Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar has been slapped with a ₹12 lakh fine after his side’s slow over-rate in their high-voltage clash against Mumbai Indians. But while the penalty made headlines, it hasn’t dulled the shine on Patidar’s smart captaincy and red-hot form this IPL season.
RCB won the match by 12 runs at Wankhede. Patidar may have paid the price off the field, but on it—he continues to deliver.
First Over-Rate Offense Lands Patidar In Hot Water
This was RCB’s first over-rate offense in the 2025 season, which made the fine lighter compared to what it could have been. ₹12 lakh might not shake an IPL captain’s bank account, but it’s a warning nonetheless.
Patidar was found guilty under Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which outlines minimum over-rate violations. And he’s not the only one to have fallen foul of the rule this year.
Others fined before him:
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Hardik Pandya (MI)
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Riyan Parag (RR)
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Rishabh Pant (LSG)
Each of them has faced penalties for similar delays. IPL’s match officials clearly aren’t cutting anyone slack this season, no matter how intense the game gets.
Strong With The Bat, Steady With The Brain
The fine’s got nothing on Patidar’s numbers. He’s smacked 161 runs in four innings—just three runs shy of Virat Kohli’s tally this season.
One of those came in the very match against Mumbai where he anchored RCB’s innings alongside Kohli. Add to that a late flourish from Jitesh Sharma, and RCB’s 221/5 proved just enough to sink MI.
But beyond his runs, what’s drawing eyes is how he’s steering the ship. RCB’s playing with grit, and that’s no accident.
Praise Floods In From All Corners
RCB’s victory didn’t just put points on the board—it sparked some serious nods of approval from former pros.
Ambati Rayudu, never shy with his opinions, was full of praise. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show, he called Patidar’s move to bring back Bhuvneshwar Kumar late in MI’s chase “brilliant.”
Rayudu said, “That decision turned the match. Bringing in Bhuvi when the game was slipping? That’s thinking under fire.”
And he wasn’t the only one handing out compliments.
Bangar Applauds the Krunal Call
Sanjay Bangar, too, tipped his hat to Patidar’s on-field tactics—particularly how he managed the bowlers under pressure.
His biggest highlight? Holding Krunal Pandya back for the final over.
Not the 19th. Not earlier. The final one.
“It was a smart call,” Bangar said. “You don’t want Krunal bowling the 19th when there’s still double-digit runs to defend. Holding him for the 20th made sense.”
Here’s how Patidar’s bowling decisions played out in the final overs:
| Over | Bowler | Runs Conceded | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 5 | 1 |
| 18 | Hazlewood | 12 | 0 |
| 19 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 7 | 1 |
| 20 | Krunal Pandya | 9 | 1 |
That calm control stood out. Bangar and Rayudu both pointed out how composed Patidar looked, not flinching even in high-tension moments.
A Captain With Clarity, And A Team With Momentum
What’s even more interesting? Virat Kohli—former captain, RCB stalwart—wasn’t seen stepping in too often. He’s been known to offer advice mid-game. This time, not so much.
Rayudu noted that. “Kohli usually walks up, gives a few inputs. This time, not really. It looks like he trusts Patidar to run the show.”
That speaks volumes. If there’s anyone who knows the pressures of captaincy at RCB, it’s Kohli.
RCB’s Winning Formula Is Starting To Show
RCB are now third on the points table, thanks to this win. Their Net Run Rate (+1.015) gives them a strong edge if things get tight later on.
Let’s break it down:
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They’ve won all three away games this season.
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Kohli and Patidar are striking consistently.
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s comeback is paying off.
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The team’s finishing strong—with bat and ball.
This win over Mumbai wasn’t a fluke. MI chased hard—scoring 209/9—but RCB held their nerve. That’s three wins on the trot away from home. And it’s setting a tone that this team’s got something different brewing this year.
