Mumbai, April 13 (IANS) Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar expressed pride in his team’s performances and stated that consistently getting 200-plus feels like there is a lot of talent in the team.

RCB continued their strong run in IPL 2026 with an 18-run victory over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, registering their highest-ever total at the venue.

Riding on a blistering 78 off 36 balls by Phil Salt, who was named Player of the Match, and a captain’s knock of 53 off 20 balls by Rajat Patidar, RCB posted a formidable total on Sunday. With the ball, Krunal Pandya (1/26) and Suyash Sharma (2-47) played key roles in restricting Mumbai’s chase.

Reflecting on the team’s consistent batting performances, skipper Patidar said, “Looking at the moment, it feels like we are scoring 200-plus in every match. It gives me a lot of confidence and as a captain, I feel like I have a lot of talent in the team.”

Patidar, who also recorded the fastest fifty by a captain in the tournament’s history with a 17-ball half-century, elaborated on his batting approach:

“I don’t really think too much about how I want to play. I try to react to the ball and stay clear about what I want to do, which shot I want to hit, which bowler I want to target. Even in the dugout, I try to read where the scoring opportunities are,” he said.

Praising the batting unit for laying a solid foundation, spinner Krunal Pandya said, “Every game you have to earn that win. The way everyone is batting, Virat, Salty, Tim, everyone has contributed. I’m especially happy for Salty, the way he counter-attacked in the powerplay. That set us up really well,”

Highlighting the captain’s impact, he added, “The way Rajat has batted in all four innings, the consistency and clarity, it’s been unbelievable. The captain is leading from the front and I hope he continues.”

Krunal also credited the support staff for the team’s batting success saying, “A lot of credit goes to DK, the mastermind as well. He has worked really hard with individuals to get the best out of them. He will be the happiest seeing the way we are batting”

Assessing the bowling effort under challenging conditions, Patidar said, “Even with 200 on the board, there is always pressure with dew and conditions. I thought Bhuvi bhai and Jacob started very well and executed the plan.”

The RCB skipper identified Rasikh Salam’s spell as a key turning point. “The turning point for me was Rasik. The way he planned, the slower balls, the yorkers, it gave me confidence. After his first over, I felt he could change the game”

Patidar reserved special praise for Krunal Pandya’s bowling. “K.P. is the most courageous bowler I have ever seen. He has so many skills. He keeps the batsman in doubt about the next ball. This is his strength. He bowls with a lot of confidence. He is not afraid to do anything.”

RCB head coach Malolan Rangarajan lauded Rasikh’s resilience in his first appearance of the season.

“He’s a guy who we know has got a lot of character and shows a lot of resilience. Everybody could see that he was cramping in both legs, but he’s still competing and doing the best for the team. That’s what Rasik is. A pocket dynamite, a fighter and a competitor,” he said.

Reflecting on the win at a familiar venue, Krunal said, “I know the conditions really well. Wankhede and Chinnaswamy are two of my favourite grounds. This is one of my favourite grounds, so I always look forward to coming and playing over here. But for me, W matters a lot at the end of the day. I am glad that I was able to perform in a game where we won.”

Looking ahead, Patidar expressed excitement about returning to their home ground stating, “Very much excited to go back to Chinnaswamy and play with our 12-man army.”

–IANS

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