortium partners, including David Blitzer and Viral Patel playing strategic roles in shaping the future of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

2008:
Rajasthan Royals was sold for 320cr. 
RCB was sold for 450cr. 

2026:
Rajasthan Royals is sold for 15,300cr. 
RCB is sold for 16,705cr. 

THE POPULARITY OF IPL WILL BE UNIMAGINABLE IN THE COMING DECADE…!!! pic.twitter.com/BCfm3Hlvyk

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 24, 2026

Aryanman Vikram Birla appeared to be an ideal choice to lead the franchise as a chairman, as he played domestic cricket for Madhya Pradesh and IPL for the Rajasthan Royals, bringing both on-field insight and business acumen to the leadership of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. While Blitzer brings global sports expertise, Viral adds financial strength to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin its quest for the title defence when they take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 opener at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28.

The unfortunate tragedy struck when thousands of fans had gathered outside the stadium on June 4 last year to celebrate the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL triumph. The overwhelming crowd led to a deadly stampede, sparking outrage and prompting urgent interventions of the Karnataka Government and the High Court.

After the John Michael Cunha Commission submitted the report, which cited safety concerns, the Chinnaswamy Stadium hasn’t hosted any competitive matches as it was declared ‘unsuitable and unsafe’ to host larger events. Ahead of the IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Karnataka State Cricket Association received a green signal from the Karnataka government and its expert committee after safety upgrades were reviewed and approved.

Also Read: IPL 2026: RCB and KSCA to Unveil Memorial Plaque, Reserve 11 Seats for Bengaluru Stampede Victims

RCB Invests INR 7 Crore on Stadium Safety

The stampede tragedy outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium sparked concerns over the safety and crowd management protocols at the venue. Royal Challengers Bengaluru faced the heat of the moment, with fans, media, and authorities demanding stricter safety measures.

Having already lost 11 lives in a stampede tragedy, RCB decided to undertake a comprehensive safety overhaul at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Speaking at the press conference, the franchise CEO, Rajesh Menon, stated that INR 7 crore has been invested in AI-powered CCTV cameras, centralized command centre, baggage scanners, and revamped entry-exit systems.

“We have invested approximately Rs 7 crore towards enhancing crowd management infrastructure, including multiple baggage scanners and command centres," Menon said.

“This system provides real-time alerts, including stand-specific crowd counts, to ensure better monitoring and control," he added.

Earlier, M Chinnaswamy Stadium lacked proper crowd management systems, entry-exit areas, comprehensive evacuation plans, and adequate parking and drop-off facilities to accommodate large volumes of attendees, which were mentioned in the report submitted by the John Michael Cunha Commission.

The venue was initially scheduled to host five Women’s World Cup 2025 matches but was relocated to Navi Mumbai’s DY Sports Academy Stadium. Even the Maharaja T20 Trophy, the Karnataka T20 domestic tournament, and the Indian domestic matches were moved to alternate venues, as the Chinnaswamy Stadium was deemed unfit to host competitive fixtures until the safety upgrades were fully implemented.

‘It Has Been a Long Journey Since June 4’

Further speaking on the safety measures, RCB CEO Rajesh Menon emphasised the extensive efforts taken since the stampede tragedy.

“It has been a long journey since June 4, and everything has been executed on a war footing,” Menon said.

“We have worked to follow the SOPs provided by the court and ensure all protocols are in place," he added.

: ( ) ❤️

Your favourite team is back home and we can't wait to play in front of you, 12th Man Army. Important Ticket information below ⬇️

️ Where to buy tickets?
Tickets will be available only… pic.twitter.com/2kFhFPH4IY

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 24, 2026

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) will unveil a memorial plaque to honour the victims who lost their lives in the stampede, ensuring their memory is preserved.

Additionally, 11 empty seats will be reserved at the iconic venue during the RCB matches as a solemn tribute to the lives lost, serving as a constant reminder of the tragedy and the importance of fan safety. On the match day, RCB will lead the tributes for the victims and their names will be displayed inside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, followed by a minute’s silence.

Also Read: US Entrepreneur Kal Somani Buys Rajasthan Royals in $1.63Bn Deal Backed by Walmart and Ford Dynasties

New Agreements Ahead of IPL 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have updated their agreements. Now, KSCA will work alongside RCB to organise matches and enforce safety procedures, instead of just providing the stadium.

Entry and exit points have been redesigned. All gates will open four hours before a match. Ticket holders can use the metro on match days, and parking can be booked in advance.

The defending champions, RCB, will begin their IPL 2026 home games against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday and will host five matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium this season. The other two matches will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Raipur.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru players will pay tributes to the fans who lost their lives during a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium after RCB's maiden title win in the last Indian Premier League season in Bengaluru. RCB players will wear jersey number 11 during the warm-up session ahead of their first home game of the IPL season 2026 and black armbands during the match, while 11 seats at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium will be kept empty as a tribute to the 11 fans who lost their lives last year, Chief Executive Officer Rajesh Menon announced at the franchise's pre-season press conference on Tuesday.

"This is a tribute to our fans, who will always remain a part of our journey", he said.

Enhanced Safety and Operational Framework for IPL 2026

Menon also outlined the extensive preparations that have gone into ensuring a safe and seamless matchday experience for fans at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the defending champions will play five home games. "I would like to thank the government for making this possible. It has been a long journey since June 4, and everything has been executed on a war footing. We have worked to follow the SOPs provided by the court and ensure all protocols are in place," he said.

Updated Agreements and Responsibilities

From an operational standpoint, Menon explained the revised framework governing the stadium and the responsibilities of the stakeholders involved. Menon also outlined the revised framework governing the stadium, according to a release. Under updated agreements between the BCCI, KSCA and RCB, the state association will serve as the lead organiser, along with the franchise, which will implement the standard operating procedures, including emergency planning protocols, and indemnify any breach of the stadium agreement. These SOPs will be followed by both the franchise and the state association, with specific guidelines also in place for victory parades.

Advanced Crowd Management and Infrastructure Investment

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have also introduced several new crowd management measures inside and around the stadium. "We have significantly strengthened crowd management measures. We have implemented AI-led CCTV solutions across the stadium, including inside, the concourse, and surrounding areas, powered by an AI tool called Jarvis. This system provides real-time alerts, including stand-specific crowd counts, to ensure better monitoring and control. These CCTV feeds will also be accessible to the Commissioner's office for real-time monitoring," Rajesh Menon said.

"We have invested approximately ₹7 crore towards enhancing crowd management infrastructure, including multiple baggage scanners and command centers," he added.

Ticketing and Matchday Logistics

The stadium will also see reworked entry, exit and fan movement protocols based on recommendations from local authorities. Tickets for the first fixture went live March at 4 PM. Ticket holders will also be entitled to metro access on match days. Parking can be pre-booked, and all stadium gates will open four hours prior to the match. He also confirmed that the franchise has decided not to host the Unbox event this year, with the focus firmly on ensuring the matchday experience is executed smoothly.

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood will also miss at least the initial few matches at the IPL 2026 for the defending champions.

Yash Dayal's Absence Confirmed

Speaking to the media persons during the pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday, Mo Bobat said that Yash Dayal will not join the squad for now due to a "personal situation." He added that the franchise continues to support him, remains in regular contact, and has retained him in the contract, but noted that it is not in either Yash Dayal's or the franchise's best interest for him to join the team currently.

"Just to confirm that Yash will not be joining the squad. As you know, he is going through a personal situation currently. And just to clarify, we have been very supportive of Yash to date. And that's reflected in the fact that we retained him. And he remains under contract and will continue to, in the short term, be foreseeable to remain under contract. We are communicating with him regularly, and I spoke to him earlier today as well. But it's been decided that it is not in his best interest, or the franchise's best interest, for him to join RCB at this point," Mo Bobat said in RCB's pre-season conference.

The development comes amid speculation that Dayal may be dealing with legal issues.

Notably, Dayal joined RCB ahead of the IPL 2024 season for Rs 5 crore and played a key role in the franchise's maiden title-winning campaign last year, claiming 13 wickets in 15 matches.

Update on Josh Hazlewood's Fitness

RCB will also be without star pacer Josh Hazlewood at the start of the tournament, as the Australian continues to recover from hamstring and Achilles injuries.

Bobat said that the franchise is in regular contact with Cricket Australia over Hazlewood's fitness and is hopeful he will join the squad soon. "With Josh, it's straightforward. He's missed some cricket due to injury, and we're in constant touch with Cricket Australia. As soon as they're comfortable with his fitness, he'll join us. Having strong relationships with boards makes a big difference in situations like this," Mo Bobat said.

Hazlewood was one of the overarching reasons for RCB's maiden IPL title win, as he claimed 22 wickets in 12 matches for the franchise at an average of 17.54.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

A day after the RCB’s maiden IPL triumph, the entire squad arrived in Bengaluru for a scheduled victory parade and felicitation event, but things went tragically awry as overcrowding outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium led to a stampede, claiming the lives of 11 innocent people and injuring over 50 others who were trying to catch a glimpse of their favourite players during the celebrations.

Ever since the stampede, Bengaluru’s iconic stadium was not permitted for any cricketing activities due to safety concerns after the John Michael Cunha Commission deemed the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium unsuitable and unsafe for large‑scale events until the venue received the green signal for the RCB matches ahead of the IPL 2026.

Also Read: Virat Kohli is RCB's identity, may unveil new shots: Anil Kumble

RCB and KSCA To Honour Victims

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their title defence against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the season opener on March 28, RCB and KSCA will honour the victims who lost their lives in the tragic stampede that sparked widespread grief across the city.

As per the report by the Times of India (TOI), the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) have joined hands to commemorate the victims. The franchise and state association will unveil a plaque in memory of the 11 who lost their lives in the tragic stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Moreover, 11 empty seats will be reserved at the iconic venue during the RCB matches as a mark of respect and remembrance for the victims, ensuring their memory is honoured throughout the tournament.

A TRIBUTE TO 11 VICTIMS BY RCB.

- KSCA and RCB will unveil a memorial Plaque at the Chinnaswamy Stadium where they’ll reserve 11 seats in the memory of the stampede victims. (TOI). pic.twitter.com/EhFlE9Fmyr

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 24, 2026

On the match day, RCB will lead the tributes for the victims and their names will be displayed inside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, followed by a minute’s silence. The visiting teams are expected to join RCB for the remembrance ceremony, pay their respects, and participate in the commemorative ceremonies to honour the 11 victims.

The memorial plaque will be placed at the stadium permanently, serving as a lasting tribute to the 11 victims and ensuring their memory is honoured by players, fans, and visitors for years to come.

‘It’s Painful To Even Think About the Tragic Incident’

KSCA president and former fast bowler, Venkatesh Prasad, confirmed the plans for the memorial. Speaking to the TOI, Prasad stated that the memorial will serve as a permanent tribute to the victims and ensure their memory is respectfully honoured during all RCB matches at the stadium

“It is painful to even think about the tragic incident. But we have been discussing the memorial for a while with the managing committee and other major stakeholders, and collectively felt it was important to honour the memory of the 11 people,” Prasad said.

“We don’t want to rekindle any pain; instead, remember them. That’s why we decided to place an epitaph of the cricket fans whose lives were cut short tragically,” he added.

The RCB and KSCA honouring 11 victims is similar to the tribute to the 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster, where memorials, dedicated seating and regular commemorations are held at Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium to ensure the memory of those fans is preserved by the club and its supporters.

This is the first time an IPL franchise and its home association have taken a solemn step to permanently commemorate the fans who tragically lost their lives, setting a precedent for honouring victims and promoting safety awareness in cricket events.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Chinnaswamy Stadium gets nod to host matches, playoffs

Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma scored a 37-ball 81, skipper Rajat Patidar got a blazing 25-ball 74, while superstar batter Virat Kohli played a quick 12-ball 29 run cameo in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) first warm-up match ahead of their title defence starting from March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Before kickstarting their IPL title defence against Men in Orange at home in Bengaluru, RCB batters looked in pretty good nick, even while playing brief cameos. Jitesh, Rajat, Devdutt Paddikal and Krunal Pandya were among the batters to have scored fifties. Batting first, team led by Venkatesh Iyer posted 234/7, with Jitesh (81 in 37 balls), Tim David (36 in 14 balls), Iyer (30 in 16 balls) and Virat (29 in 12 balls) dominating the scorecard. In their 20 overs, the other team, led by Krunal, fired 247 runs, with Rajat (74 in 25 balls), Padikkal (63 in 33 balls) and Krunal (58 in 33 balls) delivering standout performances. https://x.com/RCBTweets/status/2035920973283627215

Krunal Pandya Lauds Virat Kohli's Form

Reflecting on Virat's batting, Krunal said, "Some of the shots that Virat played today were amazing. Looking good, which is a great sign for us. So, fingers crossed."

Coach Andy Flower Praises Standout Performers

Speaking after the match's conclusion, RCB's head coach Andy Flower praised Jitesh and Rajat for their standout performances and pointed out that youngsters like Abhinandan Singh, Rasikh Dar Salam and Vicky Ostwal did well with a ball in hand. "Some of the highlights, I suppose, from the evening are watching guys like Jitesh who scored 80 or 35 balls or so. Rajat is there, hitting beautiful shots as we know that he can. Some of the youngsters are performing. Abhinandan was good with the ball, Rasikh was good with the ball. For instance, it was nice to see Vicky Ostwal and his skill with the left-arm spin. So that was a great night's work for everyone in the squad and rest tomorrow," he said. (ANI)

The man in the number 18 shirt will finally be walking into an IPL season without the sense of heaviness in his chest and a desperation in his bat swing to get that trophy as 'King Kohli' completed his white-ball trophy cabinet by capturing the elusive prize last year, which also marked his 18th season with the franchise.

During the final few moments of the game, Virat was captured teary-eyed by TV cameras as years of emotional weight of being trophyless despite his huge amount of runs was finally being lifted ball-by-ball during the final over of the innings.

A Sense of Calm Confidence

Speaking in a video posted by RCB, Virat said, "I have been here since day one, and so has Mane (Team's masseur Ramesh Mane) Kaka. We are probably the oldest members of the RCB group, and to be very honest, when we reached the finals (against Punjab Kings), I felt a sense of calm confidence."

Virat also said that despite his confidence, he knew it was not going to be a "cakewalk".

"It is a final, and there is another team that has played really, really well to get there and obviously beaten a lot of good sides, so they are also very confident of what they want to do," he added.

Learning from Past Near Misses

Virat said that his franchise's near misses in the past, such as narrow losses to Deccan Chargers and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2009 and 2016 finals, gave the franchise an "extra motivation to hold their nerve".

"Because the league has become so much more competitive, we must have played really good cricket to get to the finals. It is not a fluke, it is not by chance. We have beaten some really good teams, and we are an amazing side who have earned the right to be here on this day. All in all, it was an amazing night for all of us," he said.

'Surreal' Final Moments

"It was quite surreal for me honestly, quite unbelievable when it was all unfolding in the end. So many things flash in front of your eyes. The whole journey for 18 years, all the ups and downs, all the good moments, bad moments, it's like the accumulation of all of that is unfolding in front of you, and that is going to happen in the next 10 minutes. It is a very difficult thing to explain, it is a thing to experience."

"And that experience I will never ever forget. And especially the last over, where you know the game is sealed, hoping that Josh (Hazlewood) does not bowl a no-ball, which he never does. So there was a quiet confidence but still as I said you are hoping for the perfect result. So knowing that the game is beyond them and then to wait for those last three balls was probably the toughest part of the night," he concluded.

Kohli's Stellar Season

Last season, Virat scored 657 runs in 15 innings at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71, with eight fifties to his name, finishing as the team's leading run-getter and third-highest run-getter overall. (ANI)

For the first time in 19 seasons, the RCB will enter the tournament as the defending champions, keeping a close eye on the squad balance. Except for Josh Hazlewood, who will miss the first matches of the IPL 2026, all players have assembled at the team’s home ground and had their first training session on March 18, officially kick-starting their preparations for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title defence quest.

The likes of skipper Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Devdutt Paddikal, Jitesh Sharma, and others had an intense nets session, gearing up for the IPL 2026 opener against 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru.

Also Read: Big Trouble for Yash Dayal! RCB Pacer’s Bail Application in Rape Case Rejected by Jaipur POCSO Court

Yash Dayal Missing from RCB’s Training Camp

As every player, except Josh Hazlewood, has assembled at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for the pre-season training camp. However, one player was notably absent from the pre-season camp — fast bowler Yash Dayal, raising questions about his availability for IPL 2026.

Dayal was retained for 5 crore by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the upcoming IPL season. However, things have gone sideways off the field, as Yash Dayal has landed in legal trouble after being booked in a rape case with an FIR under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in Jaipur.

The Uttar Pradesh pacer has been named in two separate FIRs based on the complaints filed by two different victims, who accused Dayal of rape and sexual exploitation. One case is in Ghaziabad, where a woman accused him of “exploiting” her on the pretext of marriage and a second FIR was later lodged in Jaipur, alleging he repeatedly sexually assaulted a minor in 2023 and again in April 2025, leading to police investigations under both the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act.

Yash Dayal sidelined by RCB?

RCB started their camp on 15th March, and almost every Indian player joined from day one, even Virat Kohli also joined.

But Yash Dayal hasn’t joined yet and only 8 days are left before the first game.

Has RCB really moved on from him due to the… pic.twitter.com/Z969HpGmlq

— Tejash (@Tejashyyyyy) March 20, 2026

Due to the ongoing case of rape and exploitation. Yash Dayal was removed by the Uttar Pradesh State Cricket Association (UPCA), prohibiting him from participating in the last season of the UP T20 League and the recently concluded Indian domestic cricket season.

Therefore, Yash Dayal’s participation in the IPL 2026 has been thrown into uncertainty, as the RCB are yet to issue an official statement.

Did RCB Remove Yash Dayal from the Squad?

Yash Dayal’s absence from the team training has sparked discussions about whether the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have quietly removed him from the squad rather than issuing an official statement, due to the ongoing controversy around the UP pacer. However, another hint suggested that Dayal wouldn’t be part of the IPL 2026.

A user on X (formerly Twitter) claimed that Dayal’s picture was missing from the squad’s poster on the bus. Since every member of the squad, including Josh Hazlewood, was featured on the bus except Dayal, fans speculated that the pacer might have been excluded from the team, fueling rumours about his potential removal from the IPL 2026 squad.

No Yash Dayal photo on any side of the RCB bus....
Lesssss gooooo Accused won't play pic.twitter.com/MS3uDfaAiK

— Anisha Reddy (@AA_nisha418) March 20, 2026

Despite the serious allegations of rape and sexual exploitation, Royal Challengers Bengaluru didn’t officially remove Yash Dayal from the squad, and his name still appears on the official IPL 2026 player list. Mangesh Yadav, a young pacer from Madhya Pradesh, was acquired for INR 5.2 crore as a backup option should Yash Dayal be deemed unavailable for the season.

Yash Dayal has been part of RCB since 2024 and has picked 28 wickets at an average of 33.17 and an economy rate of 9.36 in 29 matches. He played a pivotal role in the team’s maiden IPL triumph last season.

Also Read: IPL 2026: RCB Star Virat Kohli Cautioned About T20 Comeback Challenges After Focusing on ODIs

The RCB players assembled at their home ground and Bengaluru’s iconic venue in high spirits, as they begin their preparations for the title defence. As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru are heading into the tournament for the first time as the defending champions, the mood has been upbeat yet competitive on the practice front, with the bowlers and batters testing each other’s skills in the nets.

The focus from the nets session was Virat Kohli, who set to make his comeback to competitive cricket after two months, with his last appearance coming in the ODI series against New Zealand in January, and he was India’s highest run-getter with 240 runs, including a century and a fifty, at an average of 80 and a strike rate of 105.26 in three matches.

Also Read: IPL 2026: RCB Star Virat Kohli Shows Sublime Form in Nets Ahead of Opener against SRH (WATCH)

Bhuvneshwar Floors Kohli with Lethal Yorker

Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar had an hour-long nets session, where both displayed their skills and competitive spirit. However, what caught the attention was the lethal yorker delivered by the left-arm pacer to the ace batter, who was completely beaten by the delivery.

In a video that went viral on social media, Kohli was seen misjudging the line and length and being beaten by Bhuvneshwar’s toe‑crushing delivery. The former RCB captain was completely floored by his former Indian teammate’s yorker, which had inhuman pace and pinpoint accuracy, leaving even a seasoned batter like Kohli momentarily beaten.

This yorker from Bhuvneshwar Kumar completely beat Virat Kohli.

In the last two years, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s name has gone a bit down, but maybe in this IPL he will definitely do something special. pic.twitter.com/L0bF9BsR0Z

— ⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) March 19, 2026

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is often known for his swing bowling and deadly yorkers, making him a constant threat even in practice sessions, as he keeps batsmen like Kohli on their toes. The ace batter was careful while facing the left-arm pacer in the nets as he adjusted his stance and timing, focusing on precision and technique to counter Bhuvneshwar’s lethal deliveries.

Bhuvneshwar returned to Royal Challengers Bengaluru after 15 long years in the last IPL season, after the franchise acquired his services for INR 10.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. Despite being out of the Indian team setup across formats since 2022, Bhuvneshwar Kumar looked in full rhythm in the nets, making him a vital player for RCB heading into the IPL 2026.

Perfect Yorker or Wide Ball? Fans Debate

The viral video of Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s lethal yorker to Virat Kohli in the RCB nets sparked a debate on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts debating whether it was a perfect yorker or a wide ball by the left-arm Indian pacer.

Taking to their X handles, fans and cricket enthusiasts were divided, with many insisting that it was a wide ball, pointing out that the delivery was down the leg, out of Kohli’s normal reach, and left him with no opportunity to play a shot, while others praised Bhuvneshwar’s skill, calling him ‘master of yorkers’, and lauded the delivery as a perfectly timed and toe crushing yorker.

It's clearly a wide ball but blud just shows as some nasty unbeatable yorker and Kohli getting bowled here and then i check username of this account https://t.co/opFc35jyoi

— Gautam (@indiantweetrian) March 19, 2026

Wide ball thi bhai https://t.co/zxuD4IeCW9

— mayank (@Mayank_cricket_) March 19, 2026

This was a wide ball btw https://t.co/hv1t6jG0Js

— PKG (@Panav_rockstar) March 19, 2026

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the master of yorkers the way he has beaten Virat Kohli looks like this season is going to be a for him.

— Krishna Kumar (@krishna89699799) March 19, 2026

Best vs best . What a Yorker by bhuvi

— Rakeshcricket (@Rcm494) March 19, 2026

That was wide, down the leg.. he left it

— Shreyy (@sadly_shrey) March 19, 2026

Bhuvneshwar Kumar puts up an amazing yakker today

— Son Singh (@SONSINGH_Ya) March 19, 2026

It was a wide.

— Ravi Ghodasara (@RaviGhodasara) March 19, 2026

It's a clear wide...

— Urmila Shah (@Urmi_Seth27) March 19, 2026

That was a wide ball

— CoverDrive (@PranavR40) March 19, 2026

This mc didn’t post Kohli’s sixes in the nets. I don’t have a problem with him posting this, but what’s this misleading caption? It was clearly a down-the-leg wide, yet he’s portraying it as if Kohli got castled or it was some nail-biting yorker in the blockhole. https://t.co/ZCveCutA5h

— Kohlistic (@Kohlistic18) March 19, 2026

Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL triumph, defeating Punjab Kings in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3.

Kohli was the RCB’s highest run-getter with 657 runs, including eight fifties, at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71 in 15 matches. Bhuvneshwar, on the other hand, was the joint-second highest wicket-taker for the team, with 17 wickets at an average of 28.41 and an economy rate of 9.28 in 14 matches.

Also Read: IPL 2026: RCB Star Virat Kohli Cautioned About T20 Comeback Challenges After Focusing on ODIs

Kohli played his last competitive cricket in the ODI series against New Zealand in January, and he was India’s highest run-getter with 240 runs, including a century and a fifty, at an average of 80 and a strike rate of 105.26 in three matches. It’s been two months since the IPL’s leading run-getter took to competitive cricket, and his return has generated huge excitement among fans.

Though retired from T20Is after Team India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, Virat Kohli continues to play the IPL and will represent Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the 19th consecutive season of the tournament.

Also Read: IPL 2026: RCB Star Virat Kohli Cautioned About T20 Comeback Challenges After Focusing on ODIs

Kohli Hit The Nets Ahead of His Comeback

The focal point of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s nets session was Virat Kohli’s powerful hitting display at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The former captain had an hour-long batting session in the nets, facing Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Venkatesh Iyer, and Rasikh Dar.

In a video that went viral on social media, Kohli can be seen fine-tuning his technique, including his cover drive, lofted straight and mid-wicket strokes, while showing his sharp timing and his characteristic technical precision, effortlessly adjusting to different lines and lengths, , showcasing crisp timing and controlled power throughout the nets session.

The King is back in his Kingdom !! pic.twitter.com/CGScoGmKuK

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) March 19, 2026

In another video, Virat Kohli was seen hitting for a boundary off Bhuvneshwar Kumar before hitting two towering sixes off a spinner in the nets, underlining his sublime form ahead of RCB’s IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Glimpses of Virat Kohli batting session pic.twitter.com/zLFU8Zgeko

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) March 19, 2026

Virat Kohli played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL triumph last season, defeating Punjab Kings in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After 18 long years with the RCB, Kohli finally clinched his maiden IPL title, a reward for his loyalty and relentless pursuit of excellence, cementing his legacy as one of the tournament’s greatest-ever players.

Kohli was the RCB’s highest run-getter with 657 runs, including eight fifties, at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71 in 15 matches.

Why is IPL 2026 Important for Virat Kohli?

Virat Kohli will be making his 19th appearance in the IPL, making him one of the only four players, alongside MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Manish Pandey, to feature in every edition of the tournament since the inaugural season in 2008, highlighting his longevity, consistency, and iconic status in Indian cricket.

However, the upcoming season of the IPL is far more important for Virat Kohli. Kohli retired from T20Is and Tests and is solely focusing on ODIs, intending to extend his illustrious career till the 2027 World Cup, which is likely to be his swansong. Since the ace batter is only playing in the format at the international level, the IPL has become a crucial platform for him to maintain his competitive form, refine his batting skills against top-quality bowlers, and stay in peak shape ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@royalchallengers.bengaluru)

Since the BCCI selectors and the team management will begin their planning for the marquee event post-IPL, Virat Kohli aims to use the tournament to showcase his form, provide leadership, and send a strong message that he remains a vital part of India’s ODI plans leading up to the 2027 World Cup.

Moreover, the 37-year-old has not played T20 cricket for nearly a year, with his last appearance in the format being in the IPL 2025 final, making these nets sessions crucial for regaining match sharpness, timing, and confidence ahead of the new season.

Also Read: AB de Villiers hails Virat Kohli as RCB's 'heartbeat' for IPL 2026