IPL 2026: Rajat Patidar Reacts After SRH Dominates RCB in Match 67

The Orange Army Exacts Revenge in High-Scoring Hyderabad Thriller

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 witnessed another high-octane clash in match number 67 as the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) locked horns with the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. In what was billed as a crucial battle for a top-two finish in the playoffs, the Orange Army put on a spectacular show, defeating Rajat Patidar’s side by 55 runs. Although RCB suffered a heavy defeat, they managed to stay at the top of the points table thanks to their superior Net Run Rate (NRR), ensuring their passage directly to Qualifier 1.

Toss and Key Team Changes

Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss on a beautiful batting track and elected to bat first, aiming to put scoreboard pressure on the defending champions. Riding high on momentum, SRH fielded an unchanged playing XI from their previous victory against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). On the other hand, RCB welcomed back their regular captain, Rajat Patidar, who returned to lead the side in place of Jacob Bethell. Bethell was sidelined due to a finger injury. With both teams already qualified for the playoffs, this match was all about capturing the vital top-two spots to secure two chances at reaching the grand final.

SRH Batting Unit Fires on All Cylinders

SRH’s opening pair of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma gave the hosts a breezy start. The Australian left-hander, returning to the lineup, looked in fine touch as he scored 26 runs, helping stitch a quickfire 45-run opening partnership. After Head’s departure, wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan joined Abhishek Sharma to keep the scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace. Abhishek played a brilliant innings, compiling 56 runs before being dismissed by spinner Suyash Sharma.

The defining phase of the first innings came when Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen joined forces. The duo put together a spectacular 113-run partnership, completely dismantling the RCB bowling attack. Operating at an astonishing run rate of over 14 runs per over during the middle overs, they left the RCB fielders searching for answers. The destructive South African batsman Heinrich Klaasen reached his half-century in just 23 deliveries, showcasing his incredible power-hitting. Krunal Pandya eventually broke the dangerous partnership by dismissing Klaasen, but the damage was already done. SRH posted a massive total of 255 runs on the board.

RCB’s Valiant Chase Falls Short

Faced with a mountainous target, Royal Challengers Bengaluru needed a flying start, and left-hander Venkatesh Iyer provided exactly that. Iyer played a sensational cameo, smashing 44 runs off just 19 deliveries. He and Virat Kohli put together a rapid 60-run partnership for the opening wicket before Iyer was dismissed by Eshan Malinga. The momentum halted quickly for RCB as Kohli also departed shortly after, managing only 15 runs.

Following those two quick blows, RCB’s run rate took a hit. Devdutt Padikkal looked to steady the ship, scoring a quick 21 off 14 balls, but could not convert his start. Captain Rajat Patidar then took control of the innings alongside Krunal Pandya. The duo kept RCB’s slim hopes alive with a beautiful 84-run partnership. Patidar led from the front, scoring a solid 56 runs before his dismissal. Krunal Pandya remained unbeaten on 41 runs, and Tim David provided some late entertainment with a brisk 15 off 7 deliveries. Ultimately, RCB ran out of steam, finishing 55 runs short of the mammoth target.

Rajat Patidar Credits SRH’s Fearless Execution

Speaking at the post-match presentation, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar was quick to credit the exceptional performance of the Sunrisers Hyderabad batting lineup. Reflecting on the massive target, Patidar admitted that the hosts played outstanding cricket in the first half of the match.

“Too many runs on the board? Obviously, I think their top five batsmen played really well, and they purely dominated in the first innings,” Patidar remarked. When asked if the pitch slowed down as the game progressed, the RCB skipper clarified, “Not really, but I think the slow bouncer was gripping a bit.”

Patidar also praised the tactical execution of the SRH bowling unit during the second innings, highlighting how they utilized the conditions to perfection. “Their strength is slow bouncers and yorkers; they executed pretty well. The top priority was to be on the top, but I think there were a lot of runs in the first inning. I think 255 is a good score on this wicket. And I think their five bowlers executed the slow bouncers and yorkers pretty well,” he added.

He concluded by emphasizing how difficult it was for the RCB batsmen to get under the slower deliveries. “Obviously, Hyderabad, I think it’s a good wicket, but when you start bowling slow bouncers, slow into the wicket, I think it’s really tough for the batsman to score the runs.”

Playoff Outlook for Both Teams

Despite the 55-run defeat, RCB’s dominant run throughout the league phase ensured they maintained their position at the top of the IPL 2026 points table on Net Run Rate. They will head into Qualifier 1 with plenty of confidence, knowing they have a second chance even if they slip up. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s statement victory serves as a warning to the rest of the competition that their explosive batting lineup is ready to conquer the playoffs.