RCB skipper Rajat Patidar continues sensational run in IPL playoffs with masterclass vs GT
Dharamsala, May 26
Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar continued his incredible run in the Indian Premier League playoffs with a sensational 33-ball 93 against Gujarat Titans at Dharamsala on Tuesday.
During the Qualifier one clash, with both teams battling for a direct spot in the final, Patidar came in clutch with a 33-ball 93*, including five fours and nine sixes at a strike rate of 281.82.
Now in six IPL playoff innings, Patidar has made 338 runs at an average of 112.66 and a strike rate of 193.14, including a century and two fifties. His 112* against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 2022 edition Eliminator stays one of the finest knocks played by an RCB batter.
He has slammed a total of 25 fours and 24 sixes in the IPL playoffs, with only Suresh Raina (40), MS Dhoni (28) and Kieron Pollard (25) having managed more sixes.
Rajat is enjoying a tournament of his life, with 486 runs in 13 innings at an average of 44.18 and a strike rate of 196.76, including five fifties and a best score of 93*. He has smashed 29 fours and 41 sixes so far in 247 balls faced, averaging 3.5 balls per boundary shot.
Coming to the match, RCB was put to bat first by GT, with Venkatesh Iyer (19 in six balls) out quickly. Later, Virat Kohli (43 in 25 balls, with five fours and a six) and Devdutt Padikkal (30 in 19 balls, with five fours) put a stand of 72 runs for the second wicket. After Jason Holder (2/39) got rid off both the batters, Patidar had a 95-run stand with Krunal Pandya (43 in 28 balls, with five fours and two sixes). Patidar went ballistic towards the end, scoring his unbeaten 93* in 33 balls, alongside Jitesh Sharma (15* in five balls), taking RCB to 254/5, their third-best total ever and the best-ever total in an IPL playoff match.
Kagiso Rabada (2/39) was also among the wickets at the other end.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Aussie who's been following IPL closely, Patidar's transformation in playoffs is remarkable. A strike rate over 280 is just insane. But RCB's bowling still looks fragile—254 is a huge score, but GT chased down big totals before. Let's see if they finish the job.
The way Patidar is batting, it's like watching a prime AB de Villiers! Six sixes and five fours in 33 balls—beautiful timing and power. And that stat about most sixes in IPL playoffs is incredible: only Raina, Dhoni, and Pollard ahead now. Rajat is in elite company! 🇮🇳💪
Nice innings, but let's be real—this was batting-friendly Dharamsala pitch with short boundaries. Still, 93 off 33 balls is spectacular. I'm more impressed by Krunal Pandya's calm 43 in the partnership. RCB finally looks like a complete team this season. Will they choke in the final again? Let's hope not.
Patidar has been a revelation for RCB this season! 486 runs at almost 200 strike rate—this guy is on fire. And the best part? He's a domestic talent that RCB persisted with. That 112* against LSG in 2022 Eliminator was special, but this knock was even better. India's next big thing! 🏏🔥
Watching Patidar bat is pure entertainment! Those sixes were like rockets—no nervousness, pure confidence. RCB fans are finally smiling.
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