In a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) set the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium abuzz with a remarkable display of skill and power. The must-win IPL 2024 game on Thursday witnessed RCB post an imposing total of 206 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), thanks largely to the heroics of Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar.
The pivotal partnership unfolded with RCB at a critical juncture having lost opener Will Jacks early in the innings. It was at this moment that Patidar, with his back against the wall, launched a counter-attack that would go down in IPL history. His explosive 50 runs came off a mere 20 deliveries, an innings peppered with boundaries and characterized by sheer dominance. This exceptional knock marked his third half-century in the last four outings, a testament to Patidar’s blistering form in the tournament.
Patidar’s blitzkreig was not just another quickfire fifty; it secured him a place in the record books as the joint-second fastest fifty for RCB, a franchise that has been home to some of the biggest strikers of the ball. It was also the first instance in the past 11 years that an RCB player managed to notch up a fifty in 20 or fewer balls. While he missed surpassing the legendary Chris Gayle’s record of a 17-ball fifty set against Pune Warriors back in IPL 2013, Patidar’s innings were instrumental in setting up a formidable platform for RCB.
While Patidar provided the fireworks, it was Virat Kohli’s steady and calculated batting display that anchored RCB’s innings. Kohli’s masterful 51 runs came off 43 balls, demonstrating his unparalleled class and temperament. With this innings, he became the first player to amass over 400 runs in IPL 2024. This achievement also earned him the distinction of being the first player in the history of the tournament to have surpassed 400 runs in ten different editions, a feat that speaks volumes about his consistency and longevity in the game. Moreover, Kohli celebrated yet another milestone, amassing 4,000 IPL runs while batting at the top of the order – a role in which he has flourished over the years.
The duo’s performances were not just about personal glory but also about setting the stage for RCB’s dominance in the match. Post the batting spectacle, the team also shone with the ball, restricting SRH to a total of 171 for 8. The 35-run victory for RCB was as much a result of their superior batting as it was of their disciplined bowling, putting on a complete team performance that SRH found too challenging to contend with.
Rajat Patidar, for his stellar display, rightly bagged the Player of the Match award, celebrating what was only RCB’s second win in this edition of the IPL. His performance, along with Kohli’s milestone innings, served as a testament to the quality and depth of talent within the Royal Challengers squad.
While the spotlight fell on Patidar and Kohli, team strategies and selections carried out in the background also played a pivotal role in RCB’s victory. This game has truly encapsulated the essence of IPL – a stage where cricketing talents converge to bring forth an unparalleled sporting spectacle.
This match between RCB and SRH will be remembered for its record-breaking performances and for setting a new benchmark for upcoming games in the IPL. As the tournament progresses, fans and pundits alike will be eager to witness whether RCB can continue this winning momentum and whether Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar can maintain their exceptional form to lead their team to IPL glory.
