A Historic Batting Performance in IPL Playoffs
In one of the most remarkable batting performances in IPL playoff history, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a stunning display against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 at Dharamshala. Powered by a breathtaking century from Rajat Patidar, RCB achieved an extraordinary score of 254/5, setting a new benchmark in the tournament.
After being asked to bat first by Shubman Gill, opener Venkatesh Iyer provided RCB with a lightning-fast start, scoring 19 runs off just seven balls before Kagiso Rabada dismissed him. However, this early wicket did little to slow down the momentum for Bangalore as Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal maintained an aggressive approach throughout the powerplay, ensuring a steady flow of runs.
Virat Kohli’s Impressive Start
Virat Kohli, who looked in scintillating form, scored 43 runs off 25 balls, providing a strong foundation for the innings. Alongside Padikkal, he kept the GT bowlers on their toes, preventing them from finding any rhythm. The powerplay session was one of RCB’s best of the season, with the Titans struggling to contain the rapid run rate.
Jason Holder managed to halt the momentum briefly by taking two crucial wickets, catching both Kohli and Padikkal off his own bowling within a few deliveries. However, this temporary respite was not enough to stop RCB from building their total.
Rajat Patidar’s Unstoppable Knock
The turning point of the innings came when RCB captain Rajat Patidar took charge. Starting at 15 off 11 balls, it seemed unlikely that his innings would be special. But from that point onward, Patidar displayed incredible intent, attacking the GT bowlers relentlessly.
Patidar remained unbeaten on 93 runs off just 33 balls, hitting a staggering rate of over 281. His innings was marked by a flurry of boundaries and sixes, showcasing his ability to dominate the opposition. Under his leadership, RCB reached a massive total of 254/5, which stands as the highest score ever recorded in the IPL playoffs.
Records Broken in the Match
This performance not only set a new high for RCB but also broke several records:
- Highest Team Totals in IPL Playoff
- 254/5 – RCB vs GT, Dharamshala, 2026
- 233/3 – GT vs MI, Ahmedabad, 2023
- 228/5 – MI vs GT, Mullanpur, 2025
- 226/6 – PBKS vs CSK, Wankhede, 2014
222/5 – CSK vs DC, Chennai, 2012
Most 200+ Totals in a single IPL Season
- 9 – SRH, 2026
- 9 – PBKS, 2026
- 9 – RCB, 2026
- 8 – GT, 2025
8 – PBKS, 2025
Highest Totals of RCB
- 263/5 vs PWI, Bengaluru, 2013
- 262/7 vs SRH, Bengaluru, 2024
- 254/5 vs GT, Dharamshala, 2026
- 250/3 vs CSK, Bengaluru, 2026
- 248/3 vs Gujarat Lions, Bengaluru, 2016
Rajat Patidar’s Outstanding Playoff Record
Patidar’s performance in the match significantly boosted his IPL playoff statistics:
- Innings: 6
- Runs: 338
- Average: 112.66
- Strike Rate: 193.14
- Centuries: 1
- Fifties: 2
Only Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, and Kieron Pollard have hit more sixes than Patidar in IPL playoffs. Additionally, RCB set a new record for the most boundaries by any team in an IPL playoff innings, with 38 boundaries against GT in Dharamshala.
