In the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, held on May 26 in Dharamsala, Rajat Patidar, captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 93 runs off just 33 balls, leading RCB to a 92-run victory against Gujarat Titans (GT). His innings included nine sixes and five boundaries, contributing to RCB's total of 254/5. Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu praised Patidar's remarkable improvement over the last four years, highlighting his enhanced batting technique and ability to read the game. Rayudu stated that Patidar's innings was legendary, particularly in high-pressure playoff situations, and expressed confidence in his future contributions to both RCB and the Indian national team. RCB now advances to the IPL 2026 final, scheduled for May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where they will face the winner of Qualifier 2.