RCB vs MI IPL 2026: Suryakumar Yadav's poor batting form persisted as Mumbai Indians' stand-in skipper was dismissed for a first-ball duck against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He fell on the last delivery of the third over, with Bhuvaneshwar Kumar claiming two wickets in that over.
The experienced fast bowler delivered a full-length ball aimed at off stump, exploiting the pitch's movement to trouble the batter. Suryakumar shifted across and attempted an ambitious drive, only to produce a thick outside edge. Virat Kohli, stationed at first slip, stretched low to his right and held the catch, leaving the Mumbai franchise in difficulty.
One ball earlier, Bhuvaneshwar dismissed Rohit Sharma, caught by Jitesh Sharma.
After playing in 11 matches this year, Suryakumar contributed 195 runs at a strike rate of 144.44. His below-par run tally has impacted Mumbai's batting lineup, making consistency a challenge.
Last year, Suryakumar was Mumbai's top run-scorer with 717 runs across 16 matches, demonstrating his crucial role for the franchise. The contrast this season highlights his decreased impact on team performance.
Rajat Patidar had won the toss and chose to bowl first during their IPL 2026 in Raipur.
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The Rajat Patidar-led side entered this match after consecutive losses to the Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, which left them in fourth place on the points table.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai franchise entered this match after overcoming the Rishabh Pant-led side by chasing a challenging 229-run target. Despite the win, they remain ninth in the points table and must win this match to keep playoff hopes alive.
"We will bowl first. Pretty obvious, the surface is good and hard. We will try to restrict them and continue the pursuit. Conditions are not unfamiliar, to be honest. Good supporters and great outfield, I would say, and everyone is looking forward to the game. We are going with the same team. Yes, we had a couple of losses, but we want to focus on ourselves rather than the opposition", Rajat Patidar was heard as saying at the toss.
"We are pretty confident to bat first. Big ground, black soil cover, and runs on the board will always be pressure on the other team. We are going with the same team. We have always had a good chat around the bowling. It's harsh on the bowlers. We keep trying to improve and get better each day", MI skipper Suryakumar Yadav was heard as saying at the toss.