Salt, Kohli and Patidar Power RCB to Big Win Over MI

Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a commanding all-round performance to register an 18-run victory over Mumbai Indians in a high-scoring IPL encounter on Sunday.

Led by skipper Rajat Patidar, RCB’s batting unit put on a clinical show after being asked to bat. Openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli set the tone with a 120-run opening partnership , dismantling the MI bowling attack with a mix of aggression and control. Salt was the more explosive of the two, hammering 78 off 36 balls, while Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 50 off 38 deliveries.

The momentum was further amplified by Patidar, who played a captain’s knock, smashing a quickfire 53 off just 20 balls. His late surge, combined with Tim David’s unbeaten 35, powered RCB to a formidable 240 for 4 in 20 overs.

In reply, Mumbai Indians mounted a spirited chase but ultimately fell short at 222 for 5 . Sherfane Rutherford kept hopes alive with a blistering unbeaten 71 off 31 balls, showcasing clean hitting under pressure. However, the innings lost early momentum when Rohit Sharma retired hurt on 19 due to a hamstring concern.

Despite useful contributions from Ryan Rickelton (37), Suryakumar Yadav (33), and Hardik Pandya (40), MI struggled to maintain the required rate.

RCB spinner Suyash Sharma proved decisive, striking twice in a crucial over to derail the chase and ensure Bengaluru’s victory in a run-heavy contest .