RCB Sets New IPL Playoff Record with 254 Runs Against Gujarat Titans

In a thrilling display of cricket, Royal Challengers Bengaluru achieved a historic milestone by scoring 254 runs against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 of the IPL. Led by Rajat Patidar's explosive 93 runs, the team surpassed the previous highest playoff score. With significant contributions from Virat Kohli and others, RCB's innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting. This match not only showcased individual brilliance but also set a new benchmark in IPL history. Read on to explore the key moments and performances that defined this record-breaking game.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 27, 2026, 02:06 IST

RCB's Historic Performance in Qualifier 1

Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 26: A remarkable innings from Rajat Patidar, complemented by significant contributions from Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and Krunal Pandya, propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to an impressive total of 254/5 against Gujarat Titans in the first Qualifier of the Indian Premier League held in Dharamsala on Tuesday.

This achievement marked a historic moment as RCB recorded the highest score ever in an IPL playoff or knockout match, surpassing the previous record of 233/3 set by Gujarat Titans against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 earlier in 2023.

Patidar was the standout performer, scoring a phenomenal 93 runs off just 33 balls. Kohli contributed 43 runs, Padikkal added a quick 30, and Venkatesh Iyer chipped in with 19 runs, setting the stage for RCB's explosive finish.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Iyer and Kohli opened the innings for RCB. Iyer started aggressively, scoring 14 runs in the first over against Mohammed Siraj.

Kagiso Rabada made an impact in the next over, dismissing Iyer for 19 runs and bringing Padikkal to the crease. Padikkal responded with a counterattack, hitting Rabada for three consecutive boundaries in the fourth over.

Padikkal and Kohli dominated the Gujarat Titans bowlers, leading RCB to a score of 76/1 by the end of the Powerplay. However, Jason Holder provided a crucial breakthrough in the ninth over, taking out both Kohli and Padikkal, which was a significant setback for RCB.

Captain Rajat Patidar and all-rounder Krunal Pandya then steadied the innings with a vital partnership. They shifted gears dramatically in the 15th over, scoring 28 runs off Kulwant Khejroliya, pushing RCB past the 150-run mark.

The duo continued their aggressive batting, targeting veteran spinner Rashid Khan and scoring 21 runs in the next over. However, Kagiso Rabada struck again in the 17th over, dismissing Krunal Pandya and bringing Tim David to the crease.

Despite the wicket, Patidar maintained his aggressive approach, scoring 15 runs off Rabada to reach a blistering half-century in just 21 balls.

Prasidh Krishna ended the partnership in the 18th over by dismissing Tim David for a mere 4 runs, bringing Jitesh Sharma to the crease.

Sharma and Patidar continued the onslaught, scoring 21 runs off Siraj in the 19th over, bringing RCB's score to 235. They finished strong in the final over, hammering Krishna for 19 runs, leading RCB to a colossal total of 254/5.