Rajat Patidar created a new T20 world record during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Qualifier 1 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) on Wednesday. The RCB batter delivered a breathtaking performance, smashing a century off just 38 balls, the fastest by an Indian in T20 cricket.
Record-Breaking Knock
Patidar's innings included 12 fours and 8 sixes, as he reached his fifty in a mere 18 deliveries, the fastest in IPL history. He surpassed the previous record held by Chris Gayle, who scored a fifty in 12 balls in 2013. Patidar's knock helped RCB post a mammoth total of 232/5 in their 20 overs.
Match Context
The Qualifier 1 was played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Chasing 233, GT were restricted to 178/9, handing RCB a 54-run victory and a spot in the IPL 2026 final. Patidar was adjudged Player of the Match for his record-shattering innings.
This performance places Patidar among the elite T20 batters, with his strike rate of 263.16 being the highest in an IPL qualifier. The 27-year-old has been in stellar form throughout the season, accumulating 504 runs in 14 matches at an average of 42.00.
Reactions and Impact
RCB captain Faf du Plessis praised Patidar, calling it "one of the best T20 innings I have witnessed." Cricket experts and fans on social media hailed the knock as a landmark moment in IPL history. Patidar's record is expected to boost his chances for a national team call-up.
