New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Rajat Patidar A breathtaking strike at the Wankhede Stadium, creating history by equalizing a long time. Indian Premier League record during the high-octane clash against Mumbai Indians on Sunday.Patidar scored a brilliant 53 off just 20 balls, reaching his half-century in just 17 balls – equaling Adam Gilchrist’s record for the fastest fifty in IPL history in 2009. The Deccan Chargers legend had achieved the feat against Delhi at Centurion, and 17 years later, Patidar joined him at the top in emphatic fashion.The record-equalling blitz stunned MI.Patidar wasted no time in changing gears during the middle overs. He announced his arrival with a hat-trick of sixes off Mayank Markande and continued his onslaught against Shardul Thakur, turning the tide firmly in RCB’s favour.In terms of overs, Patidar scored 34 runs off just nine balls, eliminating both spin and pace with ease. He completed his fifty with four fours and five massive sixes, equaling Gilchrist’s famous record before finally falling to Mitchell Santner.The knock not only matched a historic benchmark but also put Patidar in the elite company of IPL history, highlighting his evolution as one of the format’s most devastating leaders.
Fastest half-century by a captain in IPL history.
Records fell amid RCB carnage.Patidar’s fireworks came in the backdrop of a great batting performance. Virat Kohli (50) and Phil Salt (78) had already laid a solid platform with a 120-run opening stand, which set the tone for the carnage that followed.RCB eventually posted a massive 240/4, with Tim David adding the finishing touches with an unbeaten cameo.Patidar’s 17-ball fifty also made him the fastest ever for RCB, behind Romario Shepherd’s 14-ball effort in 2025, and equaling Chris Gayle’s feat in 2013.
Fastest fifty for RCB in IPL
- 14 – Romario Shepherd vs CSK, Bengaluru, 2025
- 17 – Chris Gayle vs PWI, Bengaluru, 2013
- 17 – Rajat Patidar vs MI, Wankhede, 2026*
- 18 – Faf du Plessis vs GT, Bengaluru, 2024
- 19 – Robin Uthappa vs KXIP, Bengaluru, 2010
- 19 – Rajat Patidar vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2024
While the all-time IPL record for fastest fifty is held by Yashvi Jaiswal (13 balls) and Yuvraj Singh holds the Indian record for T20 (12 balls), Patidar’s innings stands out in its context – a captain leading from the front under pressure.Fresh from leading RCB to their first IPL title in 2025, Patidar has continued his aggressive style in the new season. His fearless batting and clarity of intent was once again evident as he tore apart MI’s bowling attack without hesitation.
