RCB's Middle Order Shines Despite Narrow Loss to LSG

In a thrilling encounter, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced a narrow defeat against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by nine runs. Despite the loss, RCB's middle order, led by Rajat Patidar's explosive 61 runs, demonstrated remarkable resilience. Tim David also contributed significantly with 40 runs. Director of Cricket Mo Bobat praised the team's character and highlighted the impressive performances from the bowlers. As RCB prepares for their next match against the Mumbai Indians, the focus will be on refining strategies to enhance their performance. Discover more about the match dynamics and player highlights.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 8, 2026, 15:01 IST

RCB's Resilience on Display

Mo Bobat, the Director of Cricket, along with Tim David, commended the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) middle order for their commendable performance despite a narrow nine-run defeat against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Thursday. This match marked RCB's first loss while chasing in five outings. Rajat Patidar was a standout player, scoring an impressive 61 runs off just 31 balls, including six sixes, solidifying his position as the fourth-highest six-hitter in the tournament.

David Praises Patidar's Exceptional Hitting

Reflecting on the match, David, who contributed 40 runs from 17 balls, lauded Patidar's ability to maintain composure and deliver powerful hits. "Rajat was phenomenal. Those sixes were massive. They bowled fast and short, and he managed to handle the pressure early on before showcasing his true potential. It was a joy to watch, and those sixes were truly remarkable," he remarked.

Bobat Acknowledges Middle Order's Strength

Bobat shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the resilience displayed by the middle order following early challenges. "It's disappointing not to secure the two points, but it was uplifting to witness brave performances from the team today," Bobat stated. He noted the unusual early loss of both openers, which is rare given their strong performance throughout the season. He praised Dev and Rajat for their ability to absorb pressure and then shift it back onto the opposition.

Bobat also recognized the bowling unit's efforts, particularly highlighting Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who played his 200th IPL match, and Krunal Pandya for their contributions during the first innings. "The middle order's brave batting was encouraging, and we must also acknowledge the brilliant bowling from Bhuvi and KP," he added.

Preparing for the Upcoming Match

Looking ahead to their next match against the Mumbai Indians, Bobat mentioned the team's plan to regroup quickly and focus on refining their strategies. "As is our practice, we'll take some time to reflect. The players and coaching staff will collaborate to identify areas for improvement, aiming to be sharper for the next game," he concluded.