Arshad Khan's 3-22 bowls out RCB for 155 against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026
Synopsis
RCB's promising start against GT crumbled spectacularly in the middle overs, with Arshad Khan's three-wicket haul and clinical bowling from Rashid Khan and Jason Holder dismantling the batting order. Despite Padikkal's defiant 40 and Kohli's aggressive 28, RCB's inability to build partnerships resulted in a sub-par 155 — a total that left them vulnerable heading into GT's chase.
Key Takeaways
Arshad Khan claimed 3 for 22 as RCB were bowled out for 155 in 19.2 overs on 30 April 2026 .
Virat Kohli smashed five consecutive boundaries off Kagiso Rabada in the second over, scoring 28 off 13 balls .
Devdutt Padikkal top-scored with 40 off 24 balls , including five fours and two sixes .
RCB lost four wickets for 17 runs in the middle overs, collapsing from 91 for 5 by the 10th over.
Rashid Khan and Jason Holder each took two wickets , supporting Arshad Khan 's spell.
Fast bowler Arshad Khan claimed 3 for 22 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were bowled out for 155 in 19.2 overs against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, 30 April. The collapse came after a bright start, with Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal providing early resistance before GT's bowling attack dismantled the middle and lower order.
RCB's promising start unravels
Put in to bat, RCB began cautiously as Mohammed Siraj bowled a tight opening over, conceding just six runs. However, Kohli immediately shifted momentum in the second over, smashing five consecutive boundaries off Kagiso Rabada, who leaked 21 runs in that spell. The aggressive start seemed to set the tone for RCB's innings, with Padikkal also playing attacking cricket, including two boundaries and a six off Siraj. RCB ended the powerplay at a competitive 59 for 2.
Kohli's brief blitz and early breakthroughs
Despite his aggressive intent, Kohli's innings ended prematurely when he mistimed a good-length delivery from Rabada, chipping it to mid-wicket where Rashid Khan completed the catch. The experienced batter had scored 28 off 13 balls, including five fours and one six. Before that, Jacob Bethell had fallen cheaply for five runs to Siraj, signalling early cracks in RCB's batting lineup.
The middle-order collapse
Captain Rajat Patidar attempted to build momentum with Padikkal and struck a couple of boundaries, but fell attempting an aggressive shot against Arshad Khan. Jason Holder took the catch at deep backward square leg, though RCB players contested the decision, believing the ball had touched the ground. The umpire's decision stood, and Patidar had to depart. Holder struck again immediately, dismissing Jitesh Sharma for just one run. By the end of 10 overs, RCB were reeling at 91 for 5 after Rashid Khan removed Tim David (nine runs). Krunal Pandya was next to go, caught at mid-wicket off Arshad Khan's bowling by Holder, as RCB haemorrhaged four wickets for 17 runs.
Padikkal's lone resistance
Amid the collapse, Padikkal stood firm, rotating the strike and finding boundaries regularly to keep RCB's total respectable. He scored 40 off 24 balls, including five fours and two sixes, before Rashid Khan bowled a brilliant delivery to clean him up. Romario Shepherd contributed 17 runs, Bhuvneshwar Kumar added 15, and impact player Venkatesh Iyer scored 12, but RCB's lower order could not arrest the slide.
GT's bowling masterclass
Arshad Khan was the standout performer for GT with three wickets conceding just 22 runs. Rashid Khan and Holder each took two wickets, while Siraj and Rabada chipped in with one wicket apiece. The coordinated bowling attack left RCB with no answers in the backend of their innings, completing a comprehensive bowling display that restricted the opposition to a sub-par total before the 20-over mark.
Point of View
But they masked a deeper structural problem: the team lacks a reliable number four or five to shepherd innings in T20 cricket. GT's bowling, particularly Arshad Khan's accuracy and Rashid Khan's variations, exposed this gap ruthlessly. For RCB to compete in IPL 2026, plugging the middle-order void is non-negotiable.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was RCB's final score against GT in IPL 2026?
RCB were bowled out for 155 in 19.2 overs on 30 April 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Despite a promising start with Virat Kohli's aggressive batting, the team collapsed in the middle overs.
Who was the standout bowler for Gujarat Titans?
Fast bowler Arshad Khan was the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for 22 runs. He was well-supported by Rashid Khan and Jason Holder, who took 2 wickets each.
How many runs did Virat Kohli score?
Virat Kohli scored 28 runs off just 13 balls, including five fours and one six. He was dismissed by Kagiso Rabada after a bright start that included five consecutive boundaries.
Who was RCB's top scorer?
Devdutt Padikkal top-scored with 40 runs off 24 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes. Despite his resistance, RCB's lower order failed to provide substantial support.
What caused RCB's middle-order collapse?
RCB lost four wickets for just 17 runs between the 7th and 10th overs, as GT's disciplined bowling attack exploited weaknesses in the batting lineup. Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, and Krunal Pandya all fell in quick succession.
