Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 campaign hit a snag with a 6-wicket defeat to Delhi Capitals at home. Skipper Rajat Patidar didn’t mince words after RCB’s 175/8 proved inadequate, chased with one ball remaining.
‘This was close, but 15-20 runs short on the board,’ Patidar admitted. Kohli and Salt’s opening salvo faded as middle-order collapses post-overs 12-13 exposed vulnerabilities. ‘Pitch was challenging early; still, our late surge shows promise. Told bowlers to stay crystal clear – long season ahead, we’ll fix errors.’
DC’s KL Rahul, deputizing for injured Axar Patel, lauded the contest. ‘Wicket gripped initially; openers struggled. Our top order crumbled to 18/3, but quality cricket prevailed.’
Rahul’s gritty 57 anchored a pivotal 69-run partnership with Stubbs, rebuilding from ruins. ‘Plan was simple: play strokes, find gaps, pressure bowlers. Avoided caution as run rate climb threatened. Saw reverse swing brewing and RCB’s finishers lurking – focused ball-by-ball.’
Asked about tension, Rahul backed Stubbs’ unbeaten 60 and Miller’s match-winning 22. ‘These guys thrive in SA pressure cookers daily.’ RCB’s total looked defendable until DC’s calculated chase flipped the script, highlighting execution gaps in Bengaluru’s gameplan.
