Rajat Patidar (Pic Credit: IPL) NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar produced a breathtaking attack at the Wankhede Stadium and created history by equaling the 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 to reach his half-century in just 17 deliveries – equaling Adam Gilchrist’s 2009 record for the fastest fifty by a captain in IPL history. The Deccan Chargers legend achieved success against Delhi in Centurion and 17 years later, the Patidar joined him in emphatic fashion.Record-equalling lightning stun MIWalking in during the middle overs, Patidar wasted no time in sorting. He announced his arrival with a hat-trick of sixes off Mayank Markande and continued his onslaught against Shardul Thakur, turning the tide in RCB’s favour.In the 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, equaling Gilchrist’s iconic record, before eventually falling to Mitchell Santner.The knock not only matched an all-time standard but also placed Patidar in elite company in IPL history, underscoring his evolution into one of the format’s most devastating leaders.
Fastest fifties by a captain in IPL history
CaptainTeamBallsAgainstVenueDateAdam GilchristHDC17DCCenturion 22 May 2009Rajat PatidarRCB17MIMumbai (WS) 12 Apr 2026Faf du PlessisRCB18GTBengaluru 4 May 2024Records fall amid RCB carnagePatidar’s fireworks came on the back 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 unbeatable cameo.Patidar’s 17-ball fifty also ranks him among the fastest in RCB history, just behind Romario Shepherd’s 14-ball effort 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 overall IPL record for 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 – the captain leading from the front under pressure.Patidar, who led RCB to their first IPL title in 2025, continued his aggressive approach in the new season. His fearless batting and clear intentions were once again evident as he threw himself into MI’s bowling attack without hesitation.
