Winning against Mumbai Indians lifted spirits for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with captain Rajat Patidar sharing how Virat Kohli is moving around fine physically. Coming off a stumble versus Rajasthan Royals, the team bounced back strong under Friday night lights at Wankhede. A total of 240/4 came thanks to half-centuries from Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, along with contributions from Patidar himself. Chasing hard, Mumbai Indians finished at 222/5, just shy by 18 runs even after Sherfane Rutherford blasted 71 off only 31 deliveries – nine massive hits over the rope plus one boundary. One thing stood out: Kohli stayed off the ground during their bowling spell, seated on the bench in a jacket instead
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.”
Clarity in the batting order matters most, Patidar mentioned after the victory. Each player knows their role now. The energy inside Mumbai’s famous Wankhede Stadium made a difference too. Crowds roaring, lights bright – it shaped the mood completely
“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.”
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.”
From the first ball spun his way this season, Patidar piled up 129 off just 59 deliveries – strike rate soaring past 218 – with nine boundaries and 11 maximums, out only twice. When quick bowlers attacked, he answered fast too: 7 sixes lit up his 66-run knock from 32 balls, adding two fours, falling once. His bat finds gaps like water through cracks, whether it turns slow or fires rapid.
Among those hitting the most sixes, Patidar stands tied alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – both have cleared the ropes 18 times. Scoring comes fast for him; his 195 runs across four knocks sit neatly at a 3-digit average. Only one batter has piled on more runs so far. His scoring speed pushes past 214, marked by two half-centuries lighting up the tally
