Rajat Patidar’s Record-Breaking 93 Leads RCB to Second Straight IPL Final!

Rajat Patidar lit up the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala with a breathtaking performance that propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru into the IPL 2026 final. Scoring a stunning 93 runs off just 33 balls, Patidar’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting, featuring nine sixes and five fours. Remarkably, he didn't face a single dot ball during his stay at the crease, finishing with an incredible strike rate of 281.82.

The team’s fearless approach set the tone for the match, as RCB posted a massive 254 for five. This score now stands as the highest-ever total in an IPL knockout match. Patidar explained after the game that his strategy was simple: take about 8 to 10 balls to assess the pitch conditions and then put the bowlers under pressure without worrying about getting out. This attacking mindset clearly rattled the Gujarat Titans' bowling attack from the very start.

In response, the Gujarat Titans struggled to keep up with the steep required run rate. They were eventually bundled out for 162 in 19.3 overs, handing RCB a commanding 92-run victory. The win ensures that the defending champions will make their second consecutive appearance in the IPL final, joining an elite group of teams who have achieved the feat of reaching back-to-back finals. With this clinical performance, Patidar has once again proven himself as the man for big occasions.

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