RCB's Winning Streak Ends as Patidar Faces First IPL Defeat
RCB's Streak Comes to a Halt
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced a setback against Rajasthan Royals (RR), marking not only their first loss of the season but also the end of Rajat Patidar's impressive eight-match winning streak as captain. This defeat was particularly significant as it was Patidar's first away loss in his IPL career, having previously led RCB to victory in all six away matches last season during their historic title run, where they secured seven wins overall. The last time RCB experienced a loss in the IPL was on April 18, 2025, against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a rain-affected match that was reduced to nine overs. Following that game, RCB triumphed in seven out of eight matches (excluding a washout) during the 2026 IPL, ultimately clinching the title with only four losses. Patidar captained the team in six of these matches, but they did not secure a win in any of those. Jitesh Sharma took the helm in two games while Patidar was sidelined with a finger injury, including their last defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2025 IPL. RCB kicked off the 2026 IPL with two consecutive victories.
Gautam Gambhir's Record Remains Intact
Gautam Gambhir Retains Unique Captaincy Record
With Patidar's eight-match winning streak coming to an end, Gautam Gambhir continues to hold the record as the only captain in IPL history to achieve ten consecutive victories. Patidar's streak, which lasted 358 days, is now tied for the second-longest in IPL history.
| Player | Streak | Team | Year |
| Gautam Gambhir | 10 | KKR | 2014-15 |
| Shane Warne | 8 | RR | 2008 |
| Shreyas Iyer | 8 | KKR/PBKS | 2024-25 |
| Rajat Patidar | 8 | RCB | 2025-26 |
| MS Dhoni | 7 | CSK | 2013 |
In total, Patidar has led RCB in 16 matches, winning 12 of them, which gives him an impressive win percentage of 75%. This is the highest win rate among captains in the league who have overseen more than one game.