RCB showed 'fantastic character' despite LSG loss, says Bobat on Patidar, Padikkal
Synopsis
RCB came within nine runs of a stunning chase against LSG, with Patidar and Padikkal's 95-run stand nearly pulling off the improbable after early openers' collapse. Though the loss stings, Bobat's praise for the middle-order character signals how close RCB came to a turnaround that could have shifted tournament momentum.
Key Takeaways
RCB fell short by 9 runs against LSG in a rain-curtailed 19-overs-a-side IPL match at Ekana Cricket Stadium on 8 May .
Rajat Patidar smashed 61 off 31 balls while Devdutt Padikkal scored 34 off 25 in a 95-run partnership.
Virat Kohli fell for a two-ball duck as RCB lost both openers early.
Tim David contributed 40 off 17 balls late in the innings.
RCB finished at 203/6 while chasing 213 ; Mohammad Bobat praised the "fantastic character" shown by the middle order.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru director of cricket Mohammad Bobat praised the fighting spirit displayed by his side on Thursday, singling out captain Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal for their counterattacking partnership despite a narrow nine-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a rain-curtailed IPL contest at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.
Chasing a stiff 213 in a 19-overs-a-side format, RCB stumbled early after losing both openers cheaply, including Virat Kohli for a two-ball duck. The collapse threatened to derail the chase entirely. However, Padikkal and skipper Patidar steadied the innings with a crucial 95-run partnership, propelling RCB to 203/6 by the end of their 19 overs.
Bobat credits the middle-order revival
"It's not often that we'll be losing both of our openers as early as we did today," Bobat said in a video statement released on X. "Our top order has been fantastic all season, so a bit of a rarity there, but actually the character that Dev and Rajat showed was fantastic."
The RCB director highlighted how the two batsmen absorbed sustained pressure following the early collapse before shifting momentum back toward his side. "They absorbed pressure for a period of time, and then actually they put some pressure back on them, and towards the back end of their partnership, we were right in that game," Bobat added.
Individual performances in the chase
Patidar led the counterattack with a brisk 61 off 31 balls, while Padikkal contributed a measured 34 off 25 deliveries. Later, Tim David injected further momentum with a quickfire 40 off 17 balls, keeping RCB within striking distance through the backend of the innings.
Bowling effort acknowledged
Bobat also commended the bowling performance, particularly Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya during LSG's innings. "I think we did an amazing job to get that close. And also, we must remember that Bhuvi and KP bowled brilliantly, I thought as well, in particular," he said.
Focus shifts to Mumbai Indians
With RCB facing Mumbai Indians (MI) in their next fixture just days away, Bobat indicated the team would use the turnaround to identify and address shortcomings. "The boys, as they always do, will get their heads together and have a little think about the things that maybe they could have done a bit better. The coaches will do the same," he said, adding that the squad would travel the following day and reconvene before the MI encounter to "tighten up" key areas of the game.
Point of View
While genuine, underscores a deeper frustration. The loss exposes a recurring vulnerability: early-order collapses that force the middle order into rescue mode. Kohli's duck and the openers' failures are the real story here. RCB's talent in the middle order can paper over these cracks, but against elite bowling in knockout cricket, this pattern will cost them dearly.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final result of the RCB vs LSG IPL match?
RCB lost by 9 runs. Chasing LSG's 213 in a rain-curtailed 19-overs-a-side contest, RCB finished at 203/6 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on 8 May.
How did Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal perform in the match?
Patidar scored a brisk 61 off 31 balls while Padikkal contributed 34 off 25 deliveries. The two shared a crucial 95-run partnership that kept RCB's chase alive after the early loss of both openers.
Why did RCB's chase falter despite the strong middle-order partnership?
RCB lost both openers cheaply, including Virat Kohli for a two-ball duck, which left them needing an aggressive chase from the start. Although Patidar and Padikkal steadied the innings, the early deficit proved too steep to overcome.
When is RCB's next IPL match after the LSG loss?
RCB faces Mumbai Indians (MI) in their next fixture, with the match scheduled just a couple of days after the LSG encounter. The team plans to regroup and address tactical areas during the turnaround.
