Netizens react to Rajat Patidar’s explosive batting against the Mumbai Indians

Rajat Patidar scored the third-fastest half-century of IPL 2026 in a blistering batting display at the Wankhede Stadium. Promoting himself to No.3, Patidar signalled his intent with a hat-trick of sixes off Mayank Markande to get off to a flyer. He was in line to break Sooryavanshi's 15-ball mark, but eventually reached his milestone in 17 balls.

The #RCB skipper is putting on a show! 🔥 🎥 3️⃣ consecutive sixes for Rajat Patidar right out of the blocks 👊 Updates ▶️ https://t.co/q1MGJfD2d8#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #MIvRCB | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/spvz9kZVSr

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 12, 2026

Rajat Patidar has continued his stellar form into IPL 2026, exhibiting remarkable consistency as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Following a title-winning 2025 season, he

has solidified his position as a key top-order batter, averaging over 79 in early 2026 matches with a blistering strike rate. Patidar passed 3,000 T20 runs in April 2026.

He has been dominating with the bat, including a 17-ball fifty against the Mumbai Indians on April 12, 2026, to tie the record for the fastest fifty by a captain. He has led with authority, steering RCB from early-season pressure with scores like 63* against RR and 53 against MI.

Rajat Patidar has beaten the likes of Robin Uthappa and his own record to place himself in the position. Interestingly, Virat Kohli has also never scored a 50 in 20 or fewer balls in his RCB career. Romario Shepherd has 14 balls fifty vs CSK.

Netizens react to Rajat Patidar's explosive batting

Netizens have widely praised Rajat Patidar for his gritty and impactful batting for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, often describing him as an "underrated" and "sensible" performer.

Some netizens even questioned why Rajat Patidar is still not a part of the Indian T20I team.

Can someone explain why Rajat Patidar is not in the Indian team?

— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta) April 12, 2026

It's sad that Rajat Patidar will be 33 years old in June, his career peak came so late, India missed a box office cricketer but hopefully we can see his magic for few years in Indian T20 Jersey 🤞 pic.twitter.com/ro684d1l5D

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 12, 2026

RCB fans even went so far questioning Patidar’s comparison with Ruturaj Gaikwad

CSK fans use to compare Rajat patidar with ruturaj gaikwad 😭🙏🏻

— Kevin (@imkevin149) April 12, 2026

Some Mumbai Indian fans too were seen appreciating Patidar’s innings :

Well played, Rajat Patidar. Even as an opposition fan, I have to admit that you are leading from the front for RCB.. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/BVgp4YkpkY

— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) April 12, 2026

Let’s see when Rajat Patidar debuts for India's T20 side .