Salt, Patidar Firepower Powers RCB to 240/4, Set Mammoth Target for Mumbai Indians

Mumbai, April 2026 : A scintillating batting display led by Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, and Virat Kohli propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a massive 240/4 against Mumbai Indians in Match 20 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

After being asked to bat first, RCB unleashed a batting onslaught that left Mumbai’s bowlers searching for answers. The innings was a blend of explosive stroke play and calculated aggression, with the visitors maintaining a remarkable run rate of 12 runs per over.

The fireworks began early as Phil Salt came out with an ultra-aggressive approach. Partnering with Kohli, he stitched together a 100-run opening stand that laid the foundation for the mammoth total. While Kohli played the anchor role, Salt dominated proceedings, taking on the bowlers with fearless hitting. He particularly targeted the spinners, smashing Mitchell Santner for three consecutive sixes in one over, setting the tone for RCB’s innings.

Salt raced to his half-century in just 25 balls and continued his assault, eventually scoring a blistering 78 off 36 deliveries, studded with boundaries and towering sixes. His dismissal in the 11th over briefly gave Mumbai a glimmer of hope, but that was short-lived.

Rajat Patidar then took centre stage with one of the most explosive knocks of the season. Walking in with momentum already on RCB’s side, he accelerated the scoring rate to another level. He hammered a hat-trick of sixes off Mayank Markande and reached a breathtaking half-century in just 16 balls. Patidar’s 53 off 20 balls, featuring four boundaries and five sixes, ensured that RCB stayed firmly in control.

Meanwhile, Kohli played a more measured innings, scoring 50 off 38 balls. Though his strike rate was relatively modest compared to his partners, his presence provided stability and allowed the other batters to play freely. He eventually fell after reaching his half-century, as Mumbai tried to claw their way back into the contest.

For a brief period, Mumbai Indians managed to apply some brakes, picking up quick wickets and slowing the scoring rate. However, Tim David delivered a late flourish, smashing an unbeaten 34 off just 16 balls. His aggressive finish in the death overs ensured that RCB crossed the 240-mark, despite a slight slowdown in the middle phase.

On the bowling front, Mumbai Indians endured a tough outing. Experienced pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult struggled to contain the relentless assault, while the spinners bore the brunt of RCB’s aggression.

Chasing 241, Mumbai Indians now face a daunting task. However, with a formidable batting lineup featuring Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and skipper Hardik Pandya, the hosts have the firepower to mount a strong challenge.

With the stage set for a high-scoring thriller, all eyes will now be on Mumbai’s response as they attempt to chase down one of the biggest targets of the season.

Brief Scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 240/4 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 78, Rajat Patidar 53, Virat Kohli 50, Tim David 34*; Shardul Thakur 1/32, Hardik Pandya 1/39) vs Mumbai Indians.