New Delhi: Led by Phil Salt, Virat Kohli and skipper Rajat Patidar, defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Mumbai Indians with a batting total of 240/4. After the goal was determined, everyone turned their attention to Rohit Sharmaknown for his ability to destroy any bowling attack.Rohit started the chase cautiously on a steep pitch before switching gears, but his innings was cut short by injury. At the end of the fifth over, bowled by Krunal Pandya, Rohit appeared to be struggling with his hamstring. He signaled the physio and received treatment on the field, but as the discomfort worsened he eventually retired injured after scoring 19 goals in 13 balls. Cameras soon captured the frustrated reaction of his wife Ritika Sajid in the stands.Earlier, RCB’s top order had put on a batting masterclass. Salter’s 78 off 36 balls and Kohli’s 50 off 38 balls formed a 120-run opening. Patidar then continued the carnage, scoring 53 runs in just 20 deliveries, adding 65 runs with Kohli. Tim David’s late cameo (34 off 16) ensured RCB finished with a huge total.After coming on, Kohli set the tone early by bowling Trent Boult, who soon joined the attack. The duo dominated both Bolt and Jasprit Bumrah to post figures of 71/0 in the powerplay.Salter was particularly harsh on Mitchell Santner and Mayank Markande, reaching his fifty off just 25 balls. Kohli soon followed suit, taking RCB to a minimum of 100 in 8.4 overs.
The breakthrough came from Shardul Thakur, who ended the innings with a 120. Patidar then took over and launched a brutal fightback, including three consecutive sixes off Markande. He scored a 17-ball 50 before losing to Santner.Despite taking wickets here and there, RCB’s momentum never waned. Jitesh Sharma’s contribution and Tim David’s finisher pushed the total score to 240/4.For Mumbai Indians, Shardul, Hardik Pandya, Santner and Boult took a wicket each but the bowlers were mostly at the receiving end of a ruthless RCB batting display.
