NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar produced a breathtaking assault at the Wankhede Stadium, scripting history by equalling a long-standing Indian Premier League record during a high-octane clash against Mumbai Indians on Sunday.Patidar smashed a stunning 53 off just 20 balls, reaching his half-century in just 17 deliveries — matching the record set by Adam Gilchrist back in 2009 for the fastest fifty by a captain in IPL history. The Deccan Chargers legend had achieved the feat against Delhi in Centurion, and 17 years later, Patidar joined him at the top in emphatic fashion.Record-equalling blitz stuns MIWalking in during the middle overs, Patidar wasted no time in shifting gears. 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 a matter of overs, Patidar raced to 34 off just nine balls, dismantling both spin and pace with ease. He brought up his fifty with four boundaries and five towering sixes, equalling Gilchrist’s iconic record before eventually falling to Mitchell Santner.The knock not only matched a historic benchmark but also placed Patidar among elite company in IPL history, underlining his evolution into one of the most destructive leaders in the format.
Fastest fifties by a captain in IPL history
Records fall amid RCB carnagePatidar’s fireworks came in the backdrop of a dominant batting display. Virat Kohli (50) and Phil Salt (78) had already laid a solid platform with a 120-run opening stand, setting the tone for the carnage that followed.RCB eventually posted a mammoth 240/4, with Tim David adding the finishing touches with an unbeaten cameo.Patidar’s 17-ball fifty also places him among the fastest ever for RCB, just behind the 14-ball effort by Romario Shepherd in 2025, and level with Chris Gayle’s iconic knock 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 the fastest fifty remains with Yashasvi Jaiswal (13 balls), and Yuvraj Singh holds the Indian record in T20s (12 balls), Patidar’s innings stands out for its context — a captain leading from the front under pressure.Fresh off leading RCB to their maiden IPL title in 2025, Patidar has continued his aggressive approach in the new season. His fearless batting and clarity of intent were evident once again as he tore into MI’s bowling attack without hesitation.
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