Mumbai, April 13 (NationPress) The captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajat Patidar, shared his pride in the team's accomplishments, emphasizing that regularly scoring over 200 runs indicates a wealth of talent within the squad.

RCB maintained their impressive form in IPL 2026, achieving an 18-run victory against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, marking their highest total ever at this venue.

Led by a stunning 78 runs off just 36 balls from Phil Salt, who was named Player of the Match, alongside Patidar's captaincy innings of 53 runs from 20 balls, RCB set a formidable target on Sunday. On the bowling front, Krunal Pandya (1/26) and Suyash Sharma (2-47) played crucial roles in containing Mumbai's chase.

Reflecting on the consistent batting performances, Patidar remarked, “As it stands, it feels like we are scoring over 200 in each match. This instills a lot of confidence in me, and as captain, I perceive a significant amount of talent in the squad.”

Patidar also made history by achieving the fastest fifty by a captain in the tournament, reaching the landmark in just 17 balls, and elaborated on his batting strategy:

“I don't overthink my approach. I focus on reacting to the ball and being clear about my intentions, including which shots to play and which bowlers to target. Even while in the dugout, I look for scoring chances,” he explained.

Praising the batting lineup for establishing a solid base, spinner Krunal Pandya stated, “Winning each game requires effort. Everyone, including Virat, Salty, and Tim, has made valuable contributions. I’m particularly pleased with Salty’s aggressive play during the powerplay, which set a strong foundation for us.”

Highlighting Patidar's influence, he added, “Rajat’s performance throughout all four innings has been remarkable in terms of consistency and clarity. The captain is setting a great example, and I hope he continues this form.”

Krunal also acknowledged the coaching staff for the batting success, stating, “A lot of credit goes to DK, who has worked tirelessly with individuals to maximize their potential. He will be thrilled with how we are performing at the crease.”

Discussing the bowling effort under difficult conditions, Patidar noted, “Even with 200 runs on the scoreboard, there’s always pressure due to dew and conditions. I thought Bhuvi and Jacob executed the plan excellently.”

Patidar pinpointed Rasikh Salam’s bowling as a pivotal moment in the match. “Rasik’s spell was crucial. His strategy with slower balls and yorkers gave me confidence. After his first over, I sensed he could turn the game around,” he mentioned.

He also reserved special commendation for Krunal Pandya's bowling, saying, “K.P. is the bravest bowler I’ve ever encountered. He possesses a variety of skills that keep batsmen guessing about the next delivery. His confidence shines through, and he is never hesitant to take risks.”

RCB’s head coach Malolan Rangarajan praised Rasikh’s determination in his first outing of the season.

“He’s a player with immense character and resilience. Despite clearly struggling with cramps in both legs, he continued to compete and give his best for the team. That’s the essence of Rasik—a small package of dynamite, a fighter, and a competitor,” he noted.

Reflecting on the win at a familiar venue, Krunal stated, “I am well-acquainted with the conditions here. Wankhede and Chinnaswamy are among my favorite grounds. I always look forward to playing here. Ultimately, wins matter most, and I’m pleased to have performed in a victorious game.”

Looking forward, Patidar expressed enthusiasm about returning to their home ground, stating, “I’m very excited to go back to Chinnaswamy and play with our 12-man army.”