In the IPL 2026 season match, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) triumphed over the Mumbai Indians (MI) in a commanding fashion. Ravichandran Ashwin, a former Indian cricketer, scrutinized Hardik Pandya's captaincy, particularly his decision to bowl spinner Mayank Markande against Rajat Patidar. Ashwin pointed out that Patidar had previously hit Markande for four sixes in a single over during a match in 2024, making the choice questionable. Markande ended up conceding 40 runs in just two overs, while MI's spinners collectively allowed 83 runs in six overs. Ashwin emphasized that this strategy played into Patidar's strengths and criticized the lack of foresight in Pandya's captaincy decisions.