RCB into consecutive IPL finals Patidar’s blazing 93
Rajat Patidar’s whirlwind innings in Dharamsala will be remembered as one of those rare, career-defining nights that tilt an entire knockout tie on its head. Asked to bat first, Royal Challengers Bengaluru tore through the conditions and oppositon nerves alike, posting 254 — the highest total in an IPL playoff — and handing Gujarat Titans a mountain to climb in front of what had been a buoyant home-faithful hopeful of another final appearance.
Patidar was the heartbeat of that demolition. His unbeaten 93 off 33 balls was a masterclass in timing, power and intent: crisp drives pierced the covers, towering pulls cleared fields with room to spare, and an assortment of innovative shots kept the scoreboard ticking in an innings that felt as inevitable as it was electric. At one point, RCB’s scoring rate felt less like aggression and more like artistry; while Patidar reeled off boundaries and sixes, the other end — bolstered by useful contributions and even extras — produced tidy support, the two together piling up relentless pressure on the bowlers.
Gujarat, who had never conceded more than 233 in this IPL, suddenly found themselves staring at an unfamiliar equation. Their bowlers, usually the architects of control, were plunged into damage control as RCB’s pace battery and Jos Buttler’s early fireworks combined to rip through the top order. The Titans did have moments — an inspired spell from Jason Holder that yielded two big wickets and slowed the innings progression across 22 balls for 18 runs — but those bursts were too little, too late against a batting line that refused to yield.
On the chase, GT’s approach was honest but undermined by RCB’s early strikes. The powerplay turned into a slog for the batters, with the RCB quicks running riot and removing key wickets when Gujarat tried to anchor their innings. to make a dent in that massive target. What Gujarat needed was a special innings — a counterpunch that shifted momentum — and despite glimpses of hope, it never arrived.
For GT there will be tough questions. Having finished in the top two and winning the toss could have been a springboard to carry advantage into the final, but the fielding and bowling lapses on the night will be replayed in the dressing room. The missed opportunities to choke RCB under 200 will sting; Shubman Gill, ever candid, admitted as much in his post-match reflections. Small margins in the field — a dropped catch, an errant boundary-saving miss, a misjudged length — became cumulative and costly when facing Patidar’s barrage.
The defending champions have rediscovered the kind of ruthless, match-up winning form that defines title contenders. Patidar’s knock will live long in club folklore: not just for the volume of runs, but for the timing — an innings that converted pressure into spectacle and put his team into the final in emphatic style.
As the Dharamsala chapter closes, three big matches still await in the tournament. For fans it was a reminder of cricket’s unpredictable beauty: the toss lost but the match won, the underdog moments overturned, and individual brilliance lifting a whole team. Those in Ahmedabad will now brace for the next twist — and for Gujarat Titans, a period of reflection before they attempt to reclaim their composure and carry on the chase for another shot at IPL glory.