Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are one step away from IPL glory again.

In a breathtaking display of power-hitting and dominance, RCB crushed Gujarat Titans (GT) by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026, securing a place in the tournament final for the second consecutive season — a first in franchise history.

But while the team achievement grabbed headlines, one man completely stole the spotlight:

Rajat Patidar

The RCB captain produced a sensational innings of:

93 runs off just 33 balls

at an unbelievable strike rate of:

281.82

His knock not only powered RCB to a record-breaking total but also helped him create history by surpassing one of the biggest batting records of IPL 2026 — a mark previously held by teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

From breaking strike-rate records to leading Bengaluru into another final, Patidar delivered one of the most explosive playoff innings in IPL history.

Here’s everything that happened.

Rajat Patidar’s Record-Breaking Knock

93 Runs in Just 33 Balls

When the stakes were highest, Rajat Patidar delivered an innings for the ages.

Batting with fearless intent, the RCB captain smashed:

93 runs from 33 balls

His innings included:

• 5 fours
• 9 towering sixes
• Strike rate of 281.82

Patidar completely dismantled Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack, attacking almost every bowler with ruthless precision.

Although he narrowly missed out on a century, the knock instantly entered IPL playoff folklore.

Rajat Patidar Breaks Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Record

Highest Strike Rate in a 90+ IPL Innings

The biggest milestone from Patidar’s innings came through a historic batting record.

His strike rate of:

281.82

is now officially:

The highest strike rate in IPL history for an innings of 90+ runs

Before this game, the record belonged to:

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

who earlier in IPL 2026 had smashed:

103 runs off 37 balls

against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Vaibhav’s strike rate stood at:

278.38

But Patidar’s explosive knock has now taken the top spot.

Patidar Also Breaks Chris Gayle’s RCB Record

Surpassing a Franchise Legend

For Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans, the innings carried even more significance.

Before Rajat Patidar’s knock, the record for fastest strike rate in a massive innings for RCB belonged to:

Chris Gayle

during his iconic:

175-run innings

in IPL 2013.

Gayle’s strike rate then stood at:

265

Patidar has now surpassed even that legendary benchmark.

For many fans:

That speaks volumes about the scale of his innings.

RCB Post Record-Breaking Total

Highest Score Ever in IPL Playoff History

Powered by Rajat Patidar’s carnage, RCB posted:

254/5

against Gujarat Titans.

That total became:

The highest score ever recorded in an IPL playoff match

The innings saw contributions from several players.

Virat Kohli

• 43 off 25 balls

Kohli provided the early momentum with aggressive intent.

Krunal Pandya

• 43 off 28 balls

Krunal played a crucial supporting role and stitched together a stunning partnership with Patidar.

95 Runs Partnership in Just 35 Balls

One of the defining moments came when:

Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya

added:

95 runs

in just:

35 balls

The partnership completely shifted momentum and crushed GT’s hopes of restricting Bengaluru.

Gujarat Titans Bowlers Struggle

A Nightmare Evening for GT

GT bowlers had no answers to Bengaluru’s relentless attack.

Among the few wicket-takers:

Kagiso Rabada

• 2 wickets for 54 runs

Jason Holder

• 2 wickets for 39 runs

However, the overall bowling effort failed to stop the RCB assault.

By the innings break:

GT were staring at a mountain.

Gujarat Titans Collapse in Chase

RCB Pacers Dominate Early

Chasing a mammoth:

255

Gujarat Titans never looked settled.

RCB bowlers completely dominated the powerplay, taking:

5 wickets early

and effectively ending the contest.

GT eventually collapsed for:

162 all out

losing by:

92 runs

Rahul Tewatia’s Fightback Goes in Vain

Too Little, Too Late

The lone bright spot for Gujarat Titans came through:

Rahul Tewatia

who fought back with:

68 runs off 43 balls

However, the innings came too late to seriously threaten Bengaluru.

With wickets falling around him, the chase had already slipped away.

RCB Bowlers Shine

Complete Team Performance

RCB’s bowling attack complemented the batting masterclass perfectly.

Jacob Duffy

• 3 wickets for 39 runs

emerged as the standout performer.

Other contributors included:

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

• 2/28

Rasikh Salam Dar

• 2/24

Krunal Pandya

• 2/16

It was a clinical bowling display after a batting explosion.

RCB Reach Consecutive IPL Finals for First Time

History for Bengaluru Franchise

With the win, RCB achieved a major franchise milestone.

For the first time ever:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru reached back-to-back IPL finals

The victory also keeps alive:

RCB’s long-awaited dream of lifting their maiden IPL trophy.

Fans online erupted with excitement as Bengaluru moved one step closer to ending years of heartbreak.

Social Media Explodes Over Patidar

Soon after the innings, social media platforms flooded with reactions.

Fans called Patidar:

• “Captain clutch”
• “The king of playoffs”
• “RCB’s saviour”
• “Underrated superstar”

Many users also joked:

“Sorry Vaibhav, captain Patidar has entered the chat.”

Meanwhile, RCB supporters began celebrating the dream of finally winning:

IPL 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs Rajat Patidar Record

Highest Strike Rate in 90+ IPL Innings

Player	Runs	Balls	Strike Rate
Rajat Patidar	93	33	281.82
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi	103	37	278.38

The record battle highlights just how explosive IPL 2026 has been.

Why Patidar’s Knock Matters

More Than Just Numbers

Patidar’s innings mattered because:

• It came in a playoff match
• Pressure was extremely high
• Team needed leadership
• Opposition was strong

Playoff performances often define IPL legacies.

And this knock may now become:

One of the greatest RCB playoff innings ever

Key Highlights

• Rajat Patidar smashed 93 off 33 balls
• Strike rate of 281.82 created IPL history
• Broke Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s record
• RCB posted 254/5, highest playoff total ever
• Gujarat Titans bowled out for 162
• RCB won by 92 runs
• Bengaluru reached back-to-back IPL finals for first time

FAQ SECTION

What record did Rajat Patidar break?

Patidar set the highest strike rate in IPL history for a 90+ score, overtaking Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

How many runs did Rajat Patidar score?

He smashed 93 runs off just 33 balls.

What was Rajat Patidar’s strike rate?

His strike rate was 281.82.

Did RCB qualify for the IPL 2026 final?

Yes, RCB defeated Gujarat Titans to enter the IPL 2026 final.

What was RCB’s total against GT?

RCB scored 254/5 — the highest total in IPL playoff history.