Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued to dominate in the IPL 2026 as they beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs. It was a terrific effort from them at the Wankhede Stadium. Having been put into bat first, Royal Challengers Bengaluru openers put up a century partnership for the opening wicket. Both openers smashed fifties and Patidar walked in at Number 3 and smashed a quick fire half century. RCB finished with 240 at the end of the first innings. Mumbai kept losing wickets in the chase and were behind the game. Sherfane Rutherford played a terrific knock to get them close but it was not enough as RCB won the game.

Hardik Pandya | MI captain: Yes (lost too many wickets) and at the same point of time, I think we conceded way too many (runs) as well. I think that was always going to be catch-up. I think in the last couple of games, as a bowling unit or even as a batting unit, we’ve been catching up in the game rather than leading the game. We really need to reflect, really need to see what best we can do and how we can get that momentum and that click which we require. We have a couple of days off from here and we will play again. To be very honest, now a lot of things need to be rethought. Definitely, it’s not working. A couple of games we have won the toss, but maybe we need to see what other options we have as a batting group or bowling group. Looking at the kind of wicket it’s playing, if we can bat well, that would be good. We still need to play good cricket, we need to bat well, we need to bowl well. If we do that, then irrespective of the toss, we will be fine. That’s what we are planning and talking about, how do we get some momentum in the powerplay. Because if you see, in both batting and bowling, we are kind of trying to catch up in the powerplay. As you said, a lot of options will be asked and explored. We will see what we can do in the next game. When we got him (Rutherford), it was always exciting for us. We always knew the kind of potential and the kind of power he has. The way he batted gives us extra cushion and at the same time confidence that if we want to make some changes or see what the team requires, we can definitely do that because of the way he’s batting.

Rajat Patidar | RCB captain: I think, you know, whenever we come here in Mumbai, especially at this ground, the atmosphere, the fans, and playing along with them and playing in a full-packed stadium - that's a different feeling. It was, I would say it's a more clarity about every individual, I would say (on the strong batting). And the way Virat Bhai and Salt started the innings, I think that kept us in the driving seat. Then a good cameo by me and Tim (David), I think that was a pure team effort. To be honest, people used to say that I love playing spin, but if someone asks me, I would say I love playing pace. And playing pace on this track, I think it's a very good track to play a fast bowler. So I think I love (facing) fast bowling. I don't know yet, but I think he, I feel that he's okay right now (on Virat Kohli).

Phil Salt | Player of the Match: Honestly, I've got no idea myself. There are a few highs and a lot of lows, and you can't ride both of them. Just stay as even as you can, and I'm just pleased I could come out and put a performance in for the lads. Yes, I'd say so (on his batting philosophy). Some of these grounds aren't the most bowler-friendly, so you've got to keep the mentality that you're going to keep going at the opposition. And then not forget your assets as a player. It's about being a match-winner, isn't it? I know I can't get runs every game, nobody can. But if I can be as impactful as possible, then I'm on the right path. Really well (on RCB's batting). And to be honest, we probably had a few more in the tank. I think, you know, in the second ten of our innings, they actually shut us down quite nicely at times. So, you know, promising signs for us as a batting unit. I think they bowled well then.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have bounced back from their defeat in the previous match and this must give them a lot of confidence going into the upcoming matches. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians are struggling and since winning their opening match against KKR, they have lost all their games and will need to bounce back quickly.