Rajat Patidar

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are without captain Rajat Patidar for their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings, with Jitesh Sharma leading the side. Patidar is recovering well and is expected to return for the next match in Hyderabad. RCB currently sits atop the IPL 2026 points table.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be without captain Rajat Patidar for their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings. Jitesh Sharma will lead the side in Patidar's absence, who missed travel and practice due to an undisclosed reason. Patidar is expected to return for RCB's final league game.

Starts June 3. Matches scheduled at Holkar Stadium, Daly College Cricket Ground

Punjab Kings opted to bowl against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Dharamsala, with Jitesh Sharma captaining RCB in Rajat Patidar's absence. Shreyas Iyer marked his 100th captaincy game for PBKS. Both teams made changes, aiming for crucial playoff implications. RCB seeks to secure a playoff spot, while PBKS desperately needs a win to revive their qualification hopes.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru opted to bowl against Mumbai Indians, seeking to improve their playoff standing after recent losses. The return of Phil Salt offers a significant boost for RCB. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians, struggling in ninth, face potential elimination. MI skipper Suryakumar Yadav expressed confidence in batting first, aiming to put pressure on the chasing side.

Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to battle for the top two spots in the playoffs. Hyderabad, currently third, aims to avenge their season opener loss and finish strong. RCB, leading the table, seeks to secure the top position with a win. Both teams boast formidable batting lineups, promising an exciting encounter.

Kolkata Knight Riders face a significant blow as star spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is ruled out of their IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to an injury sustained in the previous match. Uncapped pacer Saurabh Dubey makes his IPL debut as KKR navigates this crucial encounter without their key bowler, who has been instrumental in their recent resurgence.

Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten 105 to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. Chasing 193 in Raipur, RCB won with five balls left as Kohli bounced back from two successive ducks. He called “pressure a privilege” after the match, while captain Rajat Patidar praised the team’s collective effort as RCB moved top of the table.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a playoff spot with a dominant 23-run victory over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. Virat Kohli's energetic performance, coupled with crucial knocks from Devdutt Padikkal and Venkatesh Iyer, propelled RCB to a commanding total. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's early wickets stifled Punjab's chase, highlighting RCB's championship mettle.

A controversial catch by Jason Holder dismissed Rajat Patidar during the RCB vs GT IPL clash, sparking outrage. Despite replays appearing inconclusive, the third umpire upheld the decision. Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin clarified that Holder's grip likely prevented the ball from touching the ground, validating the umpire's call.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar starred in RCB’s thrilling two-wicket win over Mumbai Indians, taking four wickets and smashing a crucial six in the final over — his first IPL six since 2016. Krunal Pandya’s gritty 73 also proved vital. Bhuvi later credited discipline, not motivation, for his success. The dramatic victory lifted RCB to the top of the IPL 2026 points table.

Table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru face third-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial IPL 2026 clash. While qualification is secured, a win solidifies top-two spots and a second chance at the final. Expect a high-scoring encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, with both teams aiming for momentum heading into the playoffs.

The IPL playoff race has reached its decisive stretch. With roughly a dozen league fixtures remaining, eight teams are still in contention for the four playoff spots. No team can afford to relax just yet. This will not be lost on either Royal Challengers Bengaluru or Kolkata Knight Riders when they face off in Raipur on Wednesday.

There was no rush in Kohli’s (105 not out off 60 balls) approach as he kept finding the boundaries with ease without taking too many risks. In trademark Kohli style, he ran well between the wickets and even after his opening partner Jacob Bethell was removed at the score of 37, there was no panic whatsoever.

Virat Kohli has etched his name in IPL history on Wednesday, becoming the most-capped player with his 279th appearance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This significant milestone places him ahead of legends like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Kohli's enduring presence underscores his pivotal role in the league's evolution since its inception.

Punjab Kings face immense pressure after five consecutive IPL 2026 defeats, jeopardizing their playoff hopes. Despite a strong start, the team has lost momentum, with their batting prowess now overshadowed by fielding and bowling weaknesses. They now face a confident Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a crucial must-win encounter.