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.

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.

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

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

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